STATAFRIC recently participated in a significant assessment workshop held in Stockholm, Sweden, from October 21–24, 2025. This workshop focused on evaluating the ongoing capacity development project on migration statistics in Africa, which is the second phase of a crucial cooperation initiative between the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Statistics Sweden. The project is funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).
As the continental statistical reference center, STATAFRIC plays a central role in supporting harmonized data production and the broader African integration agenda. This project, running from 2023–2026, builds upon a successful first phase (2019–2022). Its core objective is to foster an “improved situation of migrants in Africa, and the maximized contribution of migrants to development across the continent” by ensuring “increased availability of high-quality migration statistics.”
The assessment workshop, attended by STATAFRIC representatives Mr. Adoum Gagoloum and Mr. Aimé Dago, alongside delegates from RECs (IGAD, EAC, ECOWAS, COMESA, AMU, ECCAS), Pan-African and Regional Organizations, proved to be highly productive. Its main purpose was to analyze the project's results and experiences thus far, identify areas for enhancement, and develop strategies to build upon existing successes as preparations begin for a potential third project phase.
Participants engaged in thorough discussions, reviewing project outcomes and effectiveness across five key components: Statistics Production, Concepts and Methods, Dissemination and Publication, Coordination, and Forced Displacement statistics. Key lessons from project implementation were identified, covering planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes, alongside factors contributing to success and challenges encountered. The workshop generated valuable insights and practical recommendations, contributing significantly to the direction of future project phases.
This collaborative effort underscores the robust partnership between Statistics Sweden, STATAFRIC, and the RECs. The findings from this assessment are instrumental in guiding future planning, adapting strategies, and designing more effective interventions to ensure the project continues to achieve its intended impact and effectively serve its beneficiaries across the continent.
STATAFRIC remains dedicated to strengthening the capacity of its partners to produce, harmonize, and disseminate reliable migration statistics, thereby supporting evidence-based policy-making and sustainable development throughout Africa.
