A recent report by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) highlights a frequently overlooked fact: more than three-quarters i.e. 77% of migration in West and Central Africa occurs within the region itself. This finding challenges the widespread perception that African migration is primarily directed toward Europe or North America.

Mobility is deeply rooted in the region’s history

Migration in this part of the continent is by no means a recent phenomenon. It reflects centuries-old traditions of economic, social and cultural exchange. Whether through transhumance, labour migration or displacement caused by climate change and conflict, mobility remains a defining feature of life in the region.

Contrary to media narratives that focus on migration to the West, the vast majority of migrants remain within the region. According to the IOM, most of the 11.3 million recorded migrants come from neighbouring countries. Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Chad are among the primary destination countries, while Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria are the main countries of departure.

Dynamics shaped by local realities

Migration in West and Central Africa is largely influenced by proximity, community ties, cross-border economic opportunities and established mobility networks. According to the IOM, most migrants in 2024 were young men seeking employment. Female migration is also increasing, accounting for 22% of cases, and is often motivated by work or family reasons.

Economic factors remain the strongest driver, with 72% of surveyed migrants moving to find work in agriculture, trade, crafts, mining or the service sector. Transhumance, a centuries-old pastoral practice, continues to adapt to modern pressures such as insecurity, climate change and urbanisation. Over 5,000 transhumance-related tension alerts were recorded in 2024 alone, highlighting the urgent need for improved management and coordination.

Far from being peripheral, border areas serve as vital economic hubs. However, they remain highly vulnerable, with conflicts and natural disasters triggering over 8 million internal displacements in 2024 alone. These figures highlight a key fact: the region’s migration issues are primarily internal rather than outward-bound.

Building governance reflecting Africa’s realities

According to Sylvia Ekra, the IOM’s Regional Director, it is crucial that migration policies are grounded in local contexts. “Migration and mobility lie at the heart of our region’s history and future,” she emphasises.

The tools needed to achieve this already exist, including the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Global Compact for Migration. Together, these frameworks offer ways to turn mobility into a driver of development, social cohesion and climate resilience.

The IOM report makes one thing clear: West African migration does not equate to an exodus to the West. Above all, it is an internal force that shapes societies, sustains economies and strengthens regional integration. Recognising this reality requires moving beyond clichés and viewing African mobility as a dynamic and strategic driver of the continent’s future.