Free movement of people is key to unlocking Africa's economic potential, but achieving it requires better management of migration. The issue is on the agenda at this week's African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa. Leaders are expected to consider and adopt the Draft Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment (Free Movement Protocol) and its Draft Implementation Roadmap.
Migration governance and policy in Africa needs to emphasise the economic and development benefits of people moving across the continent's borders, while minimising the short-term downside of mass migration. Policies are also needed to address problems like xenophobia, the marginalisation of migrants and the limited resources of host countries.
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