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COMING UP THIS WEEK: Achieving Free Movement of People and Labour: The Road to Implementation of the Free Movement Protocol - REGISTER NOW for webinar on Thursday (25th April). The next webinar in the AU-FMP (African Union Free Movement Protocol) webinar series - Mobilising Africa: Promoting Free Movement for Growth and Development will be held next Thursday, 25th April, 09:30-11:30 UTC | 11:30-13:30 CAT | 12:30-14:30 EAT Register here now: https://lnkd.in/e7HkMpfu Africa has witnessed a significant increase in the movement of people within the continent, largely driven by the desire for better economic opportunities, social connections and improved living conditions. The African Union (AU) has long recognised the importance of migration and free movement for regional integration and development. Alongside the benefits, there are also security concerns that need to be addressed such as fears of increased irregular migration and human trafficking. It is crucial to strike a balance between the promotion of free movement, maintaining nation states’ security interests and ensuring the safety and security of migrants and host communities. The African Union-Economic Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC)-led webinar series is implemented by AMADPOC, AFFORD UK and IRPAD. Here again is the link to register. We really hope to see you there. https://lnkd.in/e7HkMpfu

I stumbled upon the Multi Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) framework between the EU and Nigeria and decided to dive into it for an unpublished paper, which was part of a class exam. While the framework covers three main areas, I focused my attention on migration, particularly on concerns related to forced/internal displacement. You can read about it here https://lnkd.in/evyEHRPd What caught my eye was the seemingly lack of specific mention about reintegration support based on human or primary needs for internally displaced persons (IDPs). This got me thinking about the potential consequences if IDPs' basic needs aren't met. Drawing from Maslow's human need theory, I argued that neglecting these needs could lead to conflicts and further displacement, possibly pushing IDPs towards irregular migration. I found it intriguing to compare the return and reintegration processes of international migrants with those of internal and forced migrants. However, I must admit that my assessment was limited since it was based solely on desk research and project reports littered online. I'm open to receiving more comprehensive information on this topic. The MIP framework is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2027, with a review planned for 2024. Hopefully, this review will address some of the gaps I've identified. But until then, I'm left with a bunch of questions swirling in my mind about how migration policies can better support vulnerable populations like IDPs. Thank you Amanda Bisong for the insightful discussion. 🙏

Finland’s Development Minister Ville Tavio says trade and business can be a better tool for building partnerships with African countries than aid. In an interview with Development Today, he defends what he describes as the biggest Finnish aid cuts in history and a controversial Gaza policy.  Tavio considers one of his achievments being the huge reductions in the aid budget, which are in line with his party’s policy. He describes them as “the biggest in Finnish history.” A new white paper proposes that Finnish development cooperation focuses increasingly on funding that supports trade. The objective is to increase private sector participation in development cooperation.  Tavio says that industrialisation is the principal motor of development. He says it is commonly believed that aid should provide benefits like education and health care to the population. “The [traditional] idea is that industrialisation can happen by first providing such services,” he says. This, he argues, is putting the horse before the cart. “Such efforts are important, but I think the perspective is wrong: it is industrialization that creates the need for that education. If people are educated and there are no jobs in that country, they just end up leaving,” he says. Sari Tanus Eva Biaudet Jani Kokko Sofia Vikman Janne Heikkinen Tuomas Tähti Marikki Stocchetti Ilmari Nalbantoglu Petri Vuorio Tapio Laakso Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/d6aBheSZ

📢 On the 14th of March the European Parliament approved a resolution asking the European Commission to clarify: ❓ why it chose to transfer in a single payment 150 million euros to Tunisia. ❓ why it did not adequately inform the #europeanparliament of this decision. ❓ how it determined that Tunisia met a number of requirements concerning #democracy , #humanrights and the #ruleoflaw to qualify for receiving the funding. 🔎 Profundo recently conducted #research for The Greens/EFA in the European Parliament which shows: ❗ That it is likely this funding to Tunisia will be used for #migration governance, in particular #border management, initiatives. ❗ That there is a consistent and widespread pattern of abuses and #violence from governmental authorities towards #migrants in Tunisia. ❗ What should be done to ensure #transparency in decision-making, use of funds and #humanrights compliance in the future. ⚖ The report "Beyond Borders, Beyond Boundaries" helped in informing this resolution and hopefully will help call into question further agreements. Researcher: Estela Casajuana Read the summary and full report here: https://lnkd.in/eKGHmeAk Read the EP resolution here: https://lnkd.in/eXAz6uHm #europeancommission #europeanparliament #funding #migration #tunisia

