Tanzania, June 22 -- Dar es Salaam. Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across East Africa generate an estimated $27 billion annually through economic activity, a new report has revealed.

The study by Uganda-based Amahoro Coalition, in partnership with The Development Finance Company of Uganda Group (DFCU) Bank, found that displaced communities make significant contributions to regional economies through business, agriculture, and services.

Launched last week, the report says the estimated economic output is comparable to Uganda's gross domestic product (GDP) in the early 2010s or Zambia's current economy.

However, despite the scale of their contribution, many displaced communities continue to operate without the financial...