Region Partnership




... COMESA and IOM Focus on Migration and Economic Integration

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (18-11-2024) - The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has officially accredited Frantz Celestin, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Director, as IOM’s Special Representative to COMESA. 

This accreditation further strengthens the collaboration between the two organizations, which is focused on addressing migration challenges and advancing regional economic integration.

Mulenga Kapwepwe, the COMESA Secretary General, welcomed Celestin to his new role, highlighting the importance of the partnership between COMESA and IOM. 

She stressed that the cooperation is crucial for addressing migration and labor mobility issues, both of which are key to the region's development.




“I am delighted to formally accept your letters of credence and welcome you as IOM’s Special Representative to COMESA. Your appointment comes at a critical time when migration and labor mobility are vital to our region’s development,” said Kapwepwe.

COMESA and IOM have a long history of collaboration, which includes the development of trade facilitation programs for small-scale cross-border traders and regular migration dialogues. 

These initiatives are aimed at addressing migration trends and labor mobility, which are key to fostering regional economic integration.




In August 2023, IOM supported COMESA by organizing a joint meeting of ministers responsible for immigration and labor in Livingstone, Zambia. 

This meeting provided a platform for assessing the economic, social, and political impacts of labor migration in the region.

Kapwepwe also emphasized the importance of advancing the COMESA Free Movement Protocol, which aims to facilitate the mobility of labor, services, and goods across the region. 

She expressed confidence that Celestin’s leadership would accelerate the implementation of the protocol.

“IOM’s support has been instrumental in progress so far, and the new MOU signed in 2023 strengthens our cooperation on border management, migration, and legislative harmonization,” Kapwepwe added.

During his visit to Zambia, Celestin reiterated IOM’s commitment to addressing migration challenges in East, Horn, and Southern Africa. 

He presented IOM’s regional objectives, which include saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving long-term solutions for displacement, and promoting regular migration pathways. 

IOM has remained committed to safeguarding migrants and providing life-saving interventions, ensuring dignity for those affected by migration.

Celestin also emphasized the importance of providing sustainable solutions for those displaced by climate change. 

He outlined that IOM aims to offer displaced individuals pathways to rebuild their lives, reducing their dependency on aid and helping them envision a future beyond displacement.

Another key objective for IOM is promoting the circulation of skilled labor within Africa.

Celestin gave examples of how regional talent could address skills shortages within the continent, such as addressing Zambia’s mechanic shortage with professionals from Egypt or filling healthcare gaps in Kenya with Ugandan doctors. 

He stated, “We believe this strategy strengthens regional economies and creates opportunities for individuals within the continent.”

In addition, Celestin stressed the need to strengthen partnerships with other regional organizations, such as IGAD, EAC, SADC, and COMESA. 

These partnerships are crucial for implementing joint training programs, resource mobilization, and long-term migration-related projects. 

Celestin noted that these efforts are essential for transforming migration into a positive force for economic growth.

In his concluding remarks, Celestin acknowledged the politicization of migration but stressed its historical role as a driver of civilization and development. 

He called for a collective effort to reshape the narrative around migration, highlighting its potential to foster innovation and resilience across borders.

This visit marks Celestin’s first engagement with regional leaders since assuming his position two months ago. 

His remarks reflect IOM’s renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships and addressing migration challenges, while also fostering regional economic integration within COMESA.

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