Challenge:

In 2015, Africa had 21 million migrants, with 18 million originating from within the continent. Despite widespread attention on African migration flows to Europe, around 80% of migration occurs within Africa itself, with significant movement between regions such as West, Southern, and East Africa, and between Central Africa and other regions. However, much of this intra-continental migration is poorly managed, creating disruption.

The current state of research and data on migration in Africa largely focuses on refugees and human rights, leaving gaps in understanding the broader dynamics of intra- and inter-regional migration. Furthermore, critical areas such as civil registration, identification documentation, criminal and security risk management, and cooperative agreements between African countries on migration information exchange remain underdeveloped.

Action:

The NSI will undertake a comprehensive review of the current migration data in South Africa and across Africa, with a particular focus on civil registration, identification processes, and the management of information related to criminal and security risks. The review will also assess the existing cooperative agreements between African countries regarding migration data exchange. By evaluating the impact of current policies, initiatives, and practices, the NSI aims to identify gaps and propose practical solutions to better manage borders and migration across the continent.

Impact:

The goal of this initiative is to provide actionable recommendations that will enhance the management of migration within Africa. By improving cooperation between African nations, ensuring better documentation and identification systems, and addressing migration-related security concerns, our work will contribute to a more streamlined and less disruptive migration experience across the continent.

The research will also guide South Africa and other African countries in creating more effective, sustainable migration policies that can handle both current migration flows and future challenges.