More Than Half Of African Youth Consider Emigration, Survey Finds
For many young Africans, migration is less about abandoning home than searching for opportunities they feel are missing.
A new Afrobarometer survey shows that 55% of young people aged 18 to 35 across 38 African countries have considered emigrating.
The survey findings were discussed at a youth webinar hosted by Afrobarometer and the Nuru Trust Network to mark International Youth Day, with participants examining the link between migration, jobs and opportunities on the continent.
According to Afrobarometer monitoring, evaluation and learning officer, Kofi Otu Beecham, 52% of young people considering migration said better work opportunities were their main motivation, while 18% cited economic hardship.
The findings also show that young Africans want better prospects at home.
Job creation ranked as their top priority for government investment in youth, followed by education, job training and access to business loans.
Executive Director of the Nuru Trust Network, Mary Yvonne Ododah, said the focus should shift from simply asking why young people leave to creating conditions that make staying, moving or returning meaningful choices.
She said migration should not be viewed as a rejection of Africa, but as a reflection of young people’s hopes for employment, education, business opportunities and a better future.
Panellists identified limited employment, skills gaps, poor access to finance, gender inequalities and weak trust in institutions among factors influencing migration decisions.
They also warned that unsafe migration routes can expose young people to exploitation, trafficking and recruitment by criminal and armed groups.
The speakers called for greater investment in Africa’s young population and stronger regional cooperation to turn continental policies into practical opportunities.
The central message from the discussion was that migration should be a choice rather than an escape from limited opportunities at home.
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