ECOWAS Unveils Labour Migration Strategy to Empower West Africa’s Workforce. By Raymond Enoch
In a significant stride towards regional integration and sustainable development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a comprehensive Labour Migration Strategy aimed at addressing the evolving dynamics of workforce mobility across the region. The strategy was unveiled during a validation workshop ongoing in Accra, Ghana, attended by key stakeholders including government officials, international organizations, and civil society representatives.
Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, emphasized the importance of migration as a cornerstone of West African identity and development. He called for stronger protection systems and simplified migration pathways that reflect the realities of the region’s youth and informal workforce.
According to the ECOWAS Commission, over 3.9 million international labour migrants move across West Africa, with 41% being women. Despite the high mobility, challenges persist in areas such as skills recognition, data interoperability, and access to social protection. The new strategy aims to address these gaps through a coordinated, evidence-based, and gender-responsive approach.
The strategy is structured around five strategic objectives:
Strengthening Migration Governance: Enhancing institutional frameworks to manage migration effectively.
ECOWAS
Protecting Workers’ Rights: Ensuring fair treatment and protection of migrant workers across borders.
International Labour Organization.
Engaging the Diaspora: Leveraging the potential of the diaspora for regional development.
south+ south point.
Promoting Gender and Social Inclusion: Addressing the specific needs of women and marginalized groups in migration processes.
Reinforcing Regional Cooperation: Fostering collaboration among member states to implement the strategy effectively.
High-level support for the strategy was echoed by H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Alhassan, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana; Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, IOM Chief of Mission (Ghana, Benin & Togo); and Mr. Guite Diop, ILO Regional Specialist. They reinforced the urgency of translating policy into action to achieve the desired outcomes.
This strategic initiative aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), reflecting a commitment to fostering a region where migration contributes positively to economic growth and social cohesion.
ECOWAS
As the workshop continues through May 15, 2025, it sets the tone for a new chapter in regional migration governance, aiming to create pathways that empower individuals and communities across West Africa.
The implementation of this strategy is anticipated to not only enhance the management of labour migration but also to contribute significantly to the broader goals of regional integration and shared prosperity in West Africa.
