Events
Migration Trends and Mobility in Africa: In Between Freedom of Movement of People and Protectionism
From
By invitation
The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ethiopia/African Union Office, in cooperation with KAS Morocco, are hosting a one-day event on April 29th titled "Migration Trends and Mobility in Africa – In Between Freedom of Movement of People and Protectionism." This initiative seeks to unpack the complexities of migration patterns within Africa, emphasizing their role in achieving the African Union Agenda 2063.
While migration has often been portrayed as a security threat or leverage tool in global narratives, it is central to economic integration and development across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) underscores the importance of facilitating the free movement of people. Yet, barriers such as strict visa regimes, limited diplomatic presence, and weak connectivity persist, hindering progress. As a transit and destination hub for migration flows between Europe and Africa, Morocco provides unique insights into these dynamics.
This event will convene African experts to examine migration trends, focusing on regular migration and its socio-economic impacts. Discussions will explore how the AfCFTA influences labour migration, identifying opportunities and challenges for workers and businesses. By fostering dialogue within the African Union framework, the event aims to discuss recommendations that enhance the benefits of labour migration under the AfCFTA.
Conducted in English and French, the program will feature expert presentations and interactive panel discussions. It offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the interplay between freedom of movement and protectionism, aligning policies with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063.
AGENDA
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09:45-10:15 |
Registration & Welcome Coffee |
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10:15-10:30 |
Introductory Remarks (Venue: Master Class F1-04) Karim El Aynaoui, Executive President, Policy Center for the New South Lukas Kupfernagel, Country Director KAS Ethiopia and African Union Liaison Office Keynote Namira Negm, Director, African Migration Observatory (pre-recorded video) |
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10:30-11:10 |
Current Regional Dynamics of Human Mobility in Africa: Diverse Trends & Drivers The session will dive into how migration is governed across Africa through the lenses of data, legal frameworks, and institutional structures. Speakers will share insights on regional migration trends, statistical approaches, and statistical and legal tools perspectives shaping mobility The conversation will highlight how institutions like IGAD and the African Migration Observatory are working to strengthen migration governance at both regional and continental levels. Moderator Beatriz Mesa, Associate Professor, College of Social Sciences, International University of Rabat Speakers Khouloud Ben Mansour, Former African Youth Ambassadors for Peace, North Africa Mujib Jemal, Migration Governance Project Coordinator, Intergovernmental Authority of Development (IGAD) Itani Ntsieni, Director, Migration statistics in the Demography and Population statistics Chief Directorate, Statistics South Africa (Virtually) Leith Zinelabidine, Training and Capacity Building Officer, AMO |
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11:10-11:50 |
Discussion | Q&A |
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11:50 |
Group Picture |
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12:00-14:00 |
Lunch Break |
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14:00-14:40 |
Labor Migration in Africa: Patterns, key sectors affected, & socio-economic impacts This panel will explore labor migration across Africa, focusing on emerging patterns, the sectors most impacted, and the broader socio-economic effects on both origin and destination countries. Panelists will discuss how labor mobility contributes to development, the challenges facing migrant workers, and how data and policy can better support fair and safe migration. Insights from panelists will guide a forward-looking conversation on shaping inclusive labor migration frameworks. Moderator Miriam Boudraa, Regional Project Manager of the THAMM Plus project International Labour Organization (ILO) Speakers Sabelo Mbokazi, Head Labour, Employment & Migration, African Union Commission Tayeb Ghazi, Senior Economist, Policy Center for the New South Alaeddine Dridi, Research officer, MENA Regional Office, IOM |
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14:40-15:10 |
Discussion | Q&A |
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15:10-15:25 |
Coffee Break |
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15:25-15:55 |
The AfCFTA and its Impact on Migration Patterns in Africa – Between Opportunities and Protectionism This panel will examine how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could shape the migration dynamics across the continent. While the agreement promises greater economic integration and mobility opportunities, it also raises questions about protectionism and uneven implementation. Experts will discuss how trade liberalization interacts with migration trends, the risks of exclusion, and what policy responses are needed to ensure the AfCFTA fosters inclusive and well-managed mobility across Africa. Amal El Ouassif, Senior International Relations Specialist, Policy Center for the New South Speakers Larabi Jaïdi, Senior Fellow, Policy Center for the New South Beatriz Mesa, Associate Professor, College of Social Sciences, International University of Rabat Ndinaye Sekwi Charumbira, Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa |
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15:55-16:35 |
Discussion | Q&A |
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16:35-16:45 |
Closing Remarks Steven Höfner, Country Director KAS Morocco |
