Covid-19 pandemic governance and impact on migration across sub-Saharan Africa

Tochukwu Godson Nwekwo (), Abraham Deka () and Hasibe Şahoğlu
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Tochukwu Godson Nwekwo: Girne American University
Abraham Deka: Near East University
Hasibe Şahoğlu: Girne American University

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Despite global lockdowns and restrictions on mobility, not all movements were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study considers the shift from global to regional institutional roles in global governance efforts while examining how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted migration flows in 34 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We included an additional empirical analysis of four selected case studies in the region (Uganda, South Africa, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria). In the panel analysis, variations in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and other predictors were used to check migration flows and cuts at the country level. Although poverty, conflict, and climate-related disasters continue to be the leading triggers for migration in sub-Saharan Africa, we show that COVID-19 was associated with shifts in in-out-migration. This study concluded that the pandemic was an additional catalyst for migration. Additionally, separate internal and external mobility restriction regimes introduced by states in the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely set back the ongoing integration partnership of regional economic communities in the region. Finally, rather than state-centred approaches, states, through their regional economic communities, should act as a single conduit in establishing and supporting migration and health governance policies in the region.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05226-8

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