34th session of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee : remarks by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the ECA

Abstract

Remarks by Mr. Carlos Lopes, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, ECA at the 34th Session of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee. Mr. Lopes, on his remarks highlighted that, Migration is part of the human journey since the sophisticated apes started moving out of the Rift Valley in Africa. African countries receive a lot more migrants than the continent exports abroad. In fact the bulk of Africans looking for opportunities outside their countries go to another African country. Less than 2 million seek a destination abroad every year, which is a tiny number in relation to migrant stocks, particularly in Europe. In every moment of History growth has generated outward migrants from the same location. It is indeed happening with Chinese and Indians right now as it is in Africa. African leaders need to tackle migration comprehensively. Migration has the potential of bringing significant contribution to the economic growth and human development in Africa if it is tackled in a holistic manner and mainstreamed appropriately in development planning and strategies.