Freedom of movement

The document examines the gap between Africa's formal legal commitments to freedom of movement and the actual practice of migration governance. While the African Union and various Regional Economic Communities have established frameworks to promote labour mobility and economic integration, implementation remains inconsistent. West Africa is highlighted as the most advanced model, whereas Southern Africa is noted for a securitised approach to migration. The brief argues that aligning regional policies and improving communication on the net benefits of migration are essential for unlocking the continent's development potential.

• Africa possesses the necessary legal instruments and policies for continental migration governance, but the primary obstacle is the practical implementation of these frameworks.
• The African Union's approach to migration is centered on a comprehensive management strategy to drive economic development, supported by the 1991 Abuja Treaty, the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA), and the African Common Position on Migration and Development.
• The Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), adopted in January 2015, is a specific AU-led initiative supported by the ILO, IOM, and UNECA aimed at promoting decent work and inclusive development through better labour migration governance.
• ECOWAS is identified as the most successful regional model for freedom of movement in Africa, utilizing a common passport for its 15 member states and an exemplary approach to labour migration.
• In Southern Africa, migration governance is often hindered by a 'securitised' approach, particularly in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, where countries prioritize controlling migrant flows over harnessing the economic benefits of regional integration.
• The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) is described as the least integrated region on the continent, with stalled efforts toward regional integration.
• While some progress exists in East Africa through the EAC's common market policies and tripartite visa arrangements between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, tensions with other members like Tanzania can fragment regional integration.

APA

Maunganidze, O. A. (2017). Freedom of movement. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/policy-brief111.pdf

Chicago

Maunganidze, Ottilia Anna. Freedom of movement. Institute for Security Studies, 2017. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/policy-brief111.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Maunganidze |first1=Ottilia Anna |title=Freedom of movement |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=2017 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/policy-brief111.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{maunganidze2017freedom, author = {Maunganidze, Ottilia Anna}, title = {{Freedom of movement}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2017}, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/policy-brief111.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }