Intra-African Migration Fosters Economic Dev’t, Structural Transformation, Says UNCTAD Report

Addis Ababa May 31/2018 Intra-African migration has significant role in fostering economic development and structural transformation of the continent, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report indicated. During the launching of the “Economic Development in Africa Report 2018” today, Economic Commission for Africa Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe said “migration within the continent is not a problem. ” According to her, “the GDP per capita for Africa for migration is over 3000 USD, that is higher than the GDP per capita produced on the continent overall.” Songwe appreciated Rwanda’s move towards the implementation of free movement and accepting Africans without visa. UNCTAD Secretary-General, Mukhisa Kituyi said over 53 percent of migration is within Africa and the rest outside the continent. Migrants in general go with innovative skills and are above average entrepreneurs to see business opportunities that raise public revenue by paying taxes for the economy of a destination country, he added. The Economic Development in Africa Report 2018 states that if properly managed, intra-African migration fosters economic growth and promotes structural transformation in destination countries. The report reveals that intra-African migration provides opportunities for African female migrants and youth who comprised 47 and 16 percent of Africa’s international migrants in 2017. Intra-African migration promotes inclusive growth and poverty reduction in countries of origin through remittances and diaspora while it boosts investment in destination countries through tax and consumption, it was learned. There were 41 million international migrants, of which 19 million resided in Africa and 17 million left the continent.