2018非洲经济发展报告（英文版）-5mb

Economic Development in Africa Report 2018: Migration for Structural Transformation

Core Content

This report, Economic Development in Africa Report 2018: Migration for Structural Transformation, explores the role of migration in Africa’s economic development and structural transformation. It highlights the importance of both intra-African and extra-continental migration in driving growth and development across the continent. The report is part of the United Nations' efforts to shape a Global Compact for Migration and provides policy guidance for African countries to harness migration for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Main Objectives

• To challenge the misconception that African migration is harmful to the continent.
• To assess the economic and development impacts of migration.
• To provide policy recommendations for integrating migration into broader development strategies.
• To highlight the potential of intra-African migration for regional integration and structural transformation.

Key Findings and Main Points

1. Migration and Structural Transformation

• Migration, both intra-African and extra-continental, contributes positively to the structural transformation of African economies.
• It helps fill skill gaps in destination countries and supports development in origin countries through remittances, knowledge transfer, and diaspora engagement.
• Migrants, including those with high, semi, and low skills, play a vital role in the labor market and economic diversification.

2. Migration Patterns and Trends

• Most migration in Africa occurs within the continent, indicating a strong intra-African movement.
• Key migration corridors include from the Horn of Africa to the Middle East, and from West and East Africa to Southern Africa.
• Migration is often driven by economic opportunities, environmental degradation, and conflict.
• There is a growing trend in both emigration and immigration, with some countries becoming major sources and destinations of migrants.

3. Migration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Migration is not a burden but a means to achieve the SDGs, particularly in areas such as education, health, and economic development.
• The report argues that migration can support the development of both origin and destination countries without stifling social progress.

4. Migration and Trade

• There is a positive correlation between migration and trade, especially in the agricultural sector.
• Migrants contribute to regional food trade and can help diversify economies by accessing new markets and investment opportunities.

5. Migration and the Labour Market

• Migration influences the labor market in both origin and destination countries.
• Highly skilled migrants are more likely to find employment in destination countries, while low-skilled migrants often work in informal sectors.
• Education levels of migrants affect their labor market outcomes and the overall development of the countries they originate from.

6. Policy Implications

• Coherence in policies: Migration, trade, investment, and technology policies should be aligned to support structural transformation.
• Free movement of persons: Implementation of regional protocols on free movement is crucial for integrating migrants and facilitating labor mobility.
• Regional and continental mechanisms: Establishing mechanisms to harness the benefits of intra-African migration is necessary for sustainable development.
• Gender-sensitive policies: Migration policies should consider the specific needs and contributions of women, who are increasingly active in the services sector.
• Public-private partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between governments and private sectors can enhance labor mobility and migration management.
• Financing mechanisms: Exploring ways to leverage remittances and diaspora savings for development is essential.

Recommendations

1. Build coherence in migration, trade, investment, and technology policies.
2. Implement free movement protocols at the continental level.
3. Establish regional mechanisms to harness the benefits of intra-African migration.
4. Adopt gendered perspectives in migration policies.
5. Facilitate labor mobility through public-private initiatives.
6. Investigate financing mechanisms to leverage remittances and diaspora savings.
7. Leverage multilateral partnerships to address drivers of extra-continental migration.
8. Contribute to the Global Compact on Migration with a clear African agenda.

Conclusion

Migration, especially intra-African, is a powerful driver of economic development and structural transformation. The report emphasizes the need for a policy approach that recognizes the dual role of migration in both origin and destination countries, and encourages the creation of supportive frameworks that maximize its benefits while minimizing risks. It also calls for a more integrated and inclusive approach to migration, aligning it with broader development goals and regional integration strategies.

Key Information

• The report includes fictional and real migrant stories to illustrate the diverse experiences of African migrants.
• It provides data and analysis on migration patterns, trade, and labor market outcomes.
• Regional economic communities (RECs) such as COMESA, ECOWAS, and SADC are highlighted as key players in migration policy.
• Migration is shown to be a positive force for development, not a threat.
• The demographic dividend is linked to migration, as it can accelerate economic growth through a shift in the age structure of populations.
• Remittances are a critical tool for development, contributing to both economic growth and social progress in origin countries.

Structure of the Report

• Foreword: Introduces the report's purpose and challenges the negative narrative around African migration.
• Introduction: Sets out the objectives and scope of the report.
• Chapter 1: Discusses the global context, conceptual issues, and the evidence on migration and structural transformation.
• Chapter 2: Examines patterns and trends of migration, including regional and gender dynamics.
• Chapter 3: Focuses on contemporary labor migration and its impact on the labor market.
• Chapter 4: Explores the role of intra-African migration in structural transformation.
• Chapter 5: Takes a long-term view of migration and its contribution to development and the SDGs.
• Chapter 6: Provides recommendations and concludes with the need for inclusive and coherent migration policies.

Supporting Materials

• Boxes: Offer case studies and analytical approaches, such as the role of diaspora in development and the impact of migration on trade.
• Figures and Tables: Provide data on migration stocks, wage differentials, education levels, and remittance costs.
• Glossary: Defines key terms such as brain drain, circular migration, and demographic dividend.

Conclusion Summary

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of migration in Africa, arguing that it is a key factor in achieving economic development and structural transformation. It advocates for a coordinated, inclusive, and policy-driven approach to migration, emphasizing the need for regional integration, gender inclusivity, and the alignment of migration with broader development goals.