Konexio Africa wins the Sharjah International Award 2025 for helping refugees in East Africa through digital skill-building and job creation.
SHARJAH: Konexio Africa has been awarded the prestigious 9th Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. The honour, presented in the presence of key dignitaries including Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, recognises Konexio’s efforts in empowering refugees through practical digital education and employment pathways in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda.
Held at the Sharjah Book Authority headquarters, the ceremony celebrated Konexio’s impact-driven model that links education with income generation. The AED 500,000 award will help the organisation scale its digital training programmes and launch new initiatives aimed at equipping refugees with future-ready skills in AI, data management, and customer support.
Konexio has trained over 8,000 vulnerable individuals, raising average incomes from USD 1 to USD 200 and achieving a 90% employment rate. Women form 66% of the organisation’s beneficiaries, supported by inclusive infrastructure like childcare services and high-speed Starlink internet in refugee camps.
In her keynote, H.E. Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), highlighted Sharjah’s commitment to transitioning humanitarian efforts “from care to empowerment.” She praised the emirate’s vision under Sheikh Dr. Sultan and Sheikha Jawaher in restoring dignity and driving sustainable development for displaced populations.
Accepting the award, Fabien de Castilla, Director of Konexio Africa, emphasised the organisation’s mission to bridge gaps between social and business sectors. “In the digital world, borders disappear,” he said, noting that the award affirms their vision of inclusion and opportunity.
The evening also featured a dialogue with Konexio team members, a film screening chronicling a past SIARA winner, and the announcement of open nominations for the 2026 edition. SIARA continues to highlight global efforts making a tangible impact in refugee advocacy, reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a beacon of humanitarian leadership.
