Between 2020 and 2021, the number of intra-African migrants reached an unprecedented level. In order to implement policies and programs to improve the lives of migrants and strengthen migration governance on the African continent, an African Migration Observatory is set up in February 2021. Sabelo Mbokazi was appointed head of this department. Since then, his actions have been perfectly aligned with the African Union’s vision of humanitarian affairs and social development.
Since February 2021, his objective as Head of Labor, Employment and Migration Division at the African Union Commission (AUC) is to promote safe, orderly and dignified migration in Africa while advocating the protection of the rights of migrant workers and regional cooperation. Senior official at the African Union, Sabelo Mbokazi who understands migration as a development issue works primarily on policies and actions aimed at improving the lives of migrant workers and strengthening migration governance in Africa.
“The fraction or percentage of remittances is such that it is a significant contribution to the GDP of a number of countries. That’s why we think migration is an opportunity.”
SABELO MBOKAZI, Head of Division of Labour, Employment and Migration at the AUC – South Africa
Although it can foster development in Africa, migration remains difficult to manage on the continent. Sabelo Mbokazi and his team are working to improve data collection on migration and employment in Africa, one of his main objectives.
“The main objective of the observatory will be to be, in effect, a data center. It’s going to provide the continent with a centralized, unified source of migration data, with all 55 member countries of the African Union collecting migration data. This data is going to be used to inform the political proposition and policy-making in Africa.”
SABELO MBOKAZI, Head of Division of Labour, Employment and Migration at the AUC – South Africa
Human trafficking is a transnational organized crime that affects many migrants. Sharing the vision of the African Union which is to promote an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent, Sabelo Mbokazi is working to strengthen the protection of the rights of migrant workers. His division focuses on evidence-based policies, migrant security, and safe and dignified returns.
All these centers spread across the continent will focus on migration and on various themes, as Khartoum indicated, including human trafficking. In addition, Bamako will carry out research and studies to develop policy positions and also to build the capacity of member states to develop migration policies.
SABELO MBOKAZI, Head of Division of Labour, Employment and Migration at the AUC – South Africa
The Labour, Employment and Migration Division plays a vital role in promoting responsible, well-managed and beneficial migration for Africa. Since its creation, it has worked actively to improve the situation of migrant workers and strengthen regional cooperation. The division is part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.
