Africa Kicks Off Second Review of the Global Compact for Migration in Addis Ababa

ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete opened the meeting by stressing the importance of mutual recognition of skills and qualifications across African borders.

The second regional review of the Global Compact for Migration commenced on Tuesday, October 9, 2024, focusing on enhancing coordination and establishing joint frameworks to leverage migration as a driver of growth across the continent. This pivotal meeting brought together over 250 delegates, including country representatives, researchers, and stakeholders, to discuss regional progress and priorities in migration governance.

The discussions prioritized several critical areas, including:

Protection of Lives and Human Rights: Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding migrants' rights, whether they are using regular or non-regular routes.

Combating Human Trafficking: Addressing the urgent need to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.

Establishing Legal Pathways: Creating migration corridors and enhancing border management to facilitate safe and legal migration.

Climate Migrants' Rights: Developing early warning systems and standardized procedures to protect the rights of those displaced by climate change.

Social Security Reform: Advocating for the reform of social security systems to ensure benefits like healthcare and pensions remain accessible across borders.

Improving Data Collection: Highlighting the necessity for better data collection and harmonization for effective migration management.

Regional Integration and Skill Recognition

ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete opened the meeting by stressing the importance of mutual recognition of skills and qualifications across African borders. “To unlock the full potential of our workforce and advance deeper regional integration, we must first prioritize the mutual recognition of skills and qualifications across African borders,” Gatete stated.

Additionally, he emphasized that reforming social security systems to allow the portability of benefits is crucial to ensure that migrants do not lose access to essential services when crossing borders.

Migration as a Catalyst for Change

Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, emphasized the transformative potential of migration. “When migration is part of national strategies and planning, it can be a powerful catalyst for change and development,” she said, highlighting the need to integrate migrants into urban planning and social services.

Legal Instruments and Free Movement

AUC Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, Minata Samate Cessouma, discussed the African Union's role in providing legal instruments to help member states tackle migration challenges. She called for the ratification of the African protocol for the free movement of people and goods, urging that such measures should be enacted to facilitate smoother migration processes.

Youth Opportunities and Economic Growth

With projections indicating that African youth will comprise 42% of the global youth population by 2030, the continent faces a pressing challenge: a 60% youth unemployment rate. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is seen as a key player in addressing these challenges, but its success relies heavily on ensuring the free mobility of workers and addressing related obstacles.

The 2nd Regional Review not only spotlighted the challenges of migration in Africa but also explored opportunities for regional cooperation and the integration of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) objectives into national policies. The recommendations from this meeting will be submitted to the 2026 International Migration Review Forum, aiming to influence future migration governance and policies in Africa.