From 2021 to 2025, Re:BUiLD partnered with private sector firms in the beauty and cosmetics, and textile value chains to enhance refugee integration into local urban economies in Nairobi and Kampala.

The collaboration catalyzed refugee integration into the Beauty & Cosmetics by providing immediate and tailored training opportunities for refugees and integration into existing training programs to improve employability or equipped with entrepreneurship skills to establish and expand salons and small enterprises. Through Re:BUiLD firms in the sector received technical assistance through Open Capital (OC) to support them develop their systems, policies, products like micro franchise models to help them scale up or expand and enhance inclusive employment for refugees and host communities. The firms include Darling, Castro Mancave, Delish Nails, Fine spinners among others.

Progress to date 

By December 2025 in Nairobi, a total of 23 clients (20 female, 3 male) received value chain support, including 15 refugees and 8 host community members. According wage employment survey results, 73% of these clients gained wage employment, with 20% securing formal salaried positions and 7% engaging in self-employment. There was also 88% employment rate among participants in employer-linked programs (e.g. beauty, cosmetics, textiles) . Upon completion of training of the clients by the private firms they were linked to certification institution like The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) for assessment and certification. 

By December 2025 in Kampala, a total of 103 clients (85 female, 18 male) received value chain support including 60 refugees and 43 host community members. 

The details are summarized in the table below:

Data source: Re:BUiLD Wage Employment survey as of December 2025