Migrants, Markets, and Mayors

Titled Migrants, Markets, and Mayors: Rising above the Employment Challenge in Africa’s Secondary Cities, the report employs demographic data, research literature, interviews, and empirical research to understand how migrants in secondary cities impact urban labour markets and overall productivity. It explores case studies in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tunisia, revealing that contrary to common perceptions, migrants contribute less to urban population growth and often strengthen the local labour force. The report underscores that labour market outcomes for migrants are comparable to nonmigrants. While Africa's secondary cities are positioned to benefit from migration, evidence-based policies are crucial to manage land and labour market growth.

The report provides policy options for mayors to enhance the capacity of secondary cities, emphasising the potential of migration to benefit both migrants and nonmigrants. The report delves into the underexplored aspects of migration and urban development in Africa, challenging the prevailing focus on larger cities and rural-to-urban migration. Emphasising the significance of Africa's numerous urban centres with fewer than 300,000 inhabitants, the study advocates for a more comprehensive approach considering migration across the entire urban hierarchy, including urban-urban migrants.

Abstract based directly on source.