Multinational – Support to the implementation of the AfCFTA to enhance cross-border trade and resilience

The proposed project is rooted in the fragility context affecting both countries, a situation sustained and exacerbated by terrorism and insecurity that have led to significant population movements within and toward border areas. Its formulation follows the recommendations of the joint IOM-AfDB study “Diaspora Engagement, Climate-Induced Mobility, and Skills Mobility: A Focus on Africa” conducted in 2022, which clearly demonstrates that diaspora engagement in the HDP Nexus, inclusive knowledge and skills transfer, access to quality mobility data, and the resilience of cross-border women traders, migrants, and youth can contribute to stabilizing States, strengthening transnational cooperation and regional integration, and laying the groundwork for effective implementation of the AfCFTA. The project also responds to concerns raised in 2023 during the “Migration and Trade” conference, which called on key stakeholders to agree on the challenges, priorities, and dynamic partnerships that promote well-being and economic growth. Its overarching priority is to help build more resilient societies by enabling both States to combine their efforts and enhance cooperation to remove all constraints at the borders and facilitate the inclusion of populations while reducing socio-economic inequalities. The project is structured around four main components: (i) Facilitating the collection and mobilization of data to support mobility along corridors and borders; (ii) Supporting economic development and financial inclusion; (iii) Strengthening governance and sustainable border management; and (iv) Project management. The total cost of the operation, excluding taxes and customs duties, amounts to two million two hundred fifty-two thousand three hundred fifty-four units of account (UA 2,252,354), of which UA 252,354 represents the IOM contribution.