African Union holds consultative forum in Nairobi to harmonize continent’s voice ahead of Doha Dialogue

The African Union (AU) convened a senior consultative forum in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Tuesday to consolidate a unified African stance ahead of the upcoming Doha Dialogue on labour migration.

The high-level meeting brought together government delegates, migration policy experts, labor experts, and representatives from regional economic communities across AU member states to align regional priorities and safeguard the rights of African workers along the growing Africa-Arab States migration corridor.

Addressing the delegates, officials emphasized that establishing a common African approach is vital to ensuring fair recruitment, social protection, and skills recognition for millions of African nationals seeking employment opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Jordan, and Lebanon.

“Africa must speak with one strong, cohesive voice to guarantee that labour mobility delivers tangible development benefits for both countries of origin and destination, while placing the dignity and safety of African workers at the center,” stated an AU representative during the opening session.

Participants focused on crafting shared continental frameworks targeting the elimination of unethical recruitment practices, addressing exorbitant recruitment fees, and expanding bilateral labor agreements aligned with international labor standards. The discussions also covered the integration of skills certification systems to allow African professionals and technicians to transition smoothly into overseas markets and return home with recognized credentials.

Kenyan government officials welcoming the delegation highlighted Nairobi’s commitment to regional migration governance and safe, orderly, and regular migration. They noted that joint consultations under the umbrella of the African Union are critical to bridging policy gaps between origin nations and host countries in the Middle East.

Co-established as a state-led consultative platform between African nations and Arab states, the Doha Dialogue serves as a primary mechanism to enhance bilateral cooperation, streamline regular migration channels, and reduce vulnerability to labor exploitation across borders.

The conclusions and common positions finalized during the Nairobi sessions will form the bedrock of Africa’s joint negotiation strategy at the upcoming ministerial sessions of the Doha Dialogue.