Fayemi Advocates Borderless Africa, New Approach to Migration, Citizenship, Regional Integration

Former Ekiti State Governor and former Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, has urged a radical reevaluation of Africa's approach to migration, citizenship, and regional integration. In his keynote address at the 2026 Democratic Governance Institute, Fayemi emphasized that Africa's development goals cannot be met without enabling Africans to freely move, work, and belong across borders with dignity and rights.

Titled "Moving Africa: Labour Mobility, Free Movement and the Democratic Governance of Belonging," Fayemi's presentation explored the relationship between human mobility, regional cooperation, and democratic governance. He argued that migration should be seen not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity to boost Africa's collective prosperity.

Fayemi noted that while the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) advances economic integration, restrictions on African movement across borders continue to question the true essence of continental unity. He stressed that an integrated Africa requires policies that prioritize citizenship, belonging, and labour mobility, enabling millions of Africans to move, work, and contribute across the continent.

Drawing on examples from ECOWAS and the African Union, Fayemi proposed ten policies to enhance free movement, protect migrant workers, improve regional collaboration, and ensure migration benefits sustainable development. Fayemi highlighted the importance of recognizing migrants as contributors to economic growth rather than security threats, emphasizing that effective migration governance requires collaboration among African nations.

He urged stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage with his full address as part of ongoing discussions on Africa's future democratic governance and integration.