Africa’s influence on global migration policies is becoming increasingly significant as the continent contends with a rising number of migrants driven by complex factors such as conflict, climate change, economic challenges, and a rapidly growing youth population. Historically, migration from Africa has been motivated by a mix of push and pull factors, and today African leaders and regional organisations are asserting their voices on the global stage to shape migration policies.
Migration has long been integral to Africa’s socio-political landscape, with movements across regions driven by wars, famines, colonial legacies, and economic disparities. However, the 21st century has brought significant shifts in African migration patterns. Between 2017 and 2021, over 30 million Africans were living abroad, a number that continues to grow as pressures on African societies intensify and global demand for skilled workers increases.
Globally, international migration has risen steadily. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), approximately 281 million international migrants were recorded in 2020, equating to 3.6% of the world’s population. This figure represents an increase of 128 million since 1990 and has more than tripled since 1970.
While Africa has traditionally been a source of migration to the Middle East and Europe, intra-African migration is on the rise, particularly in regions such as West and East Africa. This shift is largely driven by the pursuit of economic opportunities and the growing integration of African economies under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Drivers of Migration in Africa
Africa’s rapidly growing population is a major push factor, with an estimated 10–12 million young people entering the workforce annually. Many seek better prospects abroad due to limited opportunities at home. The World Bank highlights climate change as another critical driver, with desertification in regions like the Sahel and unpredictable flooding in coastal areas forcing people to relocate. By 2050, climate change could account for up to 10% of cross-border migration in Africa.
Environmental crises in countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan continue to displace millions. Meanwhile, ongoing conflicts and political instability, from the Sudanese crisis to unrest in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia, are generating significant numbers of displaced persons. The IOM reports that these conflicts have led to dramatic increases in cross-border displacement, intensifying migration pressures.
Africa’s Role in Shaping Global Migration Policies
Africa is increasingly asserting its influence in global migration discussions. The African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions economic and political integration across the continent, includes strategies to manage migration in ways that benefit both origin and destination countries. African leaders have also emphasised the economic benefits of migration, such as remittances, which contributed over $50 billion in 2020 alone. These funds provide vital income for many African households, reframing migration as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
African diplomacy is also shaping global migration policies, particularly in negotiations with Europe. While the European Union (EU) has collaborated with African countries to curb irregular migration, African leaders have criticised these agreements for failing to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and conflict. They continue to advocate for equitable solutions, including improved pathways for legal migration.
This evolving dialogue is gradually reshaping how migration from Africa is perceived and managed worldwide. African leaders are not only addressing the challenges posed by migration but also seeking to harness its economic potential. With effective policies, migration could become a driver of development, security, and prosperity for both Africa and the wider world.
A New Narrative on African Migration
At the 2018 EU-Africa Summit in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, African leaders called for a more humane approach to migration, urging European countries to focus on creating legal pathways for African migrants rather than relying solely on restrictive measures such as border controls and deportations. The resulting Abidjan Declaration emphasised better management of migration flows, enhanced cooperation to combat human trafficking, and improved integration of African migrants into host societies.
As Africa continues to position itself as a key actor in global migration policy, the narrative around African migration is shifting. What was once primarily viewed as a challenge is increasingly recognised as an opportunity for socio-economic development, security cooperation, and international solidarity. By leveraging the economic potential of migration and advocating for fairer, more humane global policies, Africa is set to reshape the international approach to migration in the years ahead.
