Accentuated in the African Union’s long-term vision and echoed throughout all aspirations of Agenda 2063, the imperative of an integrated, mobile, and economically interconnected Africa has never been more compelling. Human mobility, trade, and technological transformation increasingly shape Africa’s development trajectory, reaffirming that meaningful regional integration cannot be attained without coordinated, well-governed migration systems. The 9th edition Pan African Forum on Migration (PAFoM IX) reflects the convenes at a moment witnessed by evolving dynamics of migration across the continent, shaped by global, regional, and national socio-economic, technological, and geopolitical transformations. This edition addresses the increasing mobility and migration flows accelerated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), globalization, and the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). PAFoM IX builds on the recognition that mobility is central to Africa’s development architecture, particularly as the continent advances implementation of flagship frameworks such as the MPFA, the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, and the AfCFTA. These instruments collectively reaffirm that people, goods, and services must move seamlessly for Africa to unlock the full dividends of intra-African trade, labour mobility, and industrialisation. Against this backdrop, PAFoM IX emphasizes the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration among immigration services to ensure safe, secure, and efficient movement of people across Africa.
PAFoM IX is uniquely positioned to advance smart, integrated, and secure border management through the theme: “Leveraging Technology for Efficient Human Mobility and Trade in Africa.” The Forum highlights the growing role of technology and digital platforms in modernizing border operations, striking a balance between facilitating migration and ensuring national security, and promoting dignified and regulated mobility. By embracing the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this edition underscores the importance of automation, data integration, and interoperability in border systems across the continent.
A defining feature of PAFoM IX is the formal establishment of the Migration Advisory Council (MAC), a dedicated working group under the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Migration, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons. MAC will provide expert guidance on policy and operational matters related to migration and mobility, fostering continental cooperation and harmonized practices. This initiative will enable AU Member States to collectively shape migration governance frameworks, share best practices, and respond effectively to emerging challenges such as irregular migration, trafficking in persons, and cross-border security threats.
This edition also places a strong emphasis on four key operational areas. PAFoM IX will explore practical solutions for effective identity management, inter- and intra-border coordination, harmonized entry and exit procedures, including one-stop border posts (OSBPs), and digital platforms such as Integrated Border Management (IBM) and Border Management Information Systems (BMIS). This seeks to augment efforts in Africa’s shift from traditional, fragmented border regimes to smart, modern gateways that enable trade, enhance human mobility, and reinforce security
