IN AFRICA MIGRATION FOR DEVELOPMENT I. Introduction IN AFRICA These initiatives represent another step in a series of efforts, over more than a decade, to enhance the effectiveness, and shared responsibility, of the global governance of migration. Africa is contributing to this process by developing the Common African Position (CAP) on the GCM. Discussions on global migration governance have been shaped by two predominant narratives, namely the protection of refugee and migrants’ rights, and the perceived economic, political and security interests of States, which lean towards the closing of borders and the screening of migrants and asylum seekers far from their shores. While some States are striving to achieve a balance between these two view points in their responses to international migration, the global trend towards the securitisation of migration threatens to jeopardise the protection and rights of migrants. As a result of these global dynamics, donor funding for migration initiatives in Africa has multiplied, as States are encouraged to control migration and stem the flow of migrants. Consequently, activities and funding for migration have largely focused on West, North and East Africa, from where migration routes to Europe, via the Mediterranean, originate, while other routes, such as the southern route towards South Africa, have received relatively less attention. In this context, it is essential for Africa to chart and drive its own migration objectives and policies that address its migration realities in support its development goals. The majority of migration takes place in Africa, and the contribution that migrants make to inclusive growth and development across the continent must be recognised and fostered. Equally, the protection of migrants’ rights, in all regions of Africa, must be prioritised. 19