Nairobi, Kenya – November 11- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Data Hub (RDH) for East, Horn and Southern Africa has released the first of a new series of quantitative data reports on migration along the Eastern Southern Africa Route. The report highlights the dynamic migration trends across one of the region’s most complex mixed migration routes. The Eastern Southern Africa Route connects countries in the Horn of Africa, including the Republics of Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, with countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, including the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with South Africa as the primary destination.
Movements along this route are often irregular and largely driven by economic challenges, limited livelihood opportunities, and the pursuit of stability and safety. Covering the period between January – June 2025, the report finds that approximately 4,900 migrant movements were tracked exiting Ethiopia via Moyale during the first half of this year, representing a 35 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Irregular movements and clandestine crossings across large geographic areas make it challenging to capture the full picture of migration flows.
However, at least 300 migrants were apprehended in different countries along the route, predominantly Ethiopian nationals in South Africa, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The report finds the risks migrants face along the route remain severe. It documents several cases of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and dangerous conditions that migrants faced while in transit.
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Data from the report shows that 17 per cent of migrants departing from Ethiopia through Moyale were children and a further 85 per cent were young people (under 30). The report was produced by gathering quantitative data from IOM country offices along the route, including demographic information, departure and destination locations and migration drivers. It includes consolidated data from remote locations and diverse sources, a process that is both complex and painstaking to ensure accuracy and integrity.
“The Southern routes are acutely under-reported, and this report sheds light on the realities faced by thousands of migrants navigating one of the most challenging migration routes in the world. It underscores the urgent need for coordinated regional action to ensure safe, regular, and dignified migration. Late last month, IOM served as a technical partner to SADC member states in convening the Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa wherein this coordinated action was discussed”.
Frantz Celestin, IOM Regional Director for East, Horn and Southern Africa. According to the report, approximately 4,900 migrant movements were tracked exiting Ethiopia via Moyale during the first half of 2025, representing a 35 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2024. The report also highlights evolving migration dynamics within the region.
In Kenya, for instance, Nairobi has emerged not only as a major transit hub but also as a growing destination for migrants seeking new economic opportunities. In Mozambique, 32,000 movements were recorded with migrants reporting South Africa as their final destination and 99 per cent of them citing economic reasons. During the same period, Zimbabwe reported over 81,000 movements with migrants heading towards South Africa; primarily by Zimbabwean nationals seeking employment opportunities. IOM plans to release updated monitoring reports at regular intervals in the coming months and years as new Flow Monitoring data collection activities are currently ongoing in the countries along the Eastern Southern Africa Route.
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