A new Afrobarometer report reveals that a majority of Africans support the free movement of people across borders, yet many express hesitation about immigrants entering their own countries. This finding comes from the 2026 African Insights flagship report, based on extensive surveys across the continent.
The report highlights a clear contradiction in public sentiment. About 56% of Africans believe people in their region should move freely across international borders. However, a substantial 40% desire governments to restrict cross-border movement to safeguard jobs and opportunities for citizens. This caution extends to specific groups, with 64% preferring fewer job seekers and 70% fewer refugees admitted into their nations.
This complex view fits into a broader narrative of economic pressures and national interests across Africa. Many African nations grapple with high unemployment rates and resource scarcity. Citizens often perceive an influx of immigrants as a threat to their economic stability. The data reflects a desire to balance regional integration with domestic protectionism, a common tension in developing economies. Ghana, like many other African countries, faces similar debates regarding its borders and labour market.
Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), commented on global migration patterns. She noted that attention often focuses on a few major routes. However, nearly half of the world's 304 million international migrants live within their own regions. This statement, though from a separate IOM release, underscores the complexity of migration dynamics, including internal and regional movements.
These findings suggest that policymakers must navigate a delicate balance between promoting regional integration and addressing domestic concerns about job security. Governments will likely face continued pressure to implement policies that manage immigration flows while fostering economic growth. The rising desire among Africans to emigrate also indicates a need for improved economic opportunities within their home countries. Future policy decisions will need to consider both the economic impact of immigration and the aspirations of their own citizens.
The report also found that views on the economic impact of immigrants are evenly split. About 45% believe immigrants benefit the national economy, while 44% consider them detrimental. Surprisingly, resistance to admitting job seekers is strongest among the most educated and wealthiest Africans. This contrasts with trends observed in other parts of the world. The study suggests that higher education and skills correlate with lower support for admitting job seekers in Africa. This unexpected finding challenges conventional understanding of attitudes towards immigration.
Furthermore, the report indicates a growing desire among Africans to emigrate. Nearly half, 45%, have considered leaving their home countries, marking a 7 percentage point increase since 2016/2018. This intention is highest among youth aged 18-35, at 32%, and among the most educated, at 31%. Economic reasons dominate these emigration intentions, with 50% seeking work and 29% aiming to escape economic hardship. Europe remains the top desired destination at 32%, followed by North America at 28%. Only 22% would choose to move within their sub-region or elsewhere in Africa, a decrease from 36% in 2016/2018. This shift highlights a preference for destinations outside the continent, indicating a search for better economic prospects.