Imagine a continent where borders are no longer barriers but gateways to opportunity, where technology seamlessly connects people, goods, and ideas. This is the bold vision driving the 9th Pan-African Forum on Migration (PAFoM IX), currently underway in Cape Town. But here's where it gets controversial: can technology truly bridge the gap between secure borders and open movement, or will it create new divides? This is the part most people miss: the delicate balance between innovation and inclusivity in shaping Africa's future.
High-ranking African officials, including Director Generals, Chiefs, and Heads of Immigration from African Union Member States, alongside academics and migration experts, have convened to tackle this complex issue. Their mission? To explore how smart technology can revolutionize border governance, fostering human mobility, regional integration, and international trade across the continent. Under the theme “Leveraging Technology for Efficient Human Mobility and Trade in Africa,” this three-day forum, supported by the IOM, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to spark transformative change.
Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment, and Migration at the African Union Commission, emphasized the forum’s goals: “We’re not just talking about upgrading systems; we’re reimagining how borders function. This means modernizing border infrastructure, strengthening legal identity frameworks, promoting visa openness, and digitizing immigration services. These steps are crucial to aligning with Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.”
A bold interpretation: While these initiatives promise progress, they also raise questions about data privacy, accessibility, and the potential exclusion of vulnerable populations. How can we ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone, not just the privileged few?
PAFoM IX builds on the recommendations of its predecessor, PAFoM VIII, held in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2023. That forum highlighted the inefficiencies of outdated border management procedures, which stifle trade, complicate migration, and hinder regional integration. The call to action was clear: accelerate the digitalization, automation, and integration of border management systems to enhance security and facilitate smoother cross-border movement.
A significant moment at PAFoM IX was the handover of forum leadership from Botswana to South Africa, which will steer the continental platform for the next two years. Botswana’s tenure saw remarkable strides in migration management. Mr. Rule Jimmy Opelo, Botswana’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, noted, “We’ve set a benchmark by developing a National Migration Policy, Migration Governance Indicators, and migration profiles, while forging bilateral agreements to streamline labor migration and skills transfer.”
South Africa, as the new chair, is poised to take this momentum further. Mr. Thulani Mavuso, Acting Director General of the South African Department of Home Affairs, outlined their vision: “Our focus is on accelerating the adoption of digital solutions like biometric systems, electronic travel authorizations, and interoperable border platforms. These tools will not only modernize migration governance but also make it more efficient and secure.”
One of the forum’s standout initiatives is the establishment of the Migration Advisory Council (MAC), a technical body under the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Migration, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons. The MAC will provide expert guidance on migration governance, ensuring that policies are informed by the latest research and best practices.
The forum will culminate in the adoption of an outcome document and a special International Migrants Day commemoration on December 18, 2025. A highlight of this celebration will be the launch of the 10th edition of the Africa Visa Openness Index Report 2025, a flagship publication by the AUC and AfDB that tracks AU Member States’ progress toward a visa-free Africa.
Established in 2006 following AU Executive Council Decision EX.CL/276(IX), the Pan-African Forum on Migration has become a vital platform for stakeholders to address migration challenges across the continent. As the discussions in Cape Town unfold, one question lingers: Can Africa truly harness technology to create a borderless future, or will it remain a distant dream? We invite you to join the conversation—share your thoughts, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below. Let’s debate, discuss, and shape the future together.
For media inquiries, please contact:
- Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi | Head of Labour, Employment and Migration Division, AUC | Email: MbokaziS@africanunion.org
- Mr. Tapiwa Mucheri | Migration Policy Officer | AUC | Email: MucheriT@africanunion.org
- Mr. Innocent Vuga | Communication & Knowledge Management Officer – JLMP | Labour, Employment and Migration Division, African Union Commission | Email: VugaI@africaunion.org / ivuga@iom.int
