New research explores how migration fosters growth in Africa

In recent years there’s been significant growth in African economies driven by trade in commodities, which has prompted more migrants to move to, and within, African countries. Now, new research from The Open University will investigate what impact this migration has had both on growth in Africa and in the migrants’ countries of origin, and the findings could help policymakers foster further growth in the continent.

Migrants make important contributions to growth

Giles Mohan

Professor Giles Mohan, Chair in International Development, leads the project which has been awarded £706,706 by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). It will focus on Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique, looking at sectors including manufacturing, IT and services. Professor Mohan says:

“This is the first multi-country comparative study of contemporary migrant communities in Africa that uses the concept of inclusive growth. The growth in a number of African economies has led to an increased migration of people to these economies and industries; though the outcomes for more inclusive development are unclear.

“We believe that migrant communities have the potential to make important contributions to sustainable and inclusive growth, not only in their countries of origin but also in the African countries where they settle, but we do not yet have the data or research to help us understand this and build on it.”