MIGRATIONSSTATISTIK FAS II

The following results update is a slightly edited version of the summary of results as reported by Statistics Sweden in its annual reporting for 2023. Entering its second phase in 2023, the project prioritised continuity while ensuring a smooth transition. A project kick-off workshop in Stockholm in May 2023 fostered cohesion within the team and strengthened cooperation with partners such as STATAFRIC and the six Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Key advances include the inclusion of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) as new REC partners, and Statistics Norway as a technical cooperation partner. The scope of the project has also been broadened with the addition of a component on forced displacement statistics. Despite difficulties such as delays in agreements and unrealised co-financing from other donor, crucial milestones were reached, including the signing of key cooperation agreements. Tangible progress has been made in improving regional data on migration and promoting coordination between national, regional, and continental levels. This progress has been facilitated by strategic partnerships with entities such as IOM, ILO and GIZ, as well as productive meetings of the RECs Technical Working Group. Five out of six RECs are now preparing second editions of regional migration statistics reports, signaling a shift towards structured processes. Collaboration among key stakeholders has facilitated the ongoing collection of statistics for the Labour Migration Statistics Report in Africa (LMSRA), ensuring the regular production of high-quality migration statistics. Continued emphasis on coordination at national, regional, and continental levels has led to improved availability of migration statistics. Collaboration with organisations like IOM, ILO, GIZ, UNCDF, and UNHCR has further bolstered data availability and cooperation. Organisation of technical working group meetings that facilitated vital platforms for enhancing data sharing and collaboration, contributing to sustainable processes and results in migration statistics. The configuration of project staff, including long term advisors from Statistics Sweden and regional statistical officers, proved effective in dealing with the realities on the ground. The contracts of the statistical officers have been extended and discussions have begun with a view to their integration into the permanent staff. To effectively manage project risks, strategic actions included coordinating with donors through Statistics Sweden's advisors to avoid duplication, establishing national committees and standard practices to address capacity disparities, and securing additional funding for migration statistics have been taken. A unified data portal strategy was implemented, consolidating statistics across continental and regional levels, highlighted by the development of a unified portal at the IGAD secretariat in 2023. In summary, the project has achieved substantial progress in ensuring the availability of high-quality, relevant migration statistics. It has effectively supported STATAFRIC in its role as a continental body, harmonising and enhancing migration data across the continent through a specialised technical group. Furthermore, the project has empowered RECs to assist member states by establishing and improving national coordination committees, leveraging diverse data sources, and enhancing statistical quality. The RECs have also compiled regional-specific, harmonised migration statistics, significantly improving data availability and reliability at both regional and continental levels.

The project objective is increased availability of high-quality migration statistics to users enabling adequate management of the effects of migration on women and men, girls and boys. In addition, the migration statistics will be used to monitor and evaluate the continental and international agendas such as Agenda 2063, Agenda 2030 and Global Compact on Migration. The project will strengthen the capacity of STATAFRIC, RECs and Member States to produce, harmonize and disseminate migration statistics. This will be achieved through the implementation of capacity development activities leading to tangible results. Thus, five components have been identified (with the first four from the first phase of the project) completed by a new fifth component: Component 1: Statistics production Component 2: Concepts and methods Component 3: Dissemination and publication Component 4: Coordination Component 5: Forced displacement The project will consolidate the results obtained during the first phase of Capacity Development for Migration Statistics and to support STATAFRIC and the selected RECs in the implementation of continental and regional statistical plans. The project will be funded by Sida and the Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency (Norad) who will contribute to the project with SEK 25 925 000. Norad who will cover the cost for one Long Term Advisor, two statistical officers located in the RECs, and (yearly) 15 weeks of short-term missions, support for regional workshops, two study tours to Norway, and 10 weeks of remote support. Norad will also cover the cost for project coordination at Statistics Norway.