The European Commission launched a large project in West Africa and Europe to address root causes of migration from Africa to Europe funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for stability.

In Europe, the project will develop vocational training programmes for 250 migrants from Burkina

Faso, Mali and The Gambia and enable at least 150 of them to return to their countries of origin to find decent employment with their newly developed skillset in collaboration with the International Organization of Migration.

Whilst in West Africa, the project will spur the creation of dignified jobs and support the sustainable development of micro-enterprises working in the ethical fashion and design supply chain - notably in Burkina Faso and Mali. Creating fair employment opportunities in decent working conditions in these countries will promote local employment of youth, women and potential migrants – as such it can reduce risks of illegal migration and human trafficking.

By contributing to economic development of social businesses and self-employment in Burkina Faso’s and Mali’s artisanal sector, the project will reduce the causes of instability in the area by offering training opportunities, the creation of dignified and sustainable jobs (direct jobs 4650 and indirect jobs 6000) which are fairly paid respecting international fair labour standards. Indeed, as two of Africa’s most important cotton producers, Burkina Faso and Mali’s artisanal cotton and textile industry has significant employment potential for local poor communities (youth, women and potential migrants.) and an attractive final product for the international fashion and design market.

The project will be implemented by the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), whose mission is to reduce poverty by connecting marginalises artisans from developing countries to the international value chain of fashion.

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