Migration and Displacement Action Plan for Sub-Saharan Africa (MAPS)

The MAPS Project seeks to inform migration and forced displacement policy-making in Sub-Saharan Africa through comprehensive, multidisciplinary research. The project, with a budget of €10 million, is primarily funded by the European Commission and brings together a network of European and African institutions. Key participants include Sapienza University of Rome, five Italian universities with UNESCO Chairs, as well as universities from Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Spain. The IOM Regional Data Hub and the University of the Witwatersrand provide advisory support for the project’s research activities.
Over a three-year period, MAPS is organized around four core pillars: context analysis, scientific research, dialogue promotion, and awareness-raising. These pillars collectively aim to enhance understanding and policy responses to migration and displacement challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Pillar 1: Context Analysis. The MAPS project’s analytical framework adopts a multi-method approach to assess existing knowledge gaps in migration and forced displacement within Sub-Saharan Africa. A Steering Committee, established at the start of the project, oversees the implementation of research methodologies, ensuring that high standards are maintained throughout the research process. The context analysis will involve systematic meta-analyses of existing scientific literature, reports, and secondary data, using electronic databases and standard reporting guidelines. The project’s research teams will be supported by regional data specialists, in collaboration with the IOM Regional Data Hub. At the same time, partner institutions such as UDOM, KAB, and AMIU will conduct screenings of policies, legal frameworks, and good practices to identify strategies to address trafficking and displacement, focusing particularly on vulnerable groups. A comprehensive baseline report will be compiled by the University of Barcelona, synthesizing findings from the context analysis, and guiding subsequent project phases.

Pillar 2: Scientific Research. The MAPS project’s research activities aim to produce evidence-based knowledge on migration and forced displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa. A multi-perspective approach will define the research design and methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and ethical protocols. The project will select 40 early-career researchers from the region through open calls. These scholars will be awarded 30-month scholarships and will conduct in-depth qualitative research, including 40 interviews each. Under dual mentorship from African and European supervisors, the scholars will contribute to content analysis and co-author publications. IN the framework of capacity building, three summer schools will be organized to build local research capacities in key areas such as migration, data analysis, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure comprehensive data collection, 1,600 semi-structured face-to-face interviews will be conducted with internal migrants, capturing their perceptions, coping strategies, and migration patterns. Data will also be gathered through online surveys targeting over 700 frontline practitioners to capture best practices and identify gaps in current policy responses. Interviews will include diverse groups such as LGBTI people, children, minorities, and persons with disabilities. All findings will be consolidated into a MAPS Multi-perspective Research Report, which will synthesize both theoretical and empirical data. This report will be policy-oriented, providing evidence-based recommendations, strategies, and tools for governments and civil society organizations to improve migration and displacement responses.

Pillar 3: Dialogue Promotion. A critical component of the MAPS project is promoting multi-stakeholder dialogue to foster an exchange of ideas and best practices among policymakers, civil society, and academic institutions. In particular, the project will facilitate dialogue through various events, including the following:
Three MAPS Conferences (to be organized in partnership with African UNESCO Chairs, focusing on disseminating research findings, discussing the project’s baseline report, and gathering feedback from the academic community on the methodology and early results;
Four Webinars: these will cover key migration and displacement issues within the framework of the SDGs and address topics like population dynamics, environmental impacts, and the role of international relations. These sessions will bring together civil society, experts, and policymakers;
Scientific publications and conference presentations: researchers will publish scientific papers based on project data and findings. These papers will be presented at conferences in both Africa and Europe, encouraging international collaboration and knowledge sharing;
MAPS Forum: held in the second half of Year 3, this forum will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and other civil society representatives, to discuss the final results and recommendations of the project. It will also serve as the launch event for the African UNESCO Chairs network. 

Pillar 4: Awareness-Raising and Knowledge Dissemination. The MAPS Project aims to advance research on migration and forced displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on human rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups such as women, children, minorities, and persons with disabilities. To ensure widespread visibility and engagement, the project includes a detailed knowledge-sharing plan that leverages the expertise of co-applicants to disseminate findings through existing communication channels, such as websites and regular updates, in line with European Commission guidelines. Tailored materials will be developed for first-line practitioners, civil society organizations, migrant organizations, and policymakers to translate research into actionable insights. A DigiMAPS web platform will facilitate ongoing knowledge exchange in multiple languages, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The project also includes a Multidimensional Approach Framework to guide evidence-based policy development, addressing social, economic, political, and environmental factors. It will produce quarterly newsletters, 50 scientific journal articles, and 10 policy papers to disseminate research and provide updates. Scholarships for young African researchers will enhance local research capacity, and targeted qualitative research will include in-depth interviews in key regions.
These activities, combined with the creation of forward-looking strategies, tools, and guidelines, aim to drive informed decision-making and policy development, addressing emerging migration trends and promoting environmental awareness. Key publications will include guidelines, a baseline report, toolkits, and multi-perspective research reports, ensuring that the project’s results are effectively communicated and contribute to sustainable solutions.