More than 200 people visited the campus at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, to take part in global panels, workshops, and discussions on the state of refugee entrepreneurship, and listen to talks from leading figures in the sector.
Since 2018, the gatherings have been the leading forum for sharing evidence, best practices and policy insights to grow the scale and impact of refugee entrepreneurship worldwide.
Each year, the summits set collective priorities – such as unlocking finance and engaging companies to support refugee-led businesses – while fostering collaboration and investment across the ecosystem.
The 2025 event – held from September 18 to 19 – was organised by Dr Michelle Richey, of Loughborough Business School, and welcomed dozens of former refugees, who have now become British citizens and launched a variety of new businesses with the help of the network.
“It was amazing to see so many of our past members back with us, joining in discussions which will go on to help the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Dr Richey.
“Most come from very challenging backgrounds. From homes ravaged by wars and conflict, from persecution, from poverty.
“Our aim at REN is give everyone the best possible opportunities so they can achieve their potential and today is a wonderful testament to those who have succeeded.”
They included Syrian refugee, Rahaf Allymoni, founder of Daffee, a coffee alternative made from ground date seeds.
Rahaf and her husband, Tamim, are now Dutch citizens after seeking asylum in the Netherlands in 2019.
Their international product is now supplied to more than 700 stores across Europe, thanks to the support they received from the network.
“We are so thankful to the Refugee Entrepreneurship Network,” said Rahaf (picture below).
“Our journey has not been easy, and I am so proud of what we have built, and grateful for the help we’ve had.
“We now have our own factory and supply Daffee to hundreds of suppliers in lots of different countries.”
