Joint UNDP-UNCDF ReStart Fund: Recovery to Jumpstart Enterprises

Emerging evidence shows a persistent financing gap for recovery and resilience initiatives that support the transition from humanitarian response to long-term development. These initiatives, aiming to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure, support governance systems, and ensure access to jobs and livelihoods, are often underfunded.

One of the key factors in perpetuating the ‘missing middle’ financing gap is the perception that in countries that are experiencing or emerging from conflict, the risk of investment is too high. Public and private investors determine the time is not right to engage in these complex settings. However, this is counter-intuitive to our efforts to support sustainable development. As countries look to rebuild post-crisis, it is vital to invest in their future.

While many public and private investors may not be able to invest on their own in high-risk settings, together UNCDF and UNDP are working to change this reality, enabling investment when it is needed most. In doing so, UNCDF and UNDP are addressing the ‘missing middle’ financing gap, which is vital to stabilize communities, build resilience, and support the transition from crisis to sustainable development.