Kenya is hosting the 3rd Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Ministerial Conference on Labour, Employment and Labour Migration.
The high-level forum brings together ministers, policymakers, and experts to shape regional policy recommendations on labour mobility, employment creation, and migration governance within the IGAD region.
The conference seeks to address the growing challenges facing labour markets across the eight-member bloc, including high unemployment rates, limited job opportunities, and increasing migration pressures.
Speaking during the opening session, Kenya’s Commissioner of Labour Hellen Apiyo said the conference demonstrates teamwork and commitment towards promoting safe migration. “ This meeting marks a significant step in our collective efforts as governments to enhance mobility promote safe and orderly migration and to strengthen structures towards the promotion of social economic development in the IGAD region”.
According to IGAD data, the region’s labour force participation rate stands at 69.5 percent, with a notable gender gap as women’s participation remains comparatively low. The average GDP per capita was recorded at USD 1,369 in 2022, highlighting wide economic disparities among member states.
Agriculture remains the backbone of most IGAD economies, employing more than 80 percent of the population. However, the region’s heavy dependence on subsistence farming, limited private sector growth, and mismatch between skills supply and labour market demand continue to constrain economic transformation and job creation.
Speaking at the same event Nihan Erdogen The Deputy Regional Director International Organization for Migration IOM East, Horn and SOuthern Africa said the joint IGAD and IOM free movement programme has strengthened data collection to make informed decisions and planning on labour migration
Experts at the conference are expected to deliberate on strategies to harness the region’s youthful and active labour force while promoting decent work and inclusive growth.
Migration remains a key concern in the IGAD region, driven by socio-economic, political, and environmental factors. International migration has grown steadily—from 3.6 million migrants in 2012 to 7.5 million in 2022—reflecting complex migration flows both within and beyond member states. The region serves as a source, transit, and destination for migrant workers.
The meeting will culminate in a set of policy recommendations to strengthen labour governance, enhance regional cooperation, and support safe and productive migration pathways across the IGAD region.
The conference, which kicked off Monday until Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 aims at strengthening regional cooperation, promoting decent employment, and supporting safe and productive migration across IGAD member states.
