A critical appraisal of labour mobility trends and their impact on regional integration in Africa

This chapter analyses the multifaceted nature and realities of international labour mobility in Africa in the context of regional frameworks regarding such issues as the free movement of persons, free trade, labour migration and labour market access. Primarily, it evaluates the impact of these frameworks on regional integration and sustainable development. It considers gendered perspectives and the underlying drivers of labour migration within and from Africa. Furthermore, it explores the current state of migration on the continent as well as selected operational arrangements to facilitate free movement, free trade and liberalized labour migration, as well as the limitations of such arrangements, particularly in addressing skills mismatches and unemployment. Last, it underscores critical areas that require concerted attention from policymakers and practitioners to holistically enhance the implementation of free movement regimes and address the highlighted disparities to promote a balanced approach to temporary, seasonal and permanent labour mobility from and within Africa.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Life on Land