Afrobarometer Report: Job Search Drives African Emigration

According to the Afrobarometer report titled "African Insights 2026: Beyond Borders," the search for employment is the leading reason for emigration among Africans, with 50% of those considering leaving their home countries citing work as their motivation. The report indicates that nearly 45% of Africans have contemplated emigration, a significant increase from previous years.

Specifically, the proportion of individuals who have thought about leaving "a lot" rose from 18% in 2016/2018 to 25% in 2024/2025. The desire to emigrate is particularly pronounced among younger and more educated citizens, with 32% of respondents aged 18 to 35 considering leaving "a lot," compared to only 11% of those over 55.

Europe and North America are the most sought-after destinations, with a decline in those preferring to migrate within Africa. The report highlights that economic and demographic factors are shaping migration patterns, as Europe faces a demographic shift requiring more workers, while Africa has a rapidly growing young population.