OIM - IOM Regional Strategy for West and Central Africa 2025-2029 de 2025

WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

2025-2029 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FORIOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

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© IOM 2024 / Lucas Chandellier I nternational Organization for Migration (IOM) (2025). IOM Regional Strategy for West and Central Africa 2025–2029. IOM, Geneva. © IOM 2025 Some rights reserved. This work is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialNoDerivs 3.0 IGO License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO). For further specifications please see the Copyright and Terms of Use. This publication should not be used, published or redistributed for purposes primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation, with the exception of educational purposes, e.g. to be included in textbooks.

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PUB2025/007/RWEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

2025-2029

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PUB2025/007/RWEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

2025-2029 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FORFOREWORD BY THE IOM DIRECTOR GENERALfifififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi7 FOREWORD BY THE IOM REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA fifififififififififififi 9 ABOUT IOM fifififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 11 IOM IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA fifififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 12 MIGRATION OUTLOOK FOR THE REGION fifififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 14 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES fifififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 18 SYNERGIES WITH REGIONAL PROCESSES fififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 27 PARTNERSHIPS fifififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 29

CROSS-CUTTING PRIORITIESfififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 32 ENABLERSfifififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififififi 34

CONTENTS

5 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2024–2028Amy E. POPE IOM Director General Migration is a vital part of West and Central Africa’s history and future, driving development, resilience, and opportunity. IOM is committed to working with stakeholders in the region to address increasingly complex migration challenges, foster regional collaboration and assist communities to reap the benefits of migration.7

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029

The growing complexity of the migration landscape, resulting from various factors – from climate change to conflict to economic disparities – means that cooperation between neighbouring States and regional actors is essential to ensure that migration is safe, orderly and regular. This West and Central Africa Strategy 2025–2029 builds on the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and highlights how IOM will work with partners throughout the region to meet migration challenges. By building on local capacities and knowledge, we can craft solutions that address the specific needs of the West and Central Africa region while promoting sustainable outcomes for migrants and communities alike. This reflects IOM’s vision of delivering on the promise of migration, enabling it to serve as a force for development and prosperity. We must be collaborative and agile to achieve that vision, working together to protect the most vulnerable, address the root causes of rising displacement and facilitate the regular migration pathways that meet the greater demand for migrant workers. The implementation of this Regional Strategy will ensure that we continue to work across

We must be collaborative and agile to achieve that vision, working together to protect the most vulnerable, address the root causes of rising displacement and facilitate the regular migration pathways that meet the greater demand for migrant workers. The implementation of this Regional Strategy will ensure that we continue to work across borders, supporting migrants through a coordinated, inclusive approach that aligns with both regional and global priorities. Together with our partners, IOM will continue to deliver on the promise of migration, ensuring its benefits are shared and that no one is left behind.

FOREWORD BY THE IOM

DIRECTOR GENERAL

Amy E. POPE IOM Director General Migration is an ever-present force that shapes the lives of millions – in the regions people leave behind, the places they journey through and the ones in which they arrive.Pastoralists with their herd of cattle crossing fields in Adamawa State, Nigeria. © IOM 2022 / Mohamed Aly DiabatéMigration has always been a cornerstone of the rich history of West and Central Africa, and will continue to shape its future. The region’s migration flows, characterized by labour mobility, cross-border trade, and deep community ties, hold immense potential for driving economic growth, fostering social and cultural development and strengthening regional cooperation. Yet this dynamic region also faces profound challenges. Conflict, instability, natural disasters and the escalating impacts of climate change continue to drive both internal and cross-border mobility and displacement. In 2023 alone, nearly 8 million people were displaced internally due to conflict and violence. Climate-related events – droughts, floods and desertification – reached historic levels in 2024, further testing the resilience of communities already under strain. Confronting these challenges and finding solutions with the people of West and Central Africa is essential to building safer, more resilient and more prosperous societies, while safeguarding those most at risk. The IOM Regional Strategy for West and Central Africa 2025–2029 emerged from this complex landscape

