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Migration is often seen as a movement from poor countries (Africa or Asia) to rich ones (Europe). However, when we analyze the figures on migrants in different countries around the world, we see that the majority of migratory movements occur within African or Asian countries. In fact, for example, in East Africa alone there are approximately 7.7 million migrants and 3.6 are refugees.  Among these, more than 63% intend to move to the countries of the Gulf, only 2% want to go to North Africa and Europe, and the rest remain in the region .

Despite this great mobility between neighboring countries, in the last decade Africa has witnessed a great wave of domestic, intra-country migration, especially from rural to urban areas. This type of migration usually involves the poorest individuals in societies who decide to move to the small, medium and large cities of their country.

The lack of basic services, job opportunities and the usual insecurity in suburban areas have pushed many individuals to leave rural areas to find better living conditions in cities. But, despite the possibilities and services offered by urban centers, rural-urban migrants face major challenges: due to their low skills and educational level, they do not have access to the labor market and end up being employed in informal sectors.

The growth experienced by African cities over the last decade has not translated into real human development. In particular, there is a lack of major public investment in basic services, education, decent housing and support for small businesses. Greater European cooperation for rural and urban development and to accompany internal and cross-border migration is necessary. These are the themes developed in the document n.10 of Faces of Migration. Here the download.