South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries to strengthen cooperation on migration, saying a coordinated continental approach is essential to addressing the growing challenges and opportunities associated with human mobility.
Speaking on regional migration issues, Ramaphosa said African governments should work together to develop policies that promote safe, orderly and regular migration while tackling the underlying factors that force people to leave their home countries.
He noted that migration remains a shared continental issue requiring collective action rather than unilateral responses. According to the president, stronger collaboration among African states would improve border management, enhance security cooperation and facilitate the movement of people in line with regional and continental agreements.
Ramaphosa also emphasized the need to address the root causes of irregular migration, including unemployment, poverty, conflict, political instability and the effects of climate change. He said expanding economic opportunities, investing in education and promoting inclusive development would help reduce migration driven by hardship.
The South African leader reiterated the importance of balancing national security concerns with the protection of migrants’ rights, stressing that governments should uphold international and regional legal obligations while combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling and cross-border crime.
His remarks come as several African countries continue to experience increased migration flows, driven by economic disparities, insecurity, environmental pressures and the search for better employment and educational opportunities. These movements have intensified discussions on border management, labor mobility and regional integration.
Migration experts say closer cooperation among African governments could strengthen information sharing, improve migration governance and support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, which seek to promote greater economic integration and lawful mobility across the continent.
Analysts also note that migration, when effectively managed, can contribute to economic growth through skills transfer, entrepreneurship, investment and remittances. However, they caution that inadequate migration policies and weak institutional coordination can increase pressure on public services and heighten social tensions.
Ramaphosa urged African leaders to continue engaging through regional bodies and the African Union to develop practical, long-term solutions that address migration challenges while promoting economic development, regional stability and the protection of human rights.
The president said stronger continental cooperation would not only improve migration management but also support Africa’s broader goals of sustainable development, regional integration and shared prosperity.
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