The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the African Union (AU) have renewed their strategic cooperation to advance migration governance across Africa through a new three-year agreement, as announced in an IOM press release on August 21.

Signed on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the agreement "reaffirms both organizations' commitment to ensuring migration contributes to development, stability, and prosperity throughout the continent," the press release stated.

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Accord to 'protect rights and invest in mobility'

"This renewed agreement reflects our shared determination with the African Union to put migration at the heart of Africa's development agenda," said IOM Director General Amy Pope.

"By strengthening policy frameworks, protecting migrant rights, and investing in human mobility, we can unlock opportunities for millions of people and build resilience. This is not only about shaping inclusive societies in Africa but also about demonstrating how well-governed migration benefits countries of origin, transit, and destination alike," Pope added.

The agreement "builds upon a collaboration first formalized in 2022 and reflects a common vision to position migration as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development. It provides a roadmap for coordinated action between IOM and the AU, ensuring that African member states have the tools and support needed to manage mobility in line with continental priorities and global commitments," the press release noted.

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African youth 'brimming with innovation and thirst for knowledge'

"Africa stands at the brink of a demographic revolution, endowed with the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world," said Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission (AUC).

"Our vibrant youth are brimming with innovation, dynamism, and a thirst for knowledge, ready to contribute to global progress. Simultaneously, Japan, a beacon of technological advancement and economic prowess, faces unique demographic shifts that necessitate a skilled and diverse workforce to sustain its growth and innovation. This partnership with IOM will help us harness mobility for jobs to attain development, peace, and prosperity across the continent," she added.

The TICAD9 conference, held under the theme "Co-create innovative solutions with Africa", inspired the AU-IOM side event convened under the same conference and anchored on the theme, "Building the Future Together: The Potential of Human Mobility in Connecting African Talent and Japanese Companies".

"By renewing this partnership, IOM and the AUC are ensuring that migration remains central to Africa's long-term development agenda, with a focus on protecting people, empowering communities, and building stronger economies," the press release concluded.

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