East and Horn of Africa Strengthen Labour Migration Governance Through Social Dialogue

From 9–11 April 2025, Kenya hosted the third Labour Migration Advisory Group (LMAG) Meeting under the BRMM Programme in Mombasa, convened under the theme “Enhancing the Role of Social Dialogue in Improving Labour Migration Governance.” The meeting brought together 46 participants from seven EHoA countries, alongside regional institutions such as the African Union Commission, the EAC, IGAD, Business Africa, and ITUC-Africa.

Over three days, government officials, workers’ and employers’ organizations reviewed progress, shared good practices, and outlined national priorities. The meeting highlighted the critical role of social dialogue, inclusive participation, and data-driven approaches in strengthening labour migration governance.

Day One focused on programme achievements, including support to Technical Working Groups (TWGs), development of national labour migration policies, operationalization of Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs), and promotion of International Labour Standards. Countries shared significant accomplishments, such as Ethiopia’s Lemengede app (To my journey) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system, Kenya’s One-Stop Shop Centre and pre-departure systems, Somalia’s new Labour Code and BLMA, Djibouti’s ratification of Convention 181, Uganda’s LMIS launch, Tanzania’s expansion of overseas employment opportunities, and Sudan’s validation of its labour migration policy.

Day Two highlighted the role of social partners through presentations and panel discussions. Field visits showcased the Saudi Model House and BRMM-supported SIYB entrepreneurs, demonstrating the link between skills development, readiness for overseas employment, and reintegration support.

Day Three featured a gallery walk of promising practices and facilitated national priority-setting. Countries committed to strengthening LMIS tools, finalizing legal frameworks, operationalizing MRCs, and expanding skills-based mobility agreements.

The meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to coordinated, rights-based labour migration governance. Countries will reconvene next year to review progress.