Entrepreneurial pathways for Ethiopian migrant workers

The ILO Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is partnering with the Organisation for Women in Self Employment (WISE) to empower Ethiopian migrants. The programme has delivered targeted training to 660 returned migrants in Addis Ababa and 351 potential migrants in Asella Town, totalling 1,011 trainees. The training, which spans six rounds each lasting 15 consecutive days, equipped participants with entrepreneurial skills, fostering their capacity to establish and sustain businesses.

A notable highlight of the partnership between BRMM and WISE is the business plan competition under the ILO’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) initiative, designed to help trainees translate their theoretical knowledge into practical application. Out of 142 business plan submissions from returnees, 30 were selected as winners by a panel of judges. This competition not only motivated the participants but also provided a practical platform for entrepreneurial growth. The initiative is crucial in supporting migrants who have returned to Ethiopia after working abroad, helping them reintegrate into the local economy with renewed skills and business acumen.

The business plan competition served as an integral component of the training, encouraging participants to think critically and strategically about their business ideas. By focusing on real-world applications, the competition bridged the gap between learning and doing, promoting a sense of accomplishment among participants. Winners of the competition were awarded various forms of support, including seed funding, which acts as a crucial incentive for turning their business ideas into reality. This approach not only supports individual entrepreneurs but also contributes to the broader economic landscape by stimulating job creation and economic diversification.

The BRMM and WISE collaboration showcases the importance of tailored interventions that address the unique challenges faced by returnees and potential migrants. By offering training that is specifically designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills, the programme empowers participants to take charge of their economic futures. Furthermore, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods for migrant workers and supporting their successful reintegration into their home communities.

This comprehensive approach ensures that returned migrants are not just recipients of training but are actively involved in creating economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. The success stories emerging from the programme underscore the impact of targeted support and training, illustrating how such initiatives can drive positive change. By equipping migrants with the skills and resources needed to thrive, the ILO BRMM Programme is playing a pivotal role in fostering resilience and self-reliance among Ethiopia’s migrant community.