For the period covering 2019–2023, the IOM Regional Strategy for Southern Africa has identified strategic objectives to guide the work of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the region, aligning itself with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Developmental Goals, as well as the Global Compact for Migration.

Key strategic objectives include:
(a) Migration and development for the benefit of countries of origin, destination, and migrants themselves;

(b) Increased protection to vulnerable migrants by State and non-State actors, and support to governments in the fight against irregular migration;

(c) A well-managed labour migration that benefits migrant workers, and the development of countries of origin and destination;

(d) The protection to vulnerable migrants and communities at risk and ensure their resilience during all phases of man-made and natural crises;

(e) Strengthen migration management at borders across the region for safe, orderly and regular cross-border mobility;

(f) Ensure stronger intra- and interregional cooperation and coordination on the management of migration flows among Member States and Regional Economic Communities; and

The IOM Regional Office based in Pretoria covers 15 countries in the region namely Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.