Last Monday (04/05), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Niger kicked off a 6-day business management training for 15 returning Nigerien migrants, including two female participants, as part of their reintegration assistance after returning home.

Organized in partnership with the local NGO “Pool des Formateurs” and following the internationally recognized “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) methodology, the one-week training was aimed at strengthening the business know-how of the participants and give them the tools to become successful business owners.

Developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), SIYB represents one of the largest global business management training programmes in the world, helping entrepreneurs start, improve, and grow their small businesses.

The NGO “Pool des Formateurs” is specialized in organizing training sessions on business management and the development of projects which contribute to local and regional economic development. Through its partnership with IOM, the NGO seeks to present returning migrants with socio-economic alternatives to irregular migration.

“The objective of this training is to give migrants the tools to enable them to create viable projects,” said Adamou Yacouba, the NGO’s President. “Along with these trainings, most of the returnees just need the confidence boost to try and innovate. Success can happen within our own communities, we don’t need to go far to find it.”

In the context of the current COVID-19 crisis, IOM Niger’s reintegration unit is ensuring the continuity of its activities, while guaranteeing the highest standards of protection against the virus. Prior to this training – a pilot for the current health crisis in Niger – reintegration staff thoroughly sensitized the beneficiaries about the risks and prevention measures to follow.

Hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks were provided to all the participants along with a briefing about the proper use of the hygiene supplies. Furthermore, the training was carried out in a room big enough to ensure that minimum distances could be kept at all times.

All the participants have come back to Niger with IOM’s assistance from either Libya or Morocco and are eager to kickstart their new lives back home. At a time when most activities are disrupted, the returnees are keen to have been given a learning opportunity which will help them with their future reintegration process.

Ibrahim returned last year dissatisfied with his migration journey to Morocco but decided to focus on making his reintegration project in Niamey a success. “I have invested a lot of time and effort into my catering business so I am always looking for ways to improve it. This training will surely help me progress,” Ibrahim said. “Through this project, I am hoping to secure my future and that of my family who counts on me for everything.”

“Many of these migrants return home defeated so we realize how much this new beginning back home means to them,” said Barbara Rijks, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Niger. “The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately put on hold many of our activities, including some of those related to reintegration. However, we are doing our best, even during these trying times, to offer our beneficiaries options to build their skills and prepare them for what tomorrow will bring.”

The trainings are part of the activities offered by IOM Niger under its reintegration assistance, which seeks to enable returnees to reach levels of economic self-sufficiency, social stability, and psychosocial well-being within their communities.

Migrants returning to Niger with IOM’s assistance are eligible for reintegration assistance in the framework of IOM’s Migrant Resource and Response Mechanism and the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration supported by the European Union.

For more information, please contact Monica Chiriac at IOM Niger at Tel: +227 8931 8764, Email: mchiriac@iom.int.