By Suleman Chitera

Ethiopia and Malawi are stepping up joint efforts to address irregular migration, human trafficking and cross-border crime, with the two countries signing a new agreement aimed at improving migration management and protecting vulnerable migrants.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Addis Ababa by Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergogie Tesfaye, and Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhitho.

The agreement comes as both countries seek stronger coordination along migration routes linking the Horn of Africa to southern Africa, particularly the route towards South Africa.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ergogie said irregular migration continues to expose individuals and countries to serious risks, including exploitation and trafficking.

She, however, stressed that migration itself can contribute to economic and social development when it is properly managed.

According to the Ethiopian minister, Ethiopia occupies a strategic position in regional migration patterns, serving as a source, transit and destination country. Malawi, meanwhile, plays an important role along the southern migration route used by migrants travelling towards South Africa.

She said the positions of the two countries make closer cooperation essential in tackling criminal networks operating across borders.

Ethiopia has been strengthening its institutional and legal response to irregular migration, including through a National Council led by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.

Ergogie also recognised Malawi’s role in responding to migration challenges, particularly through providing shelter to migrants, supporting the return of people to their countries of origin and assisting law enforcement agencies in pursuing organised criminals.

She said the new agreement would provide a stronger framework for cooperation in preventing irregular migration and human trafficking while improving protection for migrants and supporting victims.

Mukhitho reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to protecting its citizens and working with other countries to combat crime that crosses national borders.

The Malawian delegation arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday as the two governments advanced discussions on migration management, human trafficking and cross-border crime.

For Malawi, the cooperation is particularly significant because of the country’s position along the southern migration corridor. Authorities face the challenge of balancing the protection of migrants with efforts to disrupt criminal networks that exploit migration routes.

The agreement is therefore expected to provide a basis for greater information sharing, stronger institutional cooperation and coordinated action between the two countries as they seek to make migration safer and more orderly.