The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has stressed the pressing need to bolster migration policies across the continent.
Mr Claver Gatete, ECA’s Executive Secretary, made this call at the 2nd Regional Review Meeting of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in Africa on Wednesday in Abuja.
Gatete highlighted that migration had historically driven development, fuelling economic growth, innovation, and modern state-building.
“However, Africa’s migration landscape is complex, influenced by financial constraints, climate change, and rising poverty levels.”
“While intra-African migration is substantial, the number of Africans emigrating to Europe, North America, and the Gulf has surged dramatically, from 20.3 million in 2010 to 35.5 million in 2020.
“This trend, coupled with a staggering youth unemployment rate of 60 per cent, signals an urgent need for policy reform,” he said.
To address these challenges, Mr Gatete advocated for mutual recognition of skills and qualifications across borders.
He also emphasised the need to reform social security systems, allowing migrants to retain access to benefits such as pensions and healthcare upon crossing borders.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity to address unemployment and unlock human capital.
“Accelerating AfCFTA’s implementation will foster greater labour mobility and support economic ambitions.
Gatete urged enhanced stakeholder collaboration, engagement, and data-driven policymaking.
He reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to collaborating with member states to develop coherent migration frameworks.
“With collective commitment, we can transform migration into a catalyst for Africa’s sustainable development,” he said.
