Guinea Secures $113 Mln from EU to Tackle Irregular Migration

The European Union has signed a series of funding agreements with Guinea, providing $113 million (equivalent to €104 million) to support the country’s efforts in combating irregular migration, improving healthcare, waste management, and access to clean drinking water while promoting green job opportunities.

The financing is part of the EU’s Annual Action Plan for 2024, aimed at addressing critical issues across multiple sectors in Guinea.

According to Guinea’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, a substantial portion of the funding—$50 million—will be allocated to improve waste management and enhance access to clean drinking water.

This is particularly crucial given that only 31% of urban Guineans have access to safe drinking water, with coverage as low as 26% in cities outside the capital, Conakry, according to the French International Expertise Agency, which operates under France's ministries of foreign affairs and industry.

Additionally, $30 million from the EU will combat irregular migration and reintegrate returned migrants.

Guinea has faced significant challenges in managing migration, as it was identified in 2023 as the largest source of irregular migrants arriving in Italy, with over 18,000 Guineans reaching the European country that year.

In a further effort to support critical services, the EU will allocate $22 million to Guinea’s healthcare sector, focusing on expanding universal health coverage.

This comes after the closure of 94 health facilities in December 2014 and the subsequent decline in public health infrastructure.

According to Guinea’s government, the deterioration rate for healthcare facilities rose from 33% to 57%, making urgent interventions necessary.

Another $11 million will be invested in creating green jobs in Guinea, contributing to employment opportunities that focus on preserving or restoring environmental quality.

This investment aims to foster sustainable development and reduce environmental degradation while creating economic opportunities for Guineans.

Guinea’s position as the top source of irregular migrants to Europe, particularly Italy, underscores the importance of the EU's financial intervention.

The focus on migration management not only aims to curb the outflow of migrants but also to reintegrate those who return, providing them with opportunities for a better life in their home country.

By addressing issues such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, and migration, this funding package seeks to tackle some of the root causes driving people to leave the country.