South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. Image: Supplied.
South Africa
1Min
South Africa
SA, Kenya call for united African approach to migration
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto have urged African nations to work together to address migration challenges, stressing that economic development, job creation and stronger continental institutions are essential to tackling the root causes of migration.
Migration took centre stage during discussions between President Ramaphosa and President Ruto at the State Visit held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Thursday, where both leaders highlighted the need for a coordinated continental response to growing migration pressures.
The two presidents agreed that migration is a challenge affecting several African countries and is largely driven by uneven economic development and limited opportunities across the continent.
President Ramaphosa said migration was a key topic during bilateral talks, noting that both leaders explored the underlying causes of population movements and discussed how African countries could collectively respond to the issue.
He emphasised that South Africans are not opposed to fellow Africans, but are concerned about the pressures and challenges associated with migration. According to Ramaphosa, citizens expect leaders to find practical solutions that promote peaceful coexistence while addressing the impact of migration flows.
The South African leader said cooperation between African nations remains critical in finding sustainable solutions and strengthening continental unity.
He added that closer collaboration between South Africa and Kenya could contribute to building a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Africa capable of resolving its own challenges through African-led solutions.
President Ruto echoed these sentiments, linking migration directly to economic opportunities and access to services. He acknowledged that South Africa's relatively advanced economy attracts people from across the continent seeking employment and better prospects.
Ruto argued that long-term solutions require governments to expand economic opportunities and service delivery throughout Africa, reducing the need for people to leave their home countries in search of better livelihoods.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. Image: Supplied.
The Kenyan President also connected the migration debate to efforts aimed at reforming the African Union (AU), saying stronger continental institutions would improve cooperation among member states and support development initiatives that address migration pressures.
As the AU Champion for Institutional Reform, Ruto said a more effective African Union could help foster solidarity among nations and create conditions that reduce competition over scarce resources and employment opportunities.
He noted that many migration-related tensions arise from competition for jobs, services and economic resources, making inclusive growth across the continent increasingly important.
The migration discussions formed part of wider engagements aimed at deepening relations between South Africa and Kenya, two of Africa’s leading economies.
South Africa views Kenya as a strategic partner in East Africa and is pursuing stronger bilateral ties through a proposed Strategic Partnership. The two countries have signed several agreements covering sectors such as agriculture, education, tourism, transport, defence, home affairs, trade and environmental cooperation.
Kenya remains one of South Africa’s most significant trading partners outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while more than 60 South African companies operate in the East African country.
The State Visit also focused on trade, investment, regional peace and security, and continental integration, with both leaders expected to engage business leaders at the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum to explore opportunities for expanding economic cooperation.
Both presidents concluded that greater economic integration, stronger institutions and broader development across Africa are essential to addressing the underlying causes of migration while advancing the continent’s long-term growth and prosperity.
