The African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Special Liaison Office (SLO) to the African Union & UNECA held a 3-day Experts Review Meeting on the Draft Plan of Action (PoA) on the Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 – 5 April 2023. The Draft Plan of Action considers African migration priorities, policies, Agenda 2063, and Agenda 2030 SDGs, and provides member states and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) with a continental framework that will assist them in the formulation of respective national and regional GCM implementation plans in accordance with their priorities and resources. The Experts Review Meeting was officially opened with statements from Senior representatives from the African Union Commission, International Organization for Migration Special Liaison Office (SLO) to the African Union and the United Nations Network Secretariat.

Mr Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of labour, Employment and Migration Division at the AUC urged all migration and mobility experts present from all parts of the Continent including AU departments, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), relevant UN Agencies and various labour migration institutions to seize the opportunity of this engagement to strengthen and enrich the draft Plan of Action (PoA) towards achieving the objectives of the review meeting that works for the continent. The reviewed Plan of Action will be submitted to AU member states for validation later in 2023, Mr Mbokazi added.

Ms. Phumza Manqindi, Senior Program and Policy Coordinator at IOM SLO, underscored that the core guiding principles of GCM, grounded in international law, does not only examine migration in a 360-degree manner, but also incorporates wide-ranging partnerships both within governments and throughout society. The Compact’s true impact will be measured by how it’s 23 objectives and guiding principles are being applied in daily practice for the tangible benefit of migrants and their communities towards the pursuit of safer, orderly and regular migration, the Senior Program and Policy Coordinator noted.

Ms. Azrah Karim Rajput, Senior Regional Policy Officer at the UN Network on Migration Secretariat stressed on the planned GCM regional reviews for 2024 as a key moment for member states, UN entities and all stakeholders to engage in aspects of GCM implementation that require regional and cross-regional perspectives. The Network has developed a framework for the regional review engagements, she mentioned. Adding that, “the Network is now squarely focused on supporting GCM implementation– something which our meeting today is a testament.’’

The meeting was hybrid with experts contributing online, and in a presentation, breakout groups and plenary format. The Independent experts during the 3-day meeting achieved the following outcomes:

1. Revised the draft Plan of Action incorporating inputs that reflects the continent’s migration agenda based on current realities and evolving migration dynamics in the Continent.
2. Revised follow up and reviewed the framework/mechanism that allow for monitoring and evaluation of the draft Plan of Action which aligns to existing frameworks and its practicality.
3. Provided a platform for future experts’ engagement for the GCM related issues in the Continent.
4. Established a Technical Advisory Group on Migration (TAG-M).

In closing, Mr Maemo Machethe, Director for the Migration Operation Center in Khartoum, Dr. Ibrahima Dia, Director for the African Center for Research and Study on Migration,  Mr. Cisse Amadou, Director for African Institute for Remittances,  Mr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment and Migration Division at AUC and Ms. Phumza Manqindi, Senior Program and Policy Coordinator at IOM SLO in their closing remarks, appreciated the effective contributions and the excellent work done by the experts over the 3-days in achieving the objectives of the meeting and resolved to regroup again before submitting the documents to the policy organs for validation.   

The 3-day experts review meeting, brought together over 30 independents Experts and Senior Officials with extensive experience on migration and mobility issues in the Continent from African Union regions, AU Commission, AU Commission Organs and Departments, relevant UN Agencies, RECs, Academia, representatives from Civil Societies, Trade Unions/Workers Organisations. 

For further information, please contact:

1. 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
2. Geoffrey Wafula I Migration Coordinator | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: GeoffreyK@africa-union.org
3. King David Cartey I Strategic Communication Expert | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: CarteyD@africa-union.org a

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