In a significant step toward enhancing regional cooperation on migration and economic development, the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have pledged to work together on strategies that engage the private sector in supporting migrant reintegration and employment across East Africa.
The commitment was made during a meeting between Kebour Ghenna, Executive Director of PACCI, and Yuko Hamada, Senior Regional MRP Coordinator at IOM’s Regional Office for East, Horn, and Southern Africa. The discussion, held at PACCI’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, addressed the urgent need to align migration policies with economic opportunities and private sector participation.
Hamada presented up-to-date data on migration trends in the East African region, highlighting key challenges and the socio-economic impact of migration on both origin and destination countries. She provided an overview of regional migration frameworks and the issues faced by migrants themselves – including barriers to legal mobility, reintegration, and access to services.
For his part, Kebour Ghenna stressed PACCI’s interest in supporting migrants through reintegration initiatives that capitalize on the skills they acquire abroad. “Migrants return with valuable knowledge and experience. We must ensure they have access to financial services, improved financial literacy, and opportunities to contribute to their communities and economies,” he noted.
The conversation also covered the simplification of legal pathways for migration, the social costs borne by both sending and receiving countries, and the critical role of partnerships in addressing these multi-dimensional issues. Both sides agreed to jointly explore funding opportunities and collaborate on initiatives that align with their respective mandates.
PACCI, as the apex body representing national chambers of commerce and private sector institutions across Africa, is well-positioned to convene businesses and promote trade-led growth. The IOM Regional Office for East, Horn, and Southern Africa – based in Nairobi – supports 16 countries and works to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration.
The meeting marked a positive step toward deeper collaboration between the development and business communities in support of human mobility and inclusive economic development across the continent.
