Sandton, South Africa –South Africa’s National Planning Commission (NPC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are jointly holding a high-level forum under the theme “Migration as a Development Catalyst: through Policy Development Based on Evidence, Diaspora Involvement and International Collaboration." The four-day event, which is part of the joint collaboration between the South African National Planning Commission and IOM, taking place at The Capital on the Park in Sandton, brings together key stakeholders from across the African Continent and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region to explore the potential of migration as a tool for development.

Migration within the SADC region has a history of being influenced by cultural, linguistic, and economic factors. South Africa remains a primary destination for migrants from across Africa, while also being a source of emigration to Western countries. The forum acknowledges that well-managed migration can significantly contribute to human development, benefiting both origin and destination countries.

"We are all migrants, participating in various forms of migration. The only difference lies in the factors driving our movements. Therefore, we should all feel a shared responsibility in finding collective solutions to migration challenges and unlocking the potential for mutual economic growth through migration and our diaspora,” said Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency, responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

The forum aims to provide a platform for dialogue and the exchange of best practices on key migration issues in the region. Its objectives include reviewing the current state of migration and governance in the Southern Africa region, identifying policy gaps, and developing a migration policy advisory; discussing innovative approaches to leveraging diaspora capital through policy development, investment, and financial literacy; strengthening partnerships to create a shared vision for diaspora engagement; and empowering the diaspora to play a pivotal role in humanitarian response and post-crisis recovery efforts.

“To harness migration as a catalyst for development, we must recognize the immense contributions migrants make to both host countries and countries of origin. From filling critical job vacancies to fostering innovation, their impact is undeniable and must be at the forefront of public policy discussions”, said Lily Sanya, Chief of Mission of IOM in South Africa.

The meeting will continue over the next four days, with a packed agenda focused on areas such as migration governance, diaspora finance, skills mobility, and the integration of migration into national development frameworks. It is expected to conclude with a set of strategic recommendations and action plans to be presented to SADC member states and partners towards strengthening migration governance and leveraging diaspora engagement for development.

Nelson Muffuh, the UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, noted that “the African diaspora plays a critical role in development, sending over 65 billion US dollars annually to the continent—more than what is received in international aid”.

The Conference is a collaborative effort by the NPC, IOM, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the IOM Development Fund, the European Union (EU) and the African Development Bank (AFDB). The event is a key component of the IOM Development Fund (IDF) project "Promoting Regional Integration through Diaspora Capital," as well as the EU- and AFDB-funded projects focused on improving migration management and diaspora engagement in the SADC region.

For more information about the forum and its outcomes, please contact Zarina Rahman at the NPC and IOM at +27823452919 or Zarina@dpme.gov.za and Abibo Ngandu angandu@iom.int respectively.