The Moroccan delegation to this meeting, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is notably composed of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Economic Inclusion , Small Business, Employment and Skills, Wafaa Asri and the Ambassador Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the African Union and the UNECA, Mohamed Arrouchi.
This important event, initiated in collaboration with the African Union Commission, will be an opportunity for governments and stakeholders from the 54 African countries to come together and assess the progress made in the implementation of the GCM since its inception. adoption in 2018.
The review’s key recommendations will be submitted to the next global review of the GCM at the International Migration Review Forum in 2026.
This meeting aims to strengthen cooperation and align Africa’s priorities with global frameworks, notably the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as Agenda 2063, Africa’s road map to achieve socio-economic development. -economically inclusive and sustainable.
Delegates will explore thematic areas such as integrating the goals of the Compact into existing migration governance frameworks, strengthening regional collaboration, and promoting opportunities for peer learning and interregional cooperation.
The program of this meeting includes thematic round tables on: “Ensuring that migration is voluntary, orderly and regular”, ”Protecting migrants through rights-based border governance measures”, “Supporting the integration of migrants and their contribution to development” and “Improving value- and evidence-based policy-making and public debate and strengthening cooperation in the field of migration”.
How can local communities benefit from the economic contributions of migrants in Morocco?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor & Expert on Economic Development and Migration
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our exclusive interview. Today, we’re diving into an important topic concerning the intersection of economic inclusion and migration, especially through the lens of the recent meeting organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the International Organization for Migration. Joining us is Dr. Layla Benali, a leading expert in economic development and migration policies. Thank you for being here, Dr. Benali!
Dr. Benali: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s start by discussing the significance of the Moroccan delegation at this recent UNECA and IOM meeting. What can you tell us about the focus of this delegation?
Dr. Benali: The Moroccan delegation is a significant representation comprising key leaders, including the Secretary General of the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Social Integration. This underscores the government’s commitment to intertwining economic strategies with migration policies. The focus is primarily on enhancing economic inclusion and ensuring that small businesses can thrive, particularly by leveraging the potential of migrants as contributors to the economy.
Editor: That’s a crucial point! How do you see the role of migrants in boosting local economies, particularly in Morocco?
Dr. Benali: Migrants can bring a wealth of skills, experiences, and entrepreneurial spirit. In Morocco, where the economy is being increasingly oriented toward small businesses, migrants can fill gaps in the labor market, introduce innovative products, and even create new businesses. Not only do they contribute to job creation, but they also enhance cultural diversity, which can lead to greater creativity and innovation in local markets.
Editor: There seems to be a reciprocal relationship between migration and economic development. How can policies be designed to maximize benefits for both migrants and local communities?
Dr. Benali: Absolutely! Effective policies should focus on integration, providing support systems such as access to training, financial assistance, and legal advice for migrants. Additionally, fostering partnerships between local businesses and migrant entrepreneurs can facilitate knowledge exchange and create supportive networks. Collaborating with community leaders to ensure that the local populace understands the benefits of migration is also critical.
Editor: That sounds like a holistic approach. In your view, what challenges does Morocco face in implementing these inclusive migration policies?
Dr. Benali: One major challenge is tackling public perceptions and biases around migrants. There can often be misconceptions that migrants take jobs away from locals. It’s essential to combat this through education and awareness campaigns that highlight the actual economic contributions of migrants. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles in accessing resources can stifle entrepreneurial initiatives among migrants. Policy reforms aimed at simplification of processes are needed.
Editor: Education and awareness seem to play vital roles. Speaking of which, how can organizations like UNECA and IOM assist countries like Morocco in overcoming these challenges?
Dr. Benali: These organizations can provide technical support in policy formulation and implementation, share best practices from different regions, and facilitate dialogue between governments and migrant communities. They can also play a crucial role in data collection to understand migration patterns and economic contributions better. This evidence-based approach helps shape informed policies.
Editor: As we wrap up, what are your hopes for Morocco’s journey toward improving economic inclusion amid increasing migration flows?
Dr. Benali: I hope to see a future where migrants are celebrated as valuable contributors to society, and where inclusivity is not just a policy aim but a reality on the ground. By harnessing the skills and energies of both locals and migrants, Morocco can build a more robust and resilient economy. It’s an exciting time, and the potential is vast!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Benali, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the path forward will require collaboration, understanding, and innovative policies. We look forward to seeing how these discussions shape Morocco’s approach to economic inclusion and migration.
Dr. Benali: Thank you for the opportunity to speak about this important issue!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay with us for more discussions on pressing global issues.