The New South Institute (NSI) is pleased to announce the publication of “An Analysis of Migration Governance Frameworks in West Africa: The Role of ECOWAS in Facilitating Free Movement and Regional Integration”, the latest addition to the Migration Governance Reform in Africa Program (MIGRA). Authored by Victor Amadi, this article continues our series that provides a comprehensive examination of migration governance issues across Africa, with a specific focus on the crucial role of ECOWAS in shaping migration policies and regional integration.

Key findings from the ECOWAS Study

Victor Amadi provides a comprehensive analysis of ECOWAS migration governance frameworks. Key insights from the article include:

ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol: The report demonstrates how the protocol allows ECOWAS citizens to travel, live, and work across member states without needing a visa, supported by measures like the ECOWAS passport and border control mechanisms.

Challenges in Implementation: Some countries have been slow to adopt the protocol due to security concerns, unemployment, and pressure on public services. Migrants also face difficulties at border crossings, such as informal fees and excessive documentation.

Migration and Economic Development: The report analyses how migration plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, with remittances boosting household and national incomes. Labour migration supports key industries, like agriculture and trade, though the study points to the need for better protection of migrant rights.

Strengthening Migration Governance: The study shows how ECOWAS is improving migration governance through initiatives like training border officials, aligning national policies, and collaborating with organisations like the IOM. It also emphasizes the importance of upgrading border infrastructure and digitising processes to improve mobility.

Strategic Recommendations: Concluding with specific recommendations for policymakers, the study highlights the need to adapt migration policies to current trends, ensuring both security and stability. By enhancing cooperation and enforcement, ECOWAS can better leverage migration to drive regional integration and sustainable development. 

Engage further

The NSI invites you to download and explore the findings of this insightful study, which highlights critical migration policies and governance frameworks that are pivotal not only to ECOWAS member states but to the broader African migration landscape.