From camps to cities

Transforming refugee camps into self-sustaining green societies.

Across Africa and beyond, refugee camps were never meant to last. Yet many have existed for decades. Entire generations are born and raised in places designed as temporary, with limited opportunities to learn, work or build a future. This is the reality for a majority of the 114 million displaced people in the world today.

If the humanitarian sector continues to focus on short-term relief, displacement will harden into long-term poverty. Camps are growing into unsustainable cities without governance, infrastructure, or opportunity - leaving millions trapped in aid dependency and costing the global community billions of dollars in recurring humanitarian assistance. The world cannot afford business as usual!

Refugee camps already function as de facto cities, but without the systems that make cities thrive - energy, jobs, circular economies, and representation. It is time to rethink them, not as temporary spaces of survival, but as places of potential.

The future we want

By 2050, former refugee camps have become vibrant, green urban societies powered by renewable energy and sustained by circular economies. Families own homes, run businesses, and participate in local governance. What began as humanitarian necessity has evolved into a global model for sustainable, inclusive urbanization, proving that resilience can emerge from crisis.

Partner with us

©Martin Jjumba

The biodigester plant has significantly reduced our family expenses. We no longer need to buy charcoal or firewood, resulting in substantial savings. Overall, life has become much easier for me. I no longer experience stress or worry about running out of firewood, thanks to the biodigester provided by CARE. With a reliable source of fuel for cooking and the assurance that food is always available whenever I need it, I feel a sense of security and peace of mind that was previously lacking.

Jackline Mutesi

Our solution: From Camps to Cities

It is time to reimagine refugee camps as future cities, built on innovation, circular growth, and human potential. From Camps to Cities unites governments, the private sector, research institutions, and refugee-led organizations to co-create climate-smart urban systems that foster self-reliance, dignity, and sustainability.

A future where refugee camps are transformed into self-sustaining, green societies with jobs, clean energy, and food security.

In Dadaab (Kenya), CARE supports green livelihoods through renewable energy and water access. In Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) and Kyangwali (Uganda), we test circular food, energy, and waste systems that creates jobs and reduce environmental impact. These pilots prove that a new green urban model for displacement is possible.

How we do it

CARE Denmark connects humanitarian actors, local leaders, and investors to design scalable and circular solutions. Our approach blends humanitarian expertise with innovation and market thinking.

Proof of concepts: Climate-smart projects from solar energy and hydroponics to waste recycling are tested for scale and viability.
Locally led partnerships: Refugee- and host-led organizations drive implementation, creating jobs, ownership, and social cohesion.
Catalytic financing: Philanthropic funds de-risk investment, unlocking private capital for long-term growth.

Why invest?

Because the world needs new models for humanitarian action. From Camp to Cities turns crisis into opportunity by transforming refugee camps into self-sustaining green communities.

It is an opportunity to lead where it matters the most, to turn values into action and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Connect your brand to global progress, demonstrate climate and social leadership, and create stories that inspire trust and pride.

Value for money

An investment of USD 1,000 can train 10 young refugees to operate solar-powered water ATMs. This will provide safe water for more than 300 households each week while generating income to keep the system running.