Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has called for a new approach to migration, citizenship and regional integration in Africa, arguing that the continent’s development ambitions cannot be achieved without allowing Africans to move, work and live across borders with dignity and rights.
Fayemi made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Democratic Governance Institute organised by the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) in collaboration with the Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana.
Speaking on the theme, “Moving Africa: Labour Mobility, Free Movement and the Democratic Governance of Belonging,” Fayemi described migration as an opportunity capable of advancing Africa’s economic prosperity rather than merely a policy challenge.
He noted that ongoing efforts toward continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) must be complemented by policies that encourage free movement, labour mobility and inclusive citizenship.
“An integrated Africa cannot be built only through agreements and institutions; it must also be reflected in the ability of Africans to move, work and contribute across the continent,” he said.
Drawing lessons from ECOWAS and African Union experiences, Fayemi proposed ten policy measures aimed at protecting migrant workers, promoting regional cooperation and ensuring migration contributes to sustainable development.
According to him, migrants should be recognised as economic contributors rather than viewed solely through a security lens.
He stressed that Africa’s future depends on systems that promote inclusion, opportunity and shared prosperity, urging policymakers and stakeholders to deepen conversations on migration governance and continental integration.
