The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has officially launched the Kanifing Migrant Resilience Hub, an initiative designed to support returning migrants in rebuilding their lives. The hub, launched under the leadership of Lord Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, is supported by the Mayors Migration Council's Global Cities Fund 2025. It aims to connect returning migrants with essential services, resources, and opportunities to strengthen their resilience and livelihoods.
The launch marks a significant step in KMC's commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that returnees reintegrate with dignity. The hub is the first project KMC has built specifically for returnees. Mayor Bensouda addressed the 20 selected participants, saying the initiative was born out of a painful reality facing many families in Kanifing. He noted that many young people leave because they feel there is no opportunity at home.
Mayor Bensouda praised the diverse business ideas proposed by the participants, including waste collection, delivery services, tailoring, and car painting workshops. He said every one of these businesses has great potential and can create jobs for others, buy from other local businesses, and bring money into the local economy. The mayor's vision is to make Kanifing a place where young people do not feel forced to leave to succeed.
The hub goes beyond business support, offering a childcare centre on site and access to psychosocial support services for parents and families. This will enable participants to focus fully on their enterprises. KMC aims to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, including Startup Incubator Gambia, to create lasting opportunities for returnees.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive community where everyone, including returning migrants, has the opportunity to thrive. The hub is expected to support 20 returning migrants in rebuilding their lives and achieving sustainable reintegration. The initiative is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by returnees.
Mayor Bensouda told the cohort that they were chosen because they have the potential to succeed. He encouraged them to work hard, learn, and remember that the council believes in them. The mayor's words of encouragement aimed to boost the confidence of the participants as they embark on their new ventures.
The Kanifing Migrant Resilience Hub is a testament to KMC's commitment to supporting returning migrants. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the 20 participants and their families.
Key points
- The hub offers business support, childcare, and psychosocial services to returning migrants.
- The initiative aims to promote sustainable reintegration and inclusive development.
- The hub is supported by the Mayors Migration Council's Global Cities Fund 2025.
