Within CERDI, Denera Atanguegnima explored the effects of international migrations on economic development in Africa.
Denera Atanguegnima, chercheur·e au sein de CERDI (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale des sciences économiques, juridiques, politiques et de gestion (Clermont-Ferrand).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
International migrations are often perceived as a complex phenomenon, oscillating between opportunity and challenge for both origin and host countries. In her thesis, Denera Atanguegnima highlights the effects of migration on economic development in Africa, focusing on key dimensions such as financial inclusion and the labor market. Migration flows, which reached 548 billion USD in 2019, represent a significant source of funding for African economies. These remittances play a crucial role in supporting families remaining in their home countries, allowing them to access essential goods, education, and healthcare. However, despite these remittances, the banking penetration rate in Sub-Saharan Africa remains alarming, at only 20%. This situation raises crucial questions: how can the impact of migration on economic development be maximized? What policies can be implemented to improve access to financial services?
The analysis of the effects of migration on the labor market reveals nuanced results. Migration can have positive effects, but these effects vary according to local contexts and adopted policies. For example, in some cases, immigration can stimulate employment and productivity, as observed in countries like Ghana, where migrant workers have contributed to the growth of the informal sector. Conversely, in other contexts, the arrival of migrants can create tensions in the labor market, particularly when resources are limited, as has been the case in certain regions of Nigeria. This underscores the importance of a contextual approach in the formulation of migration policies, which must take into account local specificities and labor market needs.
Financial inclusion emerges as an essential lever for development. By improving access to financial services, countries can not only increase the benefits of remittances but also strengthen the economic resilience of households. For instance, initiatives such as mobile banking, which has seen considerable growth in East Africa, allow migrants to send money to their families quickly and securely while providing them with tools to save and invest. The recommendations of the thesis include promoting the free movement of people, which could enhance regional integration and foster more inclusive economic development. By facilitating movement, West African countries could benefit from a more dynamic workforce and increased skills exchange.
Policymakers must also consider the long-term implications of migration. What dynamics are emerging in the labor market? How can financial inclusion policies be integrated into economic development strategies? For example, by incorporating vocational training programs for migrants, countries could not only improve their employability but also address the specific needs of the local market. These questions deserve particular attention to maximize the potential of migration as a driver of economic growth in Africa.
It is also crucial to consider the social impacts of migration. Migrants, by bringing new skills and perspectives, can contribute to cultural diversity and innovation in host countries. However, this can also lead to social tensions, especially if local populations perceive migrants as a threat to their jobs or resources. Governments must therefore work on raising awareness and educating local populations to promote harmonious coexistence.
Finally, it is essential to strengthen cooperation between origin and host countries. Bilateral agreements on migration can facilitate the management of migration flows and ensure that the benefits of migration are shared equitably. In West Africa, initiatives such as ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) have already shown the way by promoting the free movement of people. In conclusion, international migrations, when well managed, can be a powerful driver of economic and social development for Africa, but this requires thoughtful and inclusive policies.
Données clés
- 548 milliards USD : Montant des flux financiers des migrations en Afrique en 2019.
- 20% : Taux de pénétration bancaire en Afrique subsaharienne.
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Sources et accès
Denera Atanguegnima. Migrations internationales et développement en Afrique. Economies et finances. Université Clermont Auvergne, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024UCFA0209⟩. ⟨tel-05039306⟩