It is well established that there is a strong relationship between youth unemployment and migration decisions in West Africa. Region-wide surveys indicate that around 80% of Africans who aspire to migrate cite economic reasons as their primary motivations (Afrobarometer 2019). What is less clearly defined is whether development interventions aimed at providing employment opportunities can influence migratory decisions. On the one hand, such programs are expected to reduce key push factors that drive young people to live and work abroad. On the other hand, there is evidence that with employment opportunities arise new ambitions and additional resources that make young people more willing and able to move abroad. We assess the impact of a youth employment intervention by the International Organization for Migration (the IOM) through a randomized-controlled trial. The IOM Youth Training Program aimed to improve the economic self-sufficiency of young entrepreneurs/early start-ups in The Gambia, and consequently, shape their migration decisions. We examine the short- and long-term effects of the program on the aspiration to migrate, the perceived ability to migrate, and the willingness to consider unauthorized channels.