In a context where African migration is often misunderstood, the concept of circular migration offers a fresh perspective. It emphasises the logic of exchange and back-and-forth movement that characterises mobility across the continent, as well as the resilience this movement requires. From Senegal to Togo, this dynamic is emerging as a genuine African model of sustainable mobility.

The concept of “circular migration” refers to the repeated or time-limited repeated movement of people between their country of origin and one or more destination countries, followed by a return (whether temporary or permanent) and often a subsequent departure. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), it is defined as: “The movement of people between different countries, including temporary or permanent movements, which, when undertaken voluntarily in connection with labour needs in the countries of origin and destination, can be beneficial for all parties involved.”

In the African context, this model of mobility refers not only to South–North migration, but especially to intra-African movements that are temporary, repeated, and often linked to family, economic or environmental networks. This circulation can be seen as a form of “mobility settlement” rather than permanent settlement. It challenges the traditional distinction between fixed emigration and fixed immigration.

What makes this model especially particularly relevant in an African context?

High intra-continental mobility

Around 80% of migration in Africa occurs between African countries. Regional flows, such as those within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have existed for decades.

Networks of solidarity and return

For example, a study of “Senegalese circular migration” shows that one in four migrants returned to Senegal after roughly five years abroad. Of those who returned, 17% left again.

A response to labour and skills needs

Circular migration can result in countries of origin receiving transfers of skills, money and experience gained abroad. For destination countries, it can help to meet the need for seasonal or specialised labour.

Adapting to environmental and economic challenges

According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS Africa), free movement protocols encourage cross-border, circular and seasonal migration. This enables migrants to return home with remittances, skills and networks:

• Senegal–Spain: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU signed in 2021 aims to promote circular migration by facilitating the temporary departure of Senegalese workers to meet labour needs in Spain, while ensuring their return.
• West Africa (Central Sahel): According to a study of the Central Sahel region, intra-regional migration operates as a form of circular mobility, involving frequent returns and multiple movements between countries.

Advantages and challenges of circular migration

Here are some advantages of circular migration for migrants, countries of origin and destination countries: 

• For migrants: accumulation of skills and income earned abroad, as well as maintenance of ties with their country of origin.
  
• For the country of origin: return of skills, migrant investment and the strengthening of transnational networks.
  
• For the destination country: labor supplementation, flexibility and cultural exchange.
  

Here are some challenges related to circular migration: 

• Inequitable circularity: risk of exploitation, precarious contracts and lack of social protection.
  
• Return is neither guaranteed nor optimal: the Senegalese study notes that quick returns are more common for intra-African migration than for migration to the Global North.
  
• Limited institutional recognition: Migration policies do not always recognise circular mobility as a distinct category.
  
• Insufficient support infrastructure: many countries lack adequate data, monitoring, integration measures and protection mechanisms.

Conditions for circular migration to be “a development model”

For circular migration to be beneficial, several conditions must be met. These include agreements or institutional frameworks between countries of origin and destination that recognise circularity, ensure migrants’ rights and guarantee dignified returns. There must be integration into local development planning so that returns, skills and investments align with national policies.

Migrants must be protected through fundamental rights, access to healthcare and services, and decent working conditions. Policy dialogue must be based on reliable data. The African Economic Commission (ECA) Report on migration in Africa highlights the importance of strengthening the coordination of mobility data.

Implications for West African and continental contexts

The circular migration model may be particularly well-suited to West Africa, given that free movement is a principle of ECOWAS and distances, networks and shared languages facilitate mobility. The launch of the ECOWAS Labour-Migration Strategy in 2025 reinforces this approach. 

Furthermore, the model provides an alternative to “brain drain” or permanent large-scale emigration. By encouraging movement back and forth and maintaining ties with the country of origin, it enables countries to leverage diaspora dynamics, skills and transnational investments more effectively. The Joint African Development Bank (AfDB) and OIM report emphasises this “skills mobility” dimension as a key driver of development.

Limits and Perspectives

Despite its expected benefits, the circular migration model remains insufficiently institutionalised in Africa. Programmes are often limited to a few bilateral agreements (e.g. between Senegal and Spain), and the majority of circular migration occurs outside of formal frameworks. Furthermore, ensuring security, social protection and the recognition of migrants’ rights remains a significant challenge.

Looking ahead, it will be essential to strengthen regional cooperation, improve mobility governance and ensure that returns result in genuine social and economic inclusion rather than “forced resettlement”.

In Francophone West Africa, this model offers a compelling alternative to permanent emigration and settling abroad. It enables mobility to be viewed as a system of resource and skill exchange. However, achieving this requires bold migration policies, strengthened protections and the full recognition of circular migration.