Discussions about Africa’s reintegration are incomplete without addressing immigration and the free movement of people within the continent. For meaningful progress, policies and logistics must be carefully planned and effectively implemented. The African Union (AU) has been actively working to unify economies, laying a strong foundation for long-term growth and development.
However, migration within Africa is often misrepresented as a crisis, overshadowing its crucial role in economic expansion, skills development, and cultural exchange. To reshape this narrative, the African Union Information and Communication Directorate (AU ICD), in partnership with the African Union Liaison Office of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmBH (GIZ AU), has launched the MOVE AFRICA communications project. This initiative seeks to present a more accurate and balanced perspective on migration by showcasing its benefits while addressing the challenges it entails.
Leslie Richer, Director of Information and Communication at the African Union Commission, highlighted that the project is designed to empower journalists and storytellers with the tools and training needed to share diverse migration stories. By encouraging open discussions and supporting policies that promote safe and fair migration, MOVE AFRICA aims to shift public perception and foster informed discourse.
Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment & Migration at the AU Commission, emphasised the media’s critical role in shaping public understanding of migration. While it is often framed as a problem, migration is, in reality, a powerful driver of economic and social development. He called for more balanced reporting that presents migration as a multifaceted issue rather than a crisis.
With over 40 million international migrants, Africa accounts for 14.5% of the global migrant population. Notably, more than half of these migrants remain within the continent, underscoring the essential role of mobility in regional integration and economic advancement.
Despite its significance, key policies such as the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA), the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol (AU FMP), and the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) remain under-implemented. MOVE AFRICA is working to bridge this gap by raising awareness and mobilising political and public support for these policies, which are crucial to building a more connected and economically dynamic Africa.
To drive this change, MOVE AFRICA has partnered with several African organisations to launch awareness campaigns, train media professionals, and facilitate policy discussions. These efforts aim to challenge misinformation, shift perceptions, and ensure that the voices of migrants are heard in public discourse.Kokebe Hailegabriel, Head of the Project Support to the African Union on Labour Migration and Free Movement of Persons, reaffirmed the project’s vision of an Africa where migration is recognised as a key driver of progress rather than a challenge to be managed.
By fostering open discussions and promoting informed policymaking, MOVE AFRICA is paving the way for a future where the free movement of people is embraced as a catalyst for growth and development across the continent.