- May 15, 2023
- Posted by: AITRC 2
- Categories: Blog, Report
WEEKLY TRADE POLL FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES
MAY 2023
Migration has been a significant global phenomenon, and its impact on countries’ economies has far-reaching consequences and is one of the major cross-border issues confronting the continent. Seven percent of the world’s population are migrants. 24 million people are refugees or asylum seekers, 40 million are internally displaced, and 258 million are migrants from other countries. No country can claim to be immune to the effects of human mobility.[1] Many people have the impression that poverty, conflict, and environmental stress are the main causes of mass migration and displacement inside Africa. irregular migration from Africa to Europe has drawn a lot of attention lately. It’s estimated that millions of Africans are waiting for a chance to cross into Europe. Such arguments are predicated on the premise that migration from Africa is a young and growing population primarily seeking better opportunities in Europe due to poverty and violence in their home country. Depictions of high poverty, famine, conflict, and environmental devastation create an impression of African despair. The definition of irregular migration coming from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb to Europe as a security issue linked to global crime, trafficking, and terrorism has also grown.[2]
Figure 1: African Migration
The number of documented migrants within and from the African region has nearly doubled since 2010, as depicted in Figure 1, continuing a two-decade trend of expansion. African migration is being driven by a varied combination of push-pull factors for each country. The primary push factors are conflict, repressive governance, and limited economic opportunities. Surveys of African migrants in or heading toward Europe reveal that the majority were either employed or in school at the time of their departure. Yet, they felt despair over their economic prospects. Tunisians fleeing economic pressures, for example, comprised more than a quarter of the irregular migrants intercepted crossing the Mediterranean to Italy in 2021. Furthermore, migrants tend to have resources, either in the form of jobs or familial support networks, especially when family members are already in another country.[3]
WEEKLY TRADE POLLS (SECOND WEEK MAY, 2023)
Figure 2: Impact of Excessive Migration to African Ecosystem
Against this backdrop, Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR) aims to explore through her weekly trade poll for African countries the potential effects and implications of excessive migration on African countries’ trade ecosystems and provide a recommendation based on the findings. Findings from the poll revealed that 25 percent of the respondents assert that excessive migration for African countries’ trade ecosystems is “beneficial”, 63 percent opined that excessive migration for African countries’ trade ecosystems is “detrimental” and 12 percent were undecided, i.e., “can’t say”. Thus, the poll confirmed that the implication of excessive migration for African countries’ trade ecosystems is detrimental based on a popular opinion from the poll. However, it is essential to strike a balance to harness the benefits of migration while mitigating its potential negative impacts on African countries’ trade ecosystems. Those that indicated that excessive migration is beneficial believe remittance inflows, market expansion, diaspora goodwill, and promotion of economic diversification that will stimulate innovation and knowledge transfer, increase regional cohesion and integration
Inadequate migration data, ineffective border control and regulations are some of the significant difficulties in managing migration throughout the African continent. So therefore, African countries should invest in evidence-based research that will support their policy decision on border control mechanisms and likewise provide sound quality education, professional development, and infrastructure to retain skilled workers. By creating an attractive environment, countries can reduce the brain drain and encourage skilled individuals to stay and contribute to domestic industries. Although data from polls reveal that excessive migration is detrimental to African country’s economies and linked to poverty, youth unemployment, political instability, violent conflict and war, climate change, and urbanization will continue to fuel the desire for people seeking to massive emigrate.
Based on the analysis, it is crucial to strike a balance that harnesses the benefits of migration while mitigating its potential negative impacts on African countries’ trade ecosystems. The following recommendations are proposed:
Enhance Skill Retention Strategies:
African countries should prioritize education, professional development, and infrastructure investments to retain skilled workers. By creating an attractive environment, countries can reduce brain drain and encourage skilled individuals to remain and contribute to domestic industries.
Foster Diaspora Engagement:
African nations should actively engage with their diaspora communities, leveraging their skills, networks, and financial resources to promote trade and investment. Governments can establish initiatives that facilitate diaspora involvement, such as investment incentives, trade missions, and business matchmaking platforms.
Promote Diversification:
African countries should prioritize economic diversification to reduce reliance on imported goods and services. This involves supporting the growth of domestic industries, fostering entrepreneurship, and investing in research and development to stimulate innovation. By promoting competitive local industries, countries can mitigate trade imbalances caused by excessive migration.
Strengthen Regional Integration:
African countries should concentrate on strengthening regional trade integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By removing trade barriers, free movement of people and promoting intra-African trade, countries can enhance their resilience to external shocks and tap into the potential of a larger market.
Conclusion:
Excessive migration in African countries impacts trade ecosystems. While remittance inflows and market expansion offer opportunities, brain drain and trade imbalances pose challenges. By implementing the recommended strategies, African countries can maximize the benefits of migration while minimizing its detrimental effects, ultimately fostering sustainable trade ecosystems and promoting economic growth in line with professional and industry standards.
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[1] Confronting the challenges of migration in West and Central Africa | Africa Renewal (un.org)
[2] African migration: trends, patterns, drivers | Comparative Migration Studies | Full Text (springeropen.com)
[3] African Migration Trends to Watch in 2022 – Africa Center for Strategic Studies
