Mokoro conducted a situational analysis for UNICEF examining how forcibly displaced people can be more effectively included within national social protection systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). The assignment was commissioned under the PROSPECTS partnership, supported by the Government of the Netherlands, which aims to strengthen self-reliance and improve access to rights, services and economic opportunities for displaced people and host communities. The study focused on six countries hosting large, displaced populations: Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon in the MENA, and Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda in ESA. Mokoro worked in partnership with Adelante, bringing together expertise in social protection policy, political economy analysis, and public finance.

The team carried out a desk review and held focused discussions with UNICEF country offices and key development partners. They used a structured approach to examine four main factors affecting how displaced people are included in national systems: 1) whether social protection programmes are available and easy to access; 2) whether they are affordable and financially sustainable; 3) whether institutions have the capacity to deliver inclusive services; and 4) how political and stakeholder interests shape reform. The analysis brought together international datasets, reviews of policies and laws, and interviews with key informants to develop comparative country case studies.

The assignment produced six country case notes and a synthesis report highlighting regional trends, challenges and opportunities. These outputs were designed to inform policy dialogue and advocacy among governments, donors and international organisations seeking to strengthen inclusive, sustainable social protection systems.