Nearly Half of Africans Consider Emigrating, Afrobarometer Survey Finds

© Getty Images / Ahmet Izgi/AnadoluA file photo dates March 13, 2015 shows An illegal migrant reacts at the coast of Souq al Jum'aa region in Tripoli, Libya after they got captured.
A file photo dates March 13, 2015 shows An illegal migrant reacts at the coast of Souq al Jum'aa region in Tripoli, Libya after they got captured. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 19.12.2024
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As the world marked International Migrants Day on Wednesday, a recent Afrobarometer survey highlighted a significant increase in the number of Africans who would like to leave their countries compared to findings from 2016/2018, underscoring the impact of economic challenges and limited opportunities across the continent.
The recent Afrobarometer survey showed a growing desire among Africans to emigrate, with nearly half of respondents from 24 African countries expressing thoughts of leaving their homeland.
The poll revealed that 47% of Africans have considered moving to another country, with 27% admitting they have given emigration "a lot" of thought. Countries like Liberia (78%), the Gambia (68%), Cabo Verde (64%), and Ghana (61%) show the highest proportions of citizens contemplating migration.
Conversely, Tanzania stands out as a stark exception, with only 9% of respondents expressing interest in leaving—a decline from previous years.

Motivations for Emigration

Economic factors dominate the reasons behind the desire to migrate. About half (49%) of those considering emigration cite the search for better job opportunities, while 29% point to escaping economic hardship or poverty. These figures highlight the pressing need for improved economic policies and opportunities across the continent.
Migrants (image d'illustration) - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 02.10.2024
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Preferred Destinations

North America and Europe remain the top choices for prospective migrants, attracting 31% and 29% of respondents, respectively. However, a significant 22% express a preference for relocating within Africa, signaling the potential for stronger regional mobility and economic integration.

Trends Over Time

The survey indicates a 9-percentage-point increase in emigration considerations across 22 countries surveyed consistently since 2016/2018. Liberia (28 points), Mauritius (27 points), Nigeria (21 points), and Ghana (20 points) lead the trend.
Interestingly, Tanzania is the only country to buck the trend, reporting a 5-percentage-point decline in emigration intentions.
This decline may suggest localized improvements in socio-economic conditions, setting it apart from its regional counterparts. This week, a letter from the finance minister and central bank governor to the International Monetary Fund indicated that Tanzania's economy is expected to grow by about 6% in 2025, up from an estimated 5.4% growth in 2024. Additionally, the Tanzania Investment Center reported a record $7.75 billion in investments for 2024, spread across 842 projects in various sectors. Leading the way is the manufacturing sector with 377 projects worth $3.15 billion, followed by the transport sector with 138 projects valued at $1.28 billion.
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