challenges and finding solutions with the people of West and Central Africa is essential to building safer, more resilient and more prosperous societies, while safeguarding those most at risk. The IOM Regional Strategy for West and Central Africa 2025–2029 emerged from this complex landscape of challenges and opportunities. It is the product of an inclusive and consultative process, involving governments, regional bodies, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), civil society and the region’s vibrant diaspora. This collaborative effort reflects a shared vision for the region’s future: one where migration is harnessed as a force for positive change, with IOM working alongside and in support of our Member States, as part of the United Nations system, and in close collaboration with our partners. At the heart of this Strategy, and in line with the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028, are three core priorities: saving lives and protecting people on the move; driving solutions to displacement; and facilitating pathways for regular migration. These priorities are designed to strengthen labour mobility, support community resilience and promote sustainable development. Our approach also focuses on tackling the underlying causes of forced displacement, ensuring that migration benefits the entire region and contributes to a stable and prosperous future. As one of the world’s most mobile regions, West and Central Africa will continue to experience the movement of its inhabitants; whether they are seeking opportunities or education, or responding to environmental and sociopolitical pressures. Our collective ambition is to ensure that when they do, they can move safely and with dignity, and that their journeys contribute to the development and wellbeing in both their countries of origin and destination. This Strategy is not just about managing migration; it is about unlocking the region’s potential, strengthening its resilience, and ensuring that migration is a pathway to stability, prosperity and opportunity for all. Together, we can transform migration into a catalyst for sustainable development across West and Central

This Strategy is not just about managing migration; it is about unlocking the region’s potential, strengthening its resilience, and ensuring that migration is a pathway to stability, prosperity and opportunity for all. Together, we can transform migration into a catalyst for sustainable development across West and Central Africa, ensuring that no one is left behind.

FOREWORD BY IOM REGIONAL DIRECTOR

FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA Sylvia Ekra IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa 9 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029Participants engage in a crisis simulation exercise at the Côte d’Ivoire-Guinea-Mali border, enhancing preparedness and cross-border collaboration for displacement scenarios. Odienné, Côte d’Ivoire. © IOM 2022 / Mohamed Aly DiabatéABOUT IOM Established in 1951, IOM is the leading United Nations agency on migration and the principal intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. IOM works closely with its key stakeholders – migrants and Member States – to promote safe, orderly and regular migration. This involves providing services and advice to governments, migrants and other stakeholders in order to maximize the benefits and opportunities of migration and reduce its challenges. As of December 2023, IOM had 175 Member States, offices in over 580 field locations and more than 20,900 staff, 90 per cent of whom were deployed in the field. The Organization’s work at all levels is shaped by the three objectives set out in the IOM Strategic Plan 2024-2028: saving lives and protecting people on the move; driving solutions to displacement; and facilitating pathways for regular migration. As recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, migration and sustainable development are inextricably linked. The Sustainable Development Goals – and the commitment to leave no one behind – will not be met without due consideration for migration. Additionally,

pathways for regular migration. As recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, migration and sustainable development are inextricably linked. The Sustainable Development Goals – and the commitment to leave no one behind – will not be met without due consideration for migration. Additionally, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is grounded in the 2030 Agenda and promotes a whole-of-government and whole-ofsociety approach to address this link. In addition to assisting IOM country offices, the Organization’s regional offices play a critical role in supporting regional migration processes by facilitating dialogue, cooperation and capacity-building among countries within their regions to address migration challenges and harness the benefits of migration. The Regional Strategy for West and Central Africa will bring greater coherence and impact to IOM’s activities in the region and allow for a joined-up approach to the way the Organization designs and delivers its operations. It brings new perspectives and new approaches, allowing the IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa to contribute to the Organization’s vision to deliver on the promise of migration, while supporting the world’s most vulnerable. 11 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029IOM IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA There are 22 IOM Member States in West and Central Africa and the Organization has offices in 22 countries and 53 field locations, and more than 2,200 staff. The Regional Office, based in Dakar, covers Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, GuineaBissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, the Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. In 2023, IOM had over USD 295 million in programming in the region, encompassing: migrant protection; peace

Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, the Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. In 2023, IOM had over USD 295 million in programming in the region, encompassing: migrant protection; peace and recovery; humanitarian response; immigration and border governance; migration and health; labour mobility and social inclusion; migration, environment and climate change; policy coordination and migration data and research. The IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa provides technical support and oversight to its country operations. It works closely with government representatives from national, regional and subregional entities to facilitate good migration governance and deliver positive outcomes for migrants and their communities. Supranational institutions that IOM works with include the West African Economic and Monetary Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Liptako-Gourma Integrated Development Authority, the Mano River Union and forums focusing on the Sahel, among others. Together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa is the co-chair of the Regional United Nations Network on Migration, which aims to facilitate effective, timely and coordinated United Nations systemwide support to Member States on migration policy, including on the implementation, follow-up, and review of the Global Compact. The Organization also has partnerships with a range of civil society and academic partners at the national and regional level. Through these collaborations, IOM aims to foster a holistic understanding of migration dynamics in the region, emphasizing the interaction between different thematic areas, such as border governance, policy, humanitarian assistance, health and development, through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. 12

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029MIGRATION

OUTLOOK FOR

THE REGIONMIGRATION OUTLOOK

humanitarian assistance, health and development, through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. 12

IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029MIGRATION

OUTLOOK FOR

THE REGIONMIGRATION OUTLOOK FOR THE REGION The migration outlook for West and Central Africa over the next five years will be shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including socioeconomic conditions, changing migration policies, climate change, instability and conflict. IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) data show that 74 per cent of individuals surveyed in 2023 in West and Central Africa were travelling within the region for labour or economic reasons. Looking forward, the primary motivation for migration is projected to remain economic, with people continuing to move to obtain employment and a better standard of living. However, an increasing number of migrants in situations of vulnerability, including displaced people and refugees, are expected to be fleeing conflict or natural disasters, and will have significant humanitarian and protection needs. This dynamic will require solutions that respond to the evolving nature of mixed migration flows, where economic migrants, refugees and other displaced populations move alongside each other, often using the same routes, but with different legal statuses and needs. According to the DTM, an estimated 93 per cent of migration flows in 2023 were internal to the region, and the vast majority of international migrant flows in West and Central Africa are likely to remain intraregional. Migrants from countries with low per capita incomes will continue to move to relatively more developed and stable neighbouring countries, or towards the higherincome coastal countries in the southern part of the region. Internal migration flows will be characterized by urbanization in all countries, due to the economic and social opportunities available in cities. This points to the need for nations to better plan and regulate urban growth so that the development potential of rural–urban migration can be maximized. Existing commitments to promote trade, boost economic growth and foster unity through freedom of movement protocols led by the African Union

and social opportunities available in cities. This points to the need for nations to better plan and regulate urban growth so that the development potential of rural–urban migration can be maximized. Existing commitments to promote trade, boost economic growth and foster unity through freedom of movement protocols led by the African Union and regional economic communities hold immense potential, facilitating regular migration pathways and unlocking the developmental benefits of migration within the region. However, to fully realize this potential, enduring obstacles must be addressed. These include differing national migration policies, security concerns, limited access to legal identity documents for some populations and the infrastructural readiness of Member States to manage increased cross-border movement. Tackling these challenges will require enhanced engagement and regional dialogues on migration. Labour migration within West and Central Africa will continue to be heavily influenced by the region’s significant agricultural and extractive industries. Seasonal labour migration will remain crucial for both subsistence and commercial agriculture. Similarly, the extractive industries will drive a substantial amount of labour migration to often remote areas that are rich in natural resources but poor in social infrastructure. As evidenced in recent years, the opening of new sites of natural resource extraction has the potential to transform sending countries into destination countries, lending an unpredictability to migration flows. Transhumance, involving cross-border seasonal movement of livestock, remains vital for the livelihoods of millions and, if properly managed, will increasingly act as a form of adaptation to climatic, economic and security challenges in the region. The prospects for an increase in regular migration pathways beyond the region will depend primarily on the political climate, labour market needs and migration policy reforms in destination countries, especially those in Europe and the Gulf States. While most countries in West and Central Africa have not traditionally been systematically approached as a source for labour migrants, this is likely to change as the demand for skilled labour increases in highand middleincome countries with ageing populations. In addition to negotiating bilateral labour migration agreements that protect their nationals, governments will need to

most countries in West and Central Africa have not traditionally been systematically approached as a source for labour migrants, this is likely to change as the demand for skilled labour increases in highand middleincome countries with ageing populations. In addition to negotiating bilateral labour migration agreements that protect their nationals, governments will need to develop a raft of migration and development policies, plans and strategies to effectively support migrants throughout the migration continuum, encompassing pre-departure, migration and return and reintegration. While irregular migrants will remain a small proportion of overall migration flows, irregular migration will 14 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029continue to be associated with serious protection risks for migrants, undermining immigration and border management regimes in origin, transit and destination countries, and contributing to anti-migrant sentiment. These risks include exposure to exploitation, violence and human trafficking, particularly for vulnerable groups, such as women and unaccompanied minors. Irregular migration from West and Central Africa often occurs along the Central Mediterranean, Western Mediterranean and Western Atlantic routes.1 IOM flow monitoring shows that while the volume of migrants moving along particular routes can fluctuate, the routes themselves do not significantly change. This points to a need for strong protection-oriented routebased approaches. Nationals from West and Central Africa represented 37 per cent of all irregular arrivals to Europe in the first quarter of 2024.2 Irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa towards Europe, and within West and Central Africa, is expected to increase unless underlying causes are addressed. These include income gaps between countries, political instability and conflict, environmental challenges, limited legal migration pathways and criminality and corruption linked to the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking. Collaborative international efforts and investments in sustainable development and migration management, such as the Africa–EU Strategic Partnership, are critical for tackling these root causes. By fostering stability, promoting opportunities for education and employment (particularly for the youth), and creating regular migration opportunities, the push factors that

