Côte d’Ivoire is taking significant steps to enhance the collection and management of labour migration statistics, positioning itself as a leader in West Africa. This initiative, supported by the AU-ILO-IOM Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) and the Africa Regional Migration Program (ARMP), aims to improve the country’s ability to gather and utilize crucial data on migrant workers.
Recently, a training workshop was held in Grand-Bassam, bringing together national experts to assess the current capacity, identify gaps, and explore advancements in using the Labour Market Information System (LMIS). This workshop, the third of its kind under the JLMP, marks a significant milestone in Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to become a regional benchmark for labour migration data management.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, especially considering West Africa’s significant migrant population. The region hosts 28% of Africa’s international migrants, second only to East Africa. With 7.39 million international migrants, the need for accurate and comprehensive data to inform effective labour migration policies is critical.
M Penatien Emile Kone, Côte d’Ivoire’s Director of Studies, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, expressed the country’s ambition to set a leading example for other African nations. By investing in quality migration data, Côte d’Ivoire aims to become a reference point for neighboring countries and beyond.
The JLMP, which has been instrumental in supporting labour migration governance frameworks across Africa since 2018, recognizes the importance of understanding labour market dynamics at both macro and micro levels. Ms. Odette Bolly, the JLMP Coordinator at the African Union Commission (AUC), emphasized the program’s commitment to improving the comparability of data between member states and regions.
One of the key challenges faced by data experts across the continent has been the fragmentation of data sources, inconsistent methodologies, and limited resources. These issues have long hindered the accuracy and comprehensiveness of migration data collection efforts. The current initiative aims to address these challenges by promoting a unified approach to data collection and management.
The JLMP has already supported the development of an assessment report on the status of the LMIS in Côte d’Ivoire. This report serves as a benchmark not only for the country but also for other nations in the region looking to improve their labour market information systems.
Ms. Emma Masabo, the Labour Migration and Social Inclusion Programme Officer at IOM Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted that this effort embodies a collective desire to meet challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by labour migration.
As Côte d’Ivoire continues to lead the way in improving labour migration data collection and management, it sets an example for other West African countries to follow. This initiative not only enhances the country’s ability to formulate effective migration policies but also contributes to the broader goal of improving labour migration governance across the African continent.
The success of this project could have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to more informed decision-making, better protection for migrant workers, and improved economic outcomes for both sending and receiving countries in the region.