The Better Migration Management (BMM) initiative is a transformative project funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aimed at tackling the pressing migration challenges in the Horn of Africa. By collaborating with governments, BMM seeks to enhance migration governance, combat human trafficking, and safeguard vulnerable migrants.
Since its inception in 2016, the British Council has played a pivotal role as an implementing partner, working alongside esteemed civil society organizations such as the African Network for the Prevention and Protection of Children against Maltreatment and Neglect (ANPPCAN-Ethiopia) and the Emmanuel Development Association (EDA). The programme has evolved through three distinct phases, each building upon the successes of the previous one. The initial phase focused on raising awareness among high-risk groups, while the second phase established Community Platforms in key locations like Metema and Wolaita Sodo, fostering local engagement in migration policy. Currently, in its third phase, BMM has reinforced existing platforms and introduced new ones in Debark and Mierab Abaya, emphasizing youth-led initiatives and community-government consultative forums to encourage participatory governance.
Ethiopia remains a significant source and transit country for irregular migration, driven by socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and political instability. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that nearly 199,000 individuals left Ethiopia via the Eastern Route by October 2024. This troubling trend underscores the urgency for coordinated local responses and effective governance to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation by traffickers.
The BMM programme has yielded valuable insights, particularly through the establishment of Community Platforms. These grassroots entities have been instrumental in fostering dialogue and trust, leading to local solutions that address migration challenges. In Wolaita Sodo, for example, community advocacy resulted in reforms for issuing essential identity documents. The quarterly consultative forums have bridged the gap between community members and local officials, translating feedback into timely improvements in services, such as expedited processing of birth certificates and legal IDs.
Capacity-building initiatives have empowered civil society organizations, local officials, and community members with vital skills in migration governance and social leadership. By training youth leaders in community research and project design, the programme has sparked innovative solutions, such as the establishment of local migration information centers that serve thousands.
In a climate of uncertainty, the BMM's commitment to conflict-sensitive implementation has ensured safety and trust, particularly in volatile regions. Additionally, cross-regional learning exchanges with countries like Uganda have enriched local strategies, introducing successful practices that enhance migration governance.
To sustain these achievements, the BMM programme advocates for the institutionalization of grassroots Community Platforms within national migration governance systems, expanded youth empowerment initiatives, and strengthened multi-level coordination among stakeholders. The focus on gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches aims to ensure the needs of marginalized groups are met, while strategic communication efforts are essential for building public trust.
In conclusion, the British Council’s experience with the BMM initiative presents a scalable and evidence-backed model for community-centered migration governance. The success of grassroots platforms, youth-led innovations, and proactive government engagement highlights the need for immediate action from policymakers and development partners to embed these practices into national systems. By doing so, we can mitigate irregular migration and empower communities to lead safe, informed, and sustainable migration responses.