On 31 March 2026, the Pan African Institute for Development – East and Southern Africa (PAID–ESA), in collaboration with key partners including the Pan African Coastal Foundation and the Avoidable Deaths Network, successfully convened a virtual high-level dialogue under the theme: “Migration Policies and the Burden of Avoidable Deaths in Africa’s Irregular Pathways” Hosted by Dr. Franklin Babila Doh, the event brought together a diverse and multidisciplinary group of 32 participants representing a wide spectrum of stakeholders. These included: Municipal and local council authorities Migration and border governance actors Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) practitioners Diplomats and policy makers Medical professionals Development partners and international actors Researchers and academics Financial crime and transnational risk experts Participants joined from across the continent, notably from Cameroon, South Sudan, The Gambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Uganda, Chad, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana, among others—reflecting the truly pan-African scope of the dialogue.
Key Discussions and Insights
The dialogue provided a critical platform for examining the structural, policy, and human dimensions of migration-related deaths across Africa’s irregular migration pathways. Discussions were deeply analytical, combining empirical insights, policy critique, and lived experiences.
The session featured key expert contributions from Princess Ibiene George (Main Speaker), alongside Kate NANYONGO (PhD) and EKOH Guilbert, whose interventions significantly enriched the depth and direction of the discussions.
Key thematic areas included:
Root Causes of Irregular Migration
Participants highlighted structural drivers such as unemployment, conflict, governance deficits, demographic pressures, and climate-related vulnerabilities.
Migration Routes and Associated Risks
Detailed exchanges focused on high-risk migration corridors, including exposure to trafficking networks, violence, exploitation, and hazardous environmental conditions.
Data and Evidence on Migration-Related Deaths
A major concern raised was the absence of reliable and harmonized data systems, with many deaths remaining undocumented, thereby obscuring the true scale of the crisis.
Policy and Governance Analysis
Participants critically examined existing migration frameworks, noting that many policies remain externally driven and insufficiently aligned with African socio-political realities, limiting their effectiveness.
Intersection of Gender, Youth, and Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities
A central analytical thread of the discussion explored how gender dynamics, youth marginalization, and socio-economic inequalities intersect to amplify migration risks.
Women and girls were identified as disproportionately exposed to sexual exploitation, trafficking, and gender-based violence along migration routes.
Youth, driven by limited economic opportunities and social mobility constraints, were highlighted as the most vulnerable demographic engaging in high-risk migration.
Socio-economic marginalization, particularly in fragile and underserved regions, was seen as a key factor pushing individuals into irregular and often dangerous migration pathways.
Participants emphasized that these vulnerabilities are not isolated but mutually reinforcing, requiring integrated and intersectional policy responses.
6. Personal Testimonies and Lived Experiences
The dialogue was enriched by participants sharing personal and field-based experiences, reinforcing the human cost behind migration statistics and policy failures.
Strategic Recommendations
The dialogue concluded with strong, forward-looking, and action-oriented recommendations:
African Solutions to African Challenges
A strong consensus emerged on the need for context-specific, African-led policy frameworks that reflect local realities and priorities.
Structural Transformation of Institutions
Participants called for the reform and strengthening of African governance and operational systems to ensure they are responsive, coordinated, and effective.
Youth-Centered Policy Approaches
Given the demographic realities of the continent, there is an urgent need to:
- Expand economic and employment opportunities
- Strengthen education and vocational systems
- Promote safe and legal migration alternatives
Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Migration Policies
Policies must explicitly address gender-specific risks and vulnerabilities, ensuring protection mechanisms for women and marginalized groups.
Integration of DRR and Migration Governance
Participants emphasized the importance of mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into migration governance, particularly in the context of climate-induced displacement.
Strengthening Data Systems and Early Warning Mechanisms
There is a need for robust, coordinated, and interoperable data systems to track migration flows and prevent avoidable deaths through early warning and response mechanisms.
Conclusion
The event reinforced a powerful and urgent message:
“Disaster deaths are avoidable.”
Addressing migration-related deaths in Africa requires more than policy reform; it demands a systemic transformation grounded in African realities, inclusive governance, and human-centered approaches.
PAID–ESA remains committed to advancing evidence-based dialogue, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships to reduce avoidable deaths and promote safer migration pathways across Africa.