Africa hosts a diverse and growing population of international migrants, with certain countries emerging as primary destinations due to economic opportunities, political stability, humanitarian policies, and regional proximity. As of July 2020, South Africa led the continent with 2.86 million international migrants, followed closely by Côte d'Ivoire with 2.56 million.

Top 10 African Countries by Immigrant Population

The following table presents the ranking of African countries hosting the highest numbers of international migrants, based on Statista data:

Rank Country International Migrants (millions)
1 South Africa 2.86
2 Côte d'Ivoire 2.56
3 Uganda 1.72
4 Sudan 1.38
5 Nigeria 1.31
6 Ethiopia 1.09
7 Kenya 1.05
8 Democratic Republic of Congo 0.95
9 South Sudan 0.88
10 Libya 0.83

 

Key Factors Driving Migration to These Countries

Economic Opportunities

  • South Africa: Known as the "Rainbow Nation," it leads with strong industries in mining, finance, manufacturing, and services

  • Nigeria: Its diverse economy attracts migrants through entertainment (Nollywood), technology, and oil sectors

  • Côte d'Ivoire: West Africa's economic hub draws labor for agriculture, particularly cocoa and coffee production

Humanitarian and Refugee Policies

  • Uganda: Maintains a hospitable environment, especially for refugees from neighboring countries like South Sudan, DRC, and Rwanda

  • Sudan: Hosts migrants seeking safety despite ongoing conflicts, many coming from Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Eritrea

  • Kenya: Acts as a regional hub for commerce, technology, and humanitarian assistance, hosting refugees from Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia

Regional Stability and Trade

  • Ethiopia: Home to 1.09 million migrants with historical significance as a regional power

  • Democratic Republic of Congo: Despite internal challenges, attracts migrants from neighboring Central African countries

  • Libya: Serves as a transit point and destination for migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa seeking opportunities or passage to Europe

Migrant Population as Percentage of Total Population

While absolute numbers matter, the proportion of immigrants relative to total population reveals different leaders:

Country Immigrants as % of Population Primary Driver
Gabon 18.7% Oil-related labor demand 
Equatorial Guinea 16.4% Oil industry 
Djibouti 12.1% Strategic port location 
Libya 12.0% Transit and labor 

 

Regional Migration Patterns Within Africa

Most African migrants stay within the continent rather than migrating to Europe or North America. This intraregional movement is shaped by:

  • Geographic proximity: Neighboring countries share borders and cultural ties

  • Economic disparities: Workers move from lower-income to higher-income countries

  • Conflict and displacement: Refugees seek safety in neighboring stable nations

  • Trade networks: Commercial migrants follow established trade routes

 

Top African Nations by Emigrants (Citizens Living Abroad)

It's important to distinguish between countries hosting immigrants and countries sending emigrants. Egypt leads Africa in emigrants with 4.9 million citizens living abroad, followed by:

Rank Country Emigrants (millions)
1 Egypt 4.9
2 Sudan 3.8
3 Morocco 3.6
4 South Sudan 3.2
5 DR Congo 2.1

 

African Immigrants in the United States

For context on global migration patterns, Nigeria tops the list of African nations with migrants in the U.S. (476,008), followed by Ethiopia (278,182) and Ghana (241,477). South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco also feature prominently in the African diaspora in America.

Why These Countries Stand Out

South Africa's position as the top immigrant-hosting nation stems from its:

  • Developed economy with diverse job opