By Lamarana S Jallow
In a groundbreaking effort to support the reintegration of migrant returnees, National Enterprise for Development Initiate (NEDI), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) The Gambia, recently launched a three-day event focused on experience sharing and mutual learning among returnees involved in similar business ventures.
Through this initiative, NEDI and IOM aim to highlight the progress made with IOM’s support and facilitate networking among beneficiaries.
This initiative builds on previous efforts to ensure the sustainability of returnees’ businesses by imparting crucial skills and knowledge to boost productivity and promote entrepreneurship.
The event includes field visits designed to inspire and motivate participants by showcasing success stories and best practices. These visits not only offer practical insights but also foster a supportive community among migrant returnees, reinforcing migration governance and sustainable reintegration.
This experience-sharing event follows the successful implementation of a business development service (BDS) activity under the EUTF-IOM Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration. Over two hundred migrant returnees have completed the BDS program, receiving reintegration assistance from IOM. The BDS activity served as a follow-up mechanism to support the sustainability of migrant returnee businesses within an agreed coaching framework.
Participants visited Serekunda Market, Coastal Road, and Brikama Market, where they met with fellow returnees who are beneficiaries of NEDI-IOM support and are now thriving in businesses such as second-hand clothes, basic commodities, and cosmetics. These interactions provided real insights and encouraged the exchange of valuable business strategies.
The returnees were accompanied by BubaTouray, Senior official from NEDI, along with representatives from NYSS and the Ministry of Interior. This initiative underscores the commitment to empowering migrant returnees by equipping them with the tools and networks necessary for sustainable business success.
