Empowering Returned Migrants Through Entrepreneurship: The Impact of PCI's SIYB Programme (February – July 2024)

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Entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway to sustainable reintegration. Between February and July 2024, Patriotic Citizen Initiatives (PCI), with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the European Union-funded Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) Project, successfully implemented the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme to strengthen the economic resilience of returned migrants across Nigeria.

The SIYB programme was designed to equip returned migrants with practical entrepreneurship and business management skills needed to establish sustainable businesses while also strengthening the capacity of IOM partner organizations to deliver internationally recognized SIYB training. During the implementation period, 26 trainers (14 female and 12 male) from partner organizations were trained and subsequently cascaded the training to 407 returned migrant entrepreneurs across nine states in Nigeria, comprising 218 women and 183 men.

The programme utilized the globally recognized International Labour Organization (ILO) Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) methodology, covering the Generate Your Business Idea (GYB), Start Your Business (SYB) and Digitalize Your Business (DYB) modules. Through interactive business simulations and practical exercises, participants developed the skills required to establish viable enterprises and strengthen existing businesses.

To evaluate programme effectiveness, PCI conducted a comprehensive impact assessment using the global SIYB Client Assessment Monitoring and Evaluation Questionnaire, adapted into a digital Google Form. Out of the 407 entrepreneurs trained, 164 participants completed the survey, representing a 40.29% response rate. The assessment measured training relevance, trainer competence, post-training support, business establishment, sustainability and improvements in economic well-being.

The findings demonstrate that the programme made a substantial contribution to the reintegration and economic empowerment of returned migrants.

An impressive 92.7% of respondents confirmed that the SIYB training effectively addressed their business development needs, while 91.5% rated the trainers' knowledge and facilitation skills as good. Furthermore, 81.1% expressed satisfaction with the overall organization and delivery of the training programme.

The programme also translated into tangible business outcomes. Before participating in the training, only 32% of respondents operated businesses full-time. Following the programme, 60.4% had established full-time businesses, 29.9% were operating businesses on a part-time basis and only 9.8% had not yet started a business. Additionally, 75.5% reported that income generated from their businesses had become their primary source of personal income, demonstrating the programme's significant contribution to sustainable livelihoods.

Business planning also proved highly effective. 86% of participants completed business plans during the training, while 73.7% reported that their businesses were operating in line with the plans developed during the SIYB sessions. Equally significant, 89.7% stated that the SIYB programme directly contributed to starting new businesses or improving existing enterprises, highlighting the practical value of the training in supporting entrepreneurship among returned migrants.

The programme generated measurable economic impact beyond business creation. Survey findings revealed that many beneficiaries created employment opportunities within their communities, with several entrepreneurs employing at least two additional workers in their businesses. These outcomes reinforce the role of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic recovery, job creation and sustainable reintegration.

The report concludes that the SIYB programme successfully created a multiplier effect by building the capacity of 26 certified trainers, who in turn transferred entrepreneurship knowledge and practical business skills to hundreds of returned migrants across Nigeria. With nearly 90% of survey respondents successfully establishing businesses, the programme demonstrates how targeted entrepreneurship development can significantly improve the long-term economic well-being of returned migrants while strengthening local economies.

PCI remains committed to promoting sustainable reintegration through entrepreneurship, enterprise development and economic empowerment. Working alongside IOM and other strategic partners, we will continue to deliver innovative business development interventions that restore dignity, create livelihoods and build resilient communities.

Access the Full Survey Results

Google Sheets (Survey Data):https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1INutfLy0p2EthW78KOswYjfI5bjcxKIhlPrac4rwcB4/edit?usp=sharing

Google Forms (Survey Responses):https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1v5fAFEZLICdyVkrtUMTmlvGcABrNHEdc_jWtnF1kGT4/edit#responses

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