Business Skills Development for Returning Victims of Human Trafficking in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda

Better Migration Management – BMM programme Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa region serves as a complex landscape for migrants, with millions on the move, often irregularly and at risk of human trafficking. The Better Migration Management (BMM) programme, launched in 2016 by the European Union and Germany, seeks to enhance migration governance, combat trafficking, and support vulnerable migrants in the Horn of Africa. While BMM provides grants and business support, a critical gap in business skills training remained, limiting long-term economic stability for returning Victims of Trafficking (VoTs) and vulnerable migrants. To address this, the project entitled “Business Skills Development for Returning Victims of Human Trafficking” was introduced with the aim to mitigate challenges faced by returning VoTs and vulnerable migrants in the Horn of Africa through the implementation of Micro Business Simulation Game, offering hands-on entrepreneurial and financial literacy training to 310 participants across Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. The one-year project was completed in February 2025, and here are some of the key achievements.

Empowerment & Reintegration: Participants regained confidence, dignity, and hope, aiding their economic and social reintegration into their communities.
Sustainable Business Skills: 91% of future business owners improved their business management, financial literacy, and decision-making skills, enabling them to better manage and grow their businesses.
Business Growth & Job Creation: Many participants expanded their businesses, hired employees, or successfully launched new ventures, creating employment opportunities for themselves and others.
Practical Application: The training led to better business planning, customer service, record-keeping, and financial management, equipping participants with practical skills to ensure long-term success.
Networking & Peer Support: Participants built mentorship networks, exchanged contacts, and developed partnerships, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
Development & Learning: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) gained firsthand insights into VoTs' business challenges, strengthening their ability to provide effective livelihood and reintegration programs.
High Engagement & Success Rate: The program had an impressive 99.7% retention rate, reflecting strong participant commitment, high-quality training, and its immediate impact on their economic outlook.

With 12 successful training sessions, Micro Business Simulation Game has empowered vulnerable migrants with essential entrepreneurial skills, fostering financial independence, sustainable livelihoods, and economic resilience.