Creative Space Pilot Initiative: Access to Technology and Livelihoods for Returning Migrants in Djibouti

IOM supports Djiboutian migrant returnees to return home voluntarily from other countries around the world. Enabling migrants to (re-)establish economic self-sufficiency, reach social stability within their communities and achieve psycho-social well-being are at the core of IOM’s approach to reintegration and are key to support sustainability. In particular, learning new skills in sustainable industries and entrepreneurship are vital in the context of Djibouti to ensure economic independence and foster returnees’ empowerment and participation in the social and economic life. Many of Djibouti’s young people, mainly young women, need support to gain expertise in sustainable industries and entrepreneurship – giving them a real option to work for a competitive wage in Djibouti, so that pressure to migrate irregularly is reduced and migration becomes a choice, rather than being seen as a necessity. 

The primary objective of this IOM Development Fund supported “Creative Space” project is twofold:

• To support the empowerment of two groups, potential irregular migrants aged 18-26 and migrant returnees, so that they can develop innovative micro businesses 
• To communicate effectively about the Creative Space Initiative to external audiences.

The longer-term objective of the project is to provide young people in Djibouti with multiple legitimate paths when looking at their mobility and livelihood options.

Main reintegration activities of the initiative:

• High-tech, digital fabrication livelihood trainings for migrant returnees, and the provision of a space in which they can utilize new learned skills.