Following the launch of the Joint AUC/ECA Migration Project: International Migration in Africa - Shaping a Positive Narrative and Removing Barriers to Mobility on 29^th May 2023, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA) held a hybrid inception meeting on the 7^th of June 2023 at the HYATT Regency Hotel, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The purpose of the meeting, was to discuss the implementation and reporting modalities for the migration project.   

In his remarks, Mr Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Division Labour, Employment and Migration, AUC, noted that the project is now moving into the most exciting phase, that is, implementation. ‘’Exciting in that we are largely in control of the processes, and the pace at which we desire to implement the activities. I am confident that the teams from the AUC and ECA will rise to the occasion,’’ he added. He also mentioned the unique implementation modality of this project, which is the first of its kind between the two institutions.

Ms. Sweta Saxena, Ag. Director Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division, ECA, opined the relevant and timely nature of the joint project which will critically contribute to the Continent’s future development by improving lives and creating jobs for its youth and growing population. ‘’This will address the key challenge to find the right policies and processes to facilitate migration and protect the rights of migrants, irrespective of their status, and transform migration into a win-win situation for AU member states,’’ she added, stressing on the pivotal role migration has played in shaping the world, today.

Ms. Kachi Madubuko, Senior Policy and Liaison Officer, IOM, underscored that Migration is a formidable force for good when well managed as it can be a cornerstone for sustainable development, prosperity and progress. ‘’The enhancement of regular pathways to migration as outlined in the Global Compact for Migration is critical to harness the dividends of mobility for human development. Migration and mobility in Africa must be viewed as part of a positive phenomenon for realizing economic integration, unity, sustainable development, democratic governance, peace and security,’’ she said.

The joint migration project is a 2-year initiative that was developed jointly by the AUC and ECA, and focuses on building the capacity of AU member states to manage migration and mobility, to address pertinent migration issues on the continent. The project is funded by the Italian Government in the amount of two million and five hundred thousand United States Dollars ($2.5 million). It comprises of the following six (6) components, which will be jointly implemented by ECA and the AUC:

Promoting Economic Empowerment of Migrant Women: Identifying and supporting migrant women’s engagement in economic activities; Improving Access to Legal Identity for Migrants in the East and Horn of Africa; Enhancing Free Movement of Persons and Pathways for Labour Mobility and Skills Portability in Africa; Technical Assistance to AU Member States/Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on Migration Governance; Combating Irregular Migration in the Horn of Africa (HoA) and in Countries that Lie Along the 3 Irregular Migration Corridors from the HoA; and Strengthening Cross-border Infectious Disease Surveillance;

The meeting was attended by staff from the African Union Commission, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, International Organization for Migration and the International Labour Organisation.

For further information, please contact:

Sabelo Mbokazi I Head of Labour, Employment and Migration Division | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: MbokaziS@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia|

Peter Mudungwe | Senior Technical Adviser - Migration Governance & Liaison I Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 966 924 078 | E-mail: MudugweP@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia|

King David Cartey I Strategic Communication Expert | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 901090899 | E-mail: CarteyD@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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