Migration in Africa: statistics and recognition of migrants’ skills

Abstract

This policy brief addresses the critical issue of migration in Africa, emphasizing the need for improved data collection and recognition of migrants' skills as essential components for sustainable development. Despite significant progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflicts hinder advancements in decent job creation and migrant safety. The brief highlights that nearly 85% of migration occurs within Africa, yet data on migration remains insufficient and often unreliable, complicating policy-making. It outlines the Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) initiatives from 2020 to 2023 aimed at enhancing the capacity of six African countries to collect and analyze migration data and recognize migrants' skills. The brief concludes with recommendations for building national capacities, harmonizing migration data, and establishing mechanisms for mutual recognition of skills across borders to facilitate better migration management.