Strengthening labour migration statistics in East & Horn of Africa (EHoA)

Labour statisticians and relevant actors working on labour statistics in East and Horn of Africa capacity enhanced. The ILO Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) programme, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), organized regional peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing training on labour migration statistics from 21 to 25, October 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The training brought together 40 participants (10 female) from seven EHoA countries and regional organizations, including social partners. The training addressed gap in labour migration statistics across EHoA and strengthen institutional capacities for data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Labour migration is a critical component of economic and social development. As demographic shifts and global economic pressures drive increased mobility, reliable data is essential to craft effective labour migration policies that protect rights, promote fair recruitment, and strengthen economic growth. However, many countries in EHoA lack comprehensive and up to date labour migration statistics, leading to challenges in understanding labour migration trends and their impact on labour markets. Considering this, the training sought to equipped participants with the tools and knowledge needed to bridge these gaps and align regional efforts with international standards.

The opening session set the stage for a week of collaborative learning. Representatives from the ILO, Tanzanian government and social partners, and regional organizations underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking in addressing migration challenges. They highlighted how demographic pressures, economic inequality, and climate change drive migration patterns, requiring responses informed by accurate and disaggregated data. Participants, representing ministries, national statistical offices, social partners, and regional bodies, were encouraged to share their perspectives and experiences to enrich the training sessions.

© ILO BRMM

Participants engaged on critical topics related to labour migration governance, focusing on ICLS guidelines to standardize data collection and analysis, the impact of fair recruitment costs on migrant workers, and the importance of aligning practices with Sustainable Development Goal indicator 10.7.1. Discussions addressed challenges in utilizing censuses, surveys, and administrative records, and proposed strategies including integrating labour migration modules in censuses and surveys, harmonizing methodologies, and fostering inter-agency cooperation. The role of Labour Market Information Systems was also emphasized for improving data accessibility and policy relevance, with case studies and best practices providing actionable insights. Practical exercises reinforced these concepts, enabling participants to collaboratively discuss data gaps, share experiences, and apply learned strategies effectively.

The workshop concluded with a plenary session where participants reflected on the week’s discussions and identified priorities for improving labour migration statistics in the region. They stressed the need for harmonized methodologies, enhanced use of administrative data, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. The importance of strengthening regional collaboration through partnerships with organizations like the African Union and Regional Economic Communities was also highlighted.

The outcomes of the training were evident in the feedback from participants. Pre- and post-training assessments showed an increase in knowledge, particularly in understanding global estimates and fair recruitment costs. Participants expressed appreciation for the participatory nature of the sessions and the opportunity to learn from peers. Many emphasized the value of continued knowledge-sharing.