Collaborative international efforts and investments in sustainable development and migration management, such as the Africa–EU Strategic Partnership, are critical for tackling these root causes. By fostering stability, promoting opportunities for education and employment (particularly for the youth), and creating regular migration opportunities, the push factors that lead to irregular migration can be significantly reduced. In 2023, 8.1 million people in the region were internally displaced by conflict and violence.3 The outlook regarding the impact of interand intra-State conflict and instability on migration within West and Central Africa points towards a continuing and possibly increasing trend of both internal and international displacement. Persistent and emerging conflicts, coupled with political instability in other countries, will be significant drivers of human displacement. The presence of non-State armed groups, including violent extremist organizations, will likely remain a 1 IOM, “Displacement Tracking Matrix: West and Central Africa”, web page, accessed 22 October 2024. 2 IOM, “Displacement Tracking Matrix: West and Central Africa – Irregular Migration Routes to Europe (January–March 2024)”, 2024. 3 International Displacement Monitoring Centre, “Global Report on Internal Displacement”, 2024. significant driver of insecurity leading to displacement. As many of these situations have little hope of rapid resolution, the pattern of displacement will persist unless durable solutions for displaced populations, violence prevention and broader stabilization efforts are implemented. Climate migration and displacement will become increasingly prominent in West and Central Africa, where adverse environmental conditions leading to increased natural disasters will directly and indirectly influence human mobility. The Lake Chad Basin in the Sahel Region and coastal areas of West Africa are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. These regions will suffer from significant environmental stresses, such as drought, desertification and sealevel rise, which will threaten local agriculture, water resources and livelihoods. Climate migration will not only have immediate humanitarian implications, but will also pose long-term challenges for urban planning

These regions will suffer from significant environmental stresses, such as drought, desertification and sealevel rise, which will threaten local agriculture, water resources and livelihoods. Climate migration will not only have immediate humanitarian implications, but will also pose long-term challenges for urban planning and regional stability, as migrants will move to cities already struggling with health care and other social resources and infrastructure. Gender, age and ethnicity will continue to play a critical role in defining the experiences and outcomes of migrants. Gender impacts every stage of migration. Men principally migrate as a result of economic pressures, seeking employment in more prosperous regions or industries that promise higher wages and better working conditions. While women likewise migrate in search of better socioeconomic opportunities, they also do so to escape genderspecific adversities. Ethnicity affects migration because historical, social and familial ties influence migration routes and destinations, with ethnic conflicts occasionally forcing entire communities to relocate. Migration motives differ according to age: younger individuals often migrate for education or jobs, while older adults move for family reunification or retirement. Unaccompanied children face high risks of exploitation, requiring protective interventions. These factors create a complex mosaic of migration dynamics in West and Central Africa, requiring policies that address the varied needs of diverse and mixed migrant groups. 15 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029An awareness caravan in Aderbissanat, the Niger, engages the community to promote safe migration practices and informed decision-making, highlighting the impact of reintegration and protection efforts. © IOM 2023 / Daniel KouawoSTRATEGIC PRIORITIESSTRATEGIC PRIORITIES Globally, IOM is committed to delivering on the promise of safe, orderly and regular migration while supporting the most vulnerable. To clarify how the Organization will contribute to this at the regional level, three regional strategic priorities for the period 2025–2029 have been defined based on the three objectives of the IOM Strategic Plan

and regular migration while supporting the most vulnerable. To clarify how the Organization will contribute to this at the regional level, three regional strategic priorities for the period 2025–2029 have been defined based on the three objectives of the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028. They respond to current and emerging challenges across the region and are in line with the commitment of IOM to assist Member States in implementing intergovernmental commitments, such as the Global Compact, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. While country offices will retain the flexibility to respond to the specific needs of their Member States, these priorities will guide the Organization’s work in ensuring a coordinated and cohesive approach across the region. Nouhou Négué BARRY, an IOM beneficiary under the MPRR programme, has chosen as his reintegration project to complete his nursing studies in Mamou, Guinea. © IOM 2023 / Lucas Chandellier 18 IOM REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2025–2029The outlook for humanitarian crises within West and Central Africa underscores a pressing need for targeted interventions regarding humanitarian and protection assistance. This requirement has arisen in response to ongoing and emerging conflicts and a projected increase in natural disasters, which will drive significant internal and cross-border displacement, necessitating robust and coordinated efforts to meet basic needs and safeguard the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable individuals. With declining funding and increasing numbers of crisis-affected p