As migration from African countries to Europe continues to surge, Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has raised alarm over the underlying issues driving this trend. During the 2nd regional review meeting on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, Gatete emphasized that rising poverty levels, unemployment, and insufficient social protection are significant factors pushing young Africans to seek opportunities abroad.
Between 2010 and 2020, African emigration increased dramatically from 20.3 million to 35.5 million, accounting for 14.5% of global migration. Gatete pointed out that over 20% of Africa’s population aged 15 to 24 faces a staggering youth unemployment rate of 60%, highlighting a critical gap in opportunities for young people.
The meeting, held at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, gathered various stakeholders under the auspices of the ECA and the International Organization for Migration. Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Gedion Timotheos, noted that Ethiopia serves as a migration origin, transit, and destination country. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing migration issues through an international cooperation coalition council led by the Deputy Prime Minister.
Gatete stressed that mutual recognition of skills and qualifications across African borders is essential for enhancing labor mobility and productivity. He also called for reforms in social security systems to ensure that migrants retain access to benefits like pensions and healthcare when crossing borders.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by migration while fostering sustainable development across the continent.
