Turning Adversity into Opportunity: A Migrant Returnee’s Entrepreneurial Success

Born and raised in Majete town, Northern Shewa, Seleshi’s life took a dramatic turn when he failed to pass his preparatory entrance exam in the 10th grade. This academic setback ruined his dreams of pursuing higher education and becoming a doctor, a profession he hoped would uplift his unprivileged family and community. Faced with despair and a sense of hopelessness, Seleshi took the life-altering decision to embark on an irregular migration journey in 1998 E.C. (2005 G.C.), carrying only ETB 850 ($95 at the time) and a heart full of dreams for a better life.

“My family was aware of my plans and they strongly advised me against it. They even suggested selling their land to fund my education at the Teachers Training Institute (TTI). However, I didn’t envision my future in that path, and above all, I couldn’t bear the thought of my parents selling their land,” Seleshi narrated.

Driven by a desire for a better life and motivated by stories of his neighbours’ success overseas, Seleshi began a risky journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) passing through various difficult paths and test his physical endurance and mental strength. 

Leaving his hometown, Seleshi with his companion set out on the long journey on foot, each step bringing them closer to their destination, yet further away from home. For over twenty-seven agonizing days, passing on dangerous environments and dealing with hunger, thirst, and exhaustion, he walked through the harsh landscapes of Somalia under the scorching heat.

Many of the travellers died because of the torture and hunger, their dreams and aspirations perished on the road. Although Seleshi made it to the busy port city of Bosaso, he was greeted with the hard truth that without money, he could not cross the Red Sea to Yemen, leaving him at a crossroads with his aspirations of reaching Saudi Arabia hanging in limbo.

While begging for food going door to door, a local baker offered him the opportunity to work as a lumberjack (woodcutter), a task that harkened back to his rural origins. Yet, the spectre of Yemen loomed large in his mind, a distant hope that promised salvation and a chance for a better life. Mechanical as well as compass issues on the boat hampered Seleshi’s route to Yemen three times, leaving him stranded in Bossaso for four years with no clear path ahead. 

After four years in Somalia, Seleshi finally settled in Yemen, where he worked various jobs for 14 years, met his now beloved wife in a similar situation, and had a daughter. However, he was unable to obtain work as easily as he used to. He was detained for three months. Following his release, he decided to return to his country.

Upon his return to Ethiopia, Seleshi hoped to rebuild his life and secure a better future for himself and his family. Accordingly, he built a modest house and opened a shop using the savings he had amassed during his 14 years in Yemen. For a while, it appeared that his efforts would pay off as his shop thrived. However, the house he built was considered unplanned and was demolished as part of a road development project of the government, leaving him and his family in a desperate situation once again. Devastated by the loss of everything they had worked so hard to build, Seleshi’s wife made the difficult decision to seek opportunities in Dubai as a domestic worker, leaving behind her country once more in search of a brighter future for herself and her family.

A few months ago, Seleshi registered as a returnee in Woreda 12, Addis Ababa hearing there will be a life changing training, and they contacted him to notify him of the SIYB (Start and Improve Your Business) 15-day intensive programme for returnees that was organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the Better Regional Migration (BRMM) Programme financed by the UK FCDO. For him, the training was more than simply an opportunity to learn business skills; it offered a road to empowerment and economic independence. 

Driven by a strong sense of purpose, Seleshi enthusiastically accepted the 15-day course, seeing it as a catalyst for realising his aspirations and providing a better future for himself and his family. Through the programme, he gained invaluable insights and skills that equipped him to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with confidence and resilience, laying the groundwork for a better future filled with possibility and promise.

“I am deeply grateful for the training I received, as it has equipped me with invaluable knowledge in entrepreneurship over the course of 15 days. I’ve gained insights I never imagined possible, allowing me to envision starting my own business on a small scale. The training illuminated the possibility of growth from humble beginnings, inspiring me to take proactive steps towards realizing my goals. Additionally, I’ve opened a bank account with Sinqqee Bank supported through the BRMM project and I’m optimistic of getting a loan to support my entrepreneurial endeavours.”

After completing the SIYB training, Seleshi envisioned himself as an entrepreneur, determined to establish and grow his own business. Inspired by the insights and skills gained from the program, he set his sights on opening a pulse shop, offering a variety of pulses to the public. 

Seleshi saw the training as a steppingstone towards financial stability and self-sufficiency. With a clear plan in mind and a newfound sense of confidence. He aimed to start small and gradually expand his business, leveraging the principles learned during the training to navigate challenges and seize opportunities along the way. 

Seleshi’s aspirations reflect his resilience and determination to transform his circumstances and build a better future for himself and his family through entrepreneurship.

By Yonas B. Zewdie, ILO