Nearly one out of every two Africans has considered leaving their country in search of better opportunities, with unemployment and poverty emerging as the biggest factors driving migration across the continent, according to the latest Afrobarometer African Insights 2026 report.

The report, titled ‘Beyond Borders: Citizen Perspectives on a Shifting Global Order,’ indicates that 45 per cent of Africans have at some point contemplated emigrating, while 25 per cent say they have thought about relocating abroad "a lot."

The findings represent a 40 per cent increase in migration aspirations compared with surveys conducted between 2016 and 2018, highlighting growing economic pressures confronting many households across Africa.

The report is based on Round 10 Afrobarometer surveys conducted in 38 African countries during 2024 and 2025, providing one of the continent's most comprehensive assessments of citizens' views on migration, governance, trade and international relations.

Economic pressures

According to the report, economic considerations overwhelmingly dominate migration decisions.

Half (50 per cent) of prospective migrants cited the search for employment as their principal reason for wanting to relocate, while 29 per cent said they would leave to escape poverty and improve their standard of living.

The study found that migration aspirations are strongest among young people and those with higher levels of education, reflecting concerns over limited employment opportunities despite increasing educational attainment across many African countries.

Changing migration destinations

The report also points to a significant shift in where Africans hope to migrate.

Whereas previous surveys showed many Africans preferred moving within the continent, that trend appears to be changing.

The proportion of potential migrants who would rather relocate to another African country has declined sharply from 36 per cent in 2016-2018 to 26 per cent in the latest survey, suggesting that increasing numbers are now looking beyond Africa for economic opportunities.

The report says the changing pattern reflects evolving perceptions about where better employment prospects and improved living conditions can be found.

Support for free movement

Despite the growing desire to emigrate, Africans generally remain supportive of regional integration and the free movement of people.

A modest majority (56 per cent) support freer cross-border movement across the continent, underscoring continued backing for initiatives aimed at strengthening regional mobility and integration.

However, many respondents believe that crossing African borders remains difficult in practice.

Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) said travelling between African countries is challenging because of administrative, legal and logistical barriers.

The findings suggest that while many citizens embrace the principle of continental mobility, they believe implementation remains far from seamless.

Mixed attitudes toward immigration

The survey also reveals nuanced public attitudes toward immigration.

On the social and cultural front, Africans generally display openness toward foreigners, with 77 per cent saying they would either welcome immigrants as neighbours or would not mind living next to them.

However, attitudes become more cautious when immigration is viewed through an economic lens.

Respondents were evenly divided over whether immigrants benefit or harm national economies.

In addition, 64 per cent said they would prefer their countries to admit fewer—or no—foreign job seekers, while 70 per cent expressed similar preferences regarding refugees.

Policy implications

The report suggests that Africa's growing migration ambitions reflect persistent concerns about youth unemployment, limited economic opportunities and poverty, even as governments pursue deeper regional integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

It notes that although Africans broadly endorse freedom of movement across borders, policymakers must simultaneously address the economic conditions pushing citizens to seek opportunities abroad while managing public concerns over immigration, labour markets and refugee inflows.

The findings underscore the importance of creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening regional cooperation if African countries are to retain skilled young people and harness their potential for long-term development.