Afrobarometer: Jobs drive half of Africans considering emigration

The search for work is the single biggest reason Africans consider leaving home, according to Afrobarometer’s African Insights 2026: Beyond Borders report. The survey covers migration, trade, global powers, Africa’s representation in international institutions and climate change across 38 African countries.

Nearly half of Africans, 45%, said they have considered emigrating. One in four, 25%, said they had thought about leaving “a lot.”

What the report found

Across 31 countries with data for both periods, the share who had considered emigrating “a lot” rose from 18% in 2016/2018 to 25% in 2024/2025. That is a 40% increase.

Among those considering emigration, 50% said they would leave in search of work, while 29% cited escaping poverty or economic hardship.

Afrobarometer put it plainly: “When we ask why people contemplate leaving their country, half (50%) say they would go in search of work, and another 29% would leave to escape poverty or economic hardship.”

Non-economic reasons were small. Only 4% mentioned pursuing education, 3% cited political factors such as democracy and freedom, and another 3% mentioned travel and tourism.

Young and educated Africans more willing to leave

The desire to emigrate is highest among young and educated Africans. About 32% of respondents aged 18 to 35 said they had considered leaving “a lot,” compared with 11% of those aged above 55.

Among respondents with post-secondary education, 31% had given “a lot” of consideration to leaving, compared with 18% among those with no formal education.

Europe and North America are the leading destinations. Afrobarometer found that 32% of potential emigrants would choose Europe, while 28% would prefer North America. Another 17% would move elsewhere within their subregion, and 5% would choose another African country outside their subregion. A further 16% selected another country or region outside Africa, Europe and North America.

The pull toward destinations outside Africa is growing. In 31 countries with comparable data, the proportion of potential emigrants preferring another African country fell from 36% in 2016/2018 to 26% in 2024/2025.

Nigeria’s labour pressures

The findings come amid evidence that employment pressures are shaping relocation decisions in Nigeria. In August 2026, Nairametrics reported that 45.3% of Nigerian households had experienced a job loss, business closure or inability to find work in the previous 12 months, according to SBM Intelligence. The report also found that 79.1% of respondents would consider relocating from their current geopolitical zone for a good job.

Nairametrics also reported in March that more than 60,300 Nigerians had returned from dangerous migration routes since 2017 through assisted voluntary return programmes, according to the International Organization for Migration. Many had embarked on risky journeys in search of better economic opportunities abroad.

Europe is facing a demographic shift marked by an ageing population and a growing need for workers. Africa remains home to one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations. Nairametrics reported in May that Europe’s ageing and declining population is increasing demand for workers even as Africa’s population remains young and continues to grow.

What it means for Nigerian businesses

For Nigerian employers, the report points to a labour market under pressure. If half of potential emigrants are leaving for work and 79.1% of Nigerian respondents would relocate for a good job, companies may face tougher competition for skilled staff. That has direct implications for productivity, training costs and succession planning.