The African Union (AU) is mobilizing senior journalists across the continent to transform the prevailing narrative on labour migration. This initiative aims to address the negative perceptions that often overshadow the significant socio-economic contributions of migrant workers. The effort was highlighted during a recent two-day workshop held in Dakar, Senegal, organized in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ).
Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of the AU’s Division of Labour, Employment, and Migration, addressed the workshop, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced portrayal of labour migration. He pointed out that much of the existing media coverage is influenced by biases, often sourced from Western media outlets that present a skewed view of Africa. Dr. Mbokazi advocated for a reversal of this information flow, suggesting that Western media should draw from African sources to provide a more balanced depiction of the continent.
The workshop, officially called the Capacity Building Workshop for Journalists and Editors on Building Positive Narrative on Labour Migration Governance in Africa, produced a communiqué outlining several challenges faced by journalists. These include difficulties in accessing reliable migration data, insufficient training in reporting techniques, and a tendency to adopt external narratives that can perpetuate stereotypes. The communiqué also highlighted threats to journalists that lead to self-censorship and underreporting of migration stories from the African perspective.
To address these issues, the workshop participants, comprising senior editors and reporters from over 35 media houses across Africa, pledged to form a network dedicated to improving labour migration coverage. This network will collaborate with the AU to organize training sessions, provide data resources, and enhance awareness about labour migration as a critical rights-based issue.
The AU’s Africa Migration Report reveals that about 85.5 percent of Africa’s employed population, including migrant workers, operates in the informal sector. The report suggests that focusing on human-centered stories can help shift perceptions and better highlight the positive aspects of migration. With Africa’s young population rapidly growing, migration is expected to play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities and facilitating the exchange of skills and knowledge.
Omar Faruk Osman, President of the FAJ, emphasized the media’s role in promoting positive narratives about migrant workers. He noted that migrant workers are essential in filling labour market gaps, sending remittances that support their families, and contributing valuable skills. Osman underscored the media’s duty to accurately represent Africa and its people, countering the negative and often distorted stories that have dominated the discourse.
The communiqué also called for media professionals to combat misinformation and negative stereotypes about African migration. It stressed the importance of ethical reporting and the need for media outlets to highlight the real experiences of migrants, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy among audiences.
In May, African nations launched the Doha Dialogue platform to negotiate the welfare of migrant workers in the Gulf region, aiming to improve conditions and uphold workers’ rights. The workshop reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing the need to ensure that migrant voices are heard and represented responsibly.