Under the theme “Synergies for improved Labour Migration Governance”, BUSINESSAfrica had the honour to participate at the Regional Tripartite Conference on Labour Migration in Economic Communities in Central African States (ECCAS) and Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The conference aimed at strengthening labour migration governance and promoting cooperation between ECCAS and COMESA on labour migration issues. It also presented an opportunity to discuss the implementation of a key policy instruments, guidelines, and initiatives on protecting African migrant workers within and outside the continent. Moreover, it explored ways to strengthen cooperation among key stakeholders working on Labour Migration in ECCAS and COMESA where BUSINESSAfrica (BA) is a key player in labour related issues with its BUSINESSAfrica members within East and Southern Africa.

Labour migration is clearly articulated in the 1991 Abuja Treaty1 which urged African Member States to foster mutual economic, social, and cultural development amongst African States through sharing its human resources and skills as well as allowing free movement within the African Economic Community.

The first aspiration of the African Union Agenda 20632 aims to build a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Incomes, jobs, and decent work have been identified as critical indicators for achieving this objective.