Coordinating Migration for Development: AU Aligns Priorities for 2026 Action
For too long, migration policy responses have been addressed in silos and treated as isolated technical issues rather than a central pillar of development. The African Union Coordination Committee on Migration (AU CCM) is helping to change this approach through cross-departmental coordination.
Migration intersects with labour markets, health, trade, climate change and regional integration. Yet, for too long, migration policy responses have been addressed in silos and treated as isolated technical issues rather than a central pillar of development. The African Union Coordination Committee on Migration (AU CCM) is helping to change this approach by strengthening coordination across the African Union system and positioning migration as a strategic development priority. The AU CCM Strategic Meeting, held in Nairobi, Kenya from 12–13 March 2026, marked an important step forward in advancing coordinated migration governance and aligning continental priorities for delivery.
The meeting focused on reviewing progress, identifying coordination challenges, and agreeing on joint priority actions to strengthen implementation. Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of the Division for Labour, Employment and Migration, underscored the need to translate lessons learned into coordinated and impactful actions to advance migration governance across the continent.
Discussions highlighted evolving realities shaping migration in Africa, including climate-related displacement, digitalization and changing labour mobility patterns, as well as the need to better harness migration for development. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening migration data systems, reframing migration narratives to highlight development gains, and linking mobility to Africa’s demographic dividend.
In interactive sessions participants jointly analysed practical policy challenges. Case discussions on the COMESA Business Visa Scheme and climate-induced displacement demonstrated the value of cross-departmental collaboration and alignment with continental frameworks to translate policy into implementation.
The meeting concluded with agreement on joint priorities for 2026, including advancing labour migration and skills mobility, strengthening social protection for migrant workers, developing a continental approach to migration and climate change, enhancing diaspora engagement, and improving migration data and research. With continued collaboration between AU departments, organs and Regional Economic Communities, the AU CCM will support coordinated delivery and contribute to development-oriented migration governance in line with Agenda 2063.