Spain's Radically Different Approach To African Migration

Spain's Radically Different Approach To African Migration

According to Paul Melly’s 2025 BBC News analysis, Spain has adopted a markedly different approach to migration and its relations with Africa compared to other Western nations. While major powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have recently reduced their development aid budgets and hardened their stance on migration, Spain has chosen a more cooperative, development-oriented path that combines humanitarian principles with pragmatic policy goals.

Under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s socialist-led government, Spain has launched a comprehensive Spain-Africa Strategy aimed at deepening bilateral relations, promoting sustainable development, and managing migration in a mutually beneficial way. The strategy reflects the belief that Europe and Africa form part of the same geopolitical space, and that Spain’s own economic and security interests are closely tied to Africa’s stability and growth.

In contrast to the restrictive rhetoric common across Europe, Spain’s government explicitly recognizes the socioeconomic pressures that drive African migration. Rather than focusing solely on deterrence, it seeks to create safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways. A central component of this approach is the circular migration programme, which allows West African workers—particularly from countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, and The Gambia—to obtain short-term visas for seasonal employment in Spanish agriculture before returning home. Additionally, Spain supports training programmes for unemployed youth and returned migrants, helping them establish viable livelihoods in their home countries.

Melly notes that this approach is both ethical and rational. As Sánchez himself emphasized, migration policy is not only a matter of “moral principles, solidarity and dignity” but also one of rationality. Spain thus positions migration as an economic and social opportunity rather than merely a security challenge. At the same time, the government acknowledges domestic tensions, such as the rise of the far-right Vox party and periodic anti-immigrant incidents, but continues to pursue inclusive and cooperative solutions.

Beyond migration management, Spain is strengthening its diplomatic, educational, and cultural ties with African nations. It is expanding its embassy network, supporting joint business and academic initiatives, and promoting the Spanish language through institutions like the Cervantes Institute. The country’s new development cooperation plan prioritizes West Africa and the Sahel—regions long neglected in Spanish foreign policy—in a major shift from its historical focus on Latin America.

Melly concludes that Spain’s engagement with Africa is driven by a mix of self-interest and solidarity. The Sánchez government views Africa’s progress in governance, peace, and sustainable development as vital to Spain’s future. It also places explicit emphasis on democratic support, women’s empowerment, and the fight against racism and xenophobia—both within Spain and across its foreign partnerships.

In today’s global climate, where anti-immigration sentiment dominates much of Western political discourse, Spain’s policy stands out as a rare example of constructive engagement. By linking migration, development, and diplomacy in a single framework, Spain presents an alternative model—one grounded in cooperation, empathy, and long-term shared prosperity.

News Link:

Melly, P. (2025, October 15). Spain’s radically different approach to African migration. BBC News. Retrieved from  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn409ld50kvo