The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, held a virtual consultation on May 6, 2025. The meeting involved Member States, regional social partners, and development stakeholders to review the Draft ECOWAS Labour Migration Strategy and Action Plan for 2025–2035.
This pre-validation meeting is an essential step in finalizing the Strategy aimed at improving labour migration governance across the ECOWAS region. The Strategy aligns with the ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. It is being developed inclusively with Member States, the African Union Commission (AUC), International Labour Organization (ILO), and International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP). Support comes from the European Union and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
The Commission stated that this Labour Migration Strategy is a strategic response to current migration trends in West Africa. It reflects ECOWAS' commitment to human mobility as a catalyst for regional integration, economic growth, and social inclusion. Aligning with AU-Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was emphasized.
The consultation addressed five key pillars: promoting regular migration; protecting migrant workers’ rights; maximizing developmental impact; gender and social inclusion; enhancing regional cooperation. Statistical insights revealed West Africa hosts over 8.2 million international migrants, nearly half women.
Member State representatives welcomed the Draft, offering input on data harmonization, ethical recruitment practices, diaspora engagement, and remittance facilitation. Calls were made for more investment in national capacity-building aligned with regional frameworks.
Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng highlighted ECOWAS' advocacy efforts with national immigration services during his speech. He stressed being "ambassadors of the ECOWAS vision," urging collective responsibility in raising awareness of regional rights.
Social partners underscored gender-responsive budgeting needs, reintegration pathways for returnees, and protection for low-skilled migrant workers. The Action Plan—over 130 activities mapped to outcomes—was praised as robust.
Results from this consultation will inform revisions to be presented at an in-person validation workshop in Accra from May 13-15, 2025.
ECOWAS reiterated gratitude to all partners for their collaboration and reaffirmed dedication to promoting safe labour migration benefiting all citizens.
Alerts Sign-up