Dakar - The Ambassador of Italy, Giovanni Umberto De Vito, and IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Christopher Gascon signed a new multi-country programme funded by the Italian Government on 22 June 2023. This initiative aims to promote local development through youth empowerment and cross-border mobility in Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia.

The signing ceremony, held at the Italian Embassy, was attended by high-level officials, including representatives from the Government of Senegal and the Ambassadors from the four target Countries.

Building upon previous successful phases, this initiative consolidates efforts to promote better labour migration governance and supports Governments in their implementation of overall development strategies through targeted actions. The positive outcomes of earlier initiatives are tangible, with over 1800 youths in various professional activities benefiting from comprehensive training in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and the Gambia, and more than 700 individuals who have been supported in establishing income-generating ventures. Moreover, through policy development and capacity-building initiatives, over 400 national and local authorities have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and strategies to effectively manage migration and engage diaspora communities in local development efforts.

With the inclusion of Senegal as a newly added Country, the multi-country programme is set to expand its impact and extend its benefits to a broader group. In an area where 80% of migratory movements are intraregional, such interventions respond to the needs of young aspiring entrepreneurs in rural and cross-border communities. Senegal’s experience in leveraging diaspora for local development will provide valuable insights and strengthen collaborative efforts in all participating Countries. This regional approach in addressing migration and development challenges reflects the commitment to fostering the creation of new alternatives to irregular migration as well as comprehensive and inclusive solutions that go beyond national boundaries.

“Italy continues to promote employment opportunities for young people, as an alternative to irregular migration. I welcome this new programme between the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and IOM and I am confident that enhanced collaboration with and among West African Governments will benefit individuals and communities in their efforts towards sustainable development.” says Ambassador De Vito

“IOM is committed to working with the countries involved to promote planned mobility, with a focus on protecting migrant workers and their families and emphasizing the creation of sustainable economic opportunities as a solution to irregular migration. The inclusion of Senegal as a target country strengthens the regional dimension and intraregional mobility aspect.” adds Christopher Gascon, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

The collaboration between Italy and IOM with Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia reflects the shared vision of all parties to capitalize on intra-regional mobility to support youth empowerment and employment in the region in order to create sustainable opportunities. The 3-year programme will also contribute to building and consolidating capacities and awareness among national officials regarding labour migration and development strategies. Furthermore, it will foster high-level dialogues and incentivize the establishment of regional mechanisms for labour migration and mobility. This initiative aligns with the principles of the Global Compact for Migration as it promotes the enhancement of pathways for regular migration, addresses the root causes of irregular migration, the reduction of vulnerabilities in migration, and the full participation of migrants.

***

For more information, please contact:

Naomi Shiferaw, Regional Thematic Specialist on Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion, snaomi@iom.int

Joëlle Furrer, Regional Media and Communications Lead, jfurrer@iom.int