New Book, ‘The Migration Paradox’ for Launch June 16

The migration debate has long been dominated by voices from the Global North, often painting African migration as a crisis to be contained rather than an opportunity to be embraced.

Owing to this, a new book, ‘The Migration Paradox: Contributions of Diaspora Remittances and Trade to Economic Growth and Development in Emerging Africa’, which will be launched on June 16, 2025, challenges this narrative by placing African voices and experiences at  the centre of the global migration conversation.

Co-authored by Dr. Abel Owotemu and Ayo Ibaru, two leading African development thinkers and practitioners, ‘The Migration Paradox’ will be officially launched online at 11:00a.m.

A statement from the authors noted that, drawing inspiration from the African proverb, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” the book asserts that Africa—long sidelined in migration policymaking—is both the “grass” and the solution.

“It offers a bold and evidence-based rethinking of migration’s role in Africa’s future, arguing that migration, when properly understood and harnessed, is a driver of economic transformation. A timely, bold intervention, through rigorous analysis and compelling narratives, Owotemu and Ibaru explore the often-overlooked economic contributions of African migrants—highlighting how remittances, trade linkages, and transnational networks contribute to productivity, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.

“Far from being a “brain drain,” migration is revealed as a strategic realignment of talent and resources that fuels development both at home and abroad.

“The book also advocates for a rights-based, African-centred migration policy—one that recognises the agency of migrants, addresses the root causes of displacement such as poverty and conflict, and moves beyond outdated, securitised approaches,” it added.

“This book is a call to action,” said Owotemu, adding that, “It demands that we see African migrants not as victims or threats, but as powerful agents of growth, innovation, and development.”

The Migration Paradox dismantles common myths about African migration with data-backed insights from top researchers and practitioners across the continent and diaspora. It contends that the world must shift toward more inclusive, just, and sustainable migration frameworks—policies that honour the dignity and contributions of all migrants, not just those deemed economically convenient by the Global North.

“Migration is not a zero-sum game. It doesn’t benefit one at the expense of another. It can enrich both countries of origin and destination—economically, culturally, and socially,” Ibaru, the co-author added.

They invited stakeholders across government, academia, development, policy, diaspora organisations, and the private sector to attend the launch event, adding that participants would gain insights into the book’s key findings and hear directly from the authors, along with special guests across the global development and migration ecosystem.