Sad decision. Focusing mainly on trade will leave poorest of poor people even more marginalised without education, better livelihood and proper health care. Definetely industrialization is needed but civilized countries should not leave ordinary people to suffer while concentrating on trade only. This will increase the gap between rich and poor creating inequality and decrease possibilities for better life and dignity. Traditionally Finland has invested a lot of education, especially concentrating and promoting on girls and people with disabilities possibilities for schooling. This has had a huge impact on inproving human rights and people's dignity. I am afraid that mainly investing on trade will have negative consequences on ordinary people's lives although developing trade is definetely needed. Is it really great achievement to cut from development aid budget? In my opinion it is such a huge failure instead. Shameful act. #developmentcooperation #developmentfunding

Day 2 Initiative Africa's proactive approach and collaborative initiatives have significantly contributed to fostering a more favorable business environment in Ethiopia. Our efforts have led to tangible results in promoting inclusive economic growth and advocating for policy reforms. What achievements in economic empowerment inspire you? #EconomicEmpowerment #InitiativeAfrica #EMEA

Did you know ‼️ The Free Movement Protocol (FMP) is a significant component of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming to achieve economic development by allowing Africans the right of entry, establishment, and residence across the continent. This protocol seeks to promote the free movement of people, capital, goods, and services to foster regional integration and facilitate trade. Additionally, it aims to boost investment, increase remittances within the continent, and promote labor mobility and employment. Despite these goals, there is resistance to free movement both continentally and regionally. Historical remnants of colonialism and Eurocentrism contribute to this resistance. Concerns about jobs, brain drain, security, and inadequate infrastructure to manage free movement are among the issues raised by member states. For example, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and North African countries have been less receptive to the FMP, citing the need for reduced economic imbalances, peace and security, efficient civil registration systems, and reliable movement control systems. The policy brief argues that achieving comparable levels of development across African countries before implementing the FMP is unattainable. Instead, free movement should be seen as a catalyst for increased African prosperity. Public awareness and support for the FMP are essential, along with a clear implementation process to address concerns and hesitations. How can the implementation of the Free Movement Protocol (FMP) address job security concerns while promoting economic integration in a Borderless Africa? To read this publication: https://lnkd.in/enp2rygH #merakiafrique #freemovementprotocol #sadc #africanunion #afcfta #youthinclusion #regionalintegration #didyouknow #policybrief

The recent exit of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali from the Economic Communities of West Africa States (“ECOWAS”) is no longer news, however the ripples of the exit is still ongoing and far reaching. This article considers the effect of the departure from an economic migration perspective on nationals from these countries on other ECOWAS member states. https://lnkd.in/g9kznwPs #humanresources #ecowas #immigration #mali #burkinafaso #niger #nigeria

The 2nd Edition of the 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 focuses on “𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬: 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲, 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭”, and looks at the Africa policy landscape that both preceded and resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to migration. For a continent that bravely united to face the largest health crisis in recent history, and in many ways outperformed the world’s expectations in its response, the report also outlines what tools are needed to better understand and protect people on the move. This edition looks at policy not as a static set of engagements but as a dynamic array of tools that can respond to ongoing and emerging challenges. The report invites us to think deeper about what already exists, how it was deployed during the pandemic, and what lessons can be drawn from that to enhance our collective capacity to manage human mobility. The report reminds us not to underestimate what makes Africa resilient. Looking across local, national, and regional contexts, it reaffirms that Africa has a one of the world’s most robust and human rights-centred migration policy landscapes. By highlighting the continent’s long history of human mobility in cultural practices such as pastoralism and intracontinental trade, the report reminds us that Africa knows how to welcome mobile populations with dignity and respect. What remains is a full commitment to translate these histories of mobility and weave into a contemporary policy of managing human mobility that reflects distinct dynamics of the world’s youngest continent. Download your copy 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dD42UdE8

At the #Africa Day the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development #HLPF2024. Participating on discussions on how to foster a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient Africa through renewed partnership and strong institutions How is this possible given the current African debt architecture where we spend more on Debt servicing than we spend on Health and Education? #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #Agenda206 United Nations Economic Commission for Africa UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa UNDP African Union Jean-Paul Adam #Africa AIDI Wafa