Improving migration and displacement policies in the Horn of Africa

Context

The Horn of Africa region is characterised by migration and displacement movements. Most of the people affected migrate within countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Its member states include Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the region was home to over 21 million internally displaced people in 2024, more than five million refugees and asylum seekers, and 330,000 returnees.

This increases the pressure on natural resources in the host countries and can lead to conflicts between refugees and host communities. The IGAD member states are therefore working together to implement regional migration and displacement policies.

Objective

The IGAD regional economic community implements its political objectives for migration and displacement effectively.

Approach

The project helps IGAD to develop lasting solutions for migrants and refugees, focusing on four fields of action:

• Migration: It helps IGAD to implement regional migration policies. This includes recognising qualifications and harmonising migration data in selected member states.
• Displacement: It advises IGAD and its member states on how refugees and returnees can be integrated into national labour markets and education systems.
• Cross-border cooperation: The project supports IGAD in coordinating cross-border cooperation between the local administrations. This is intended to improve living conditions and access to basic services in the border regions.
• Learning processes: It advises IGAD on systemic learning related to migration and displacement in the IGAD region, as well as on the development of knowledge products for lessons learned.

Last updated: April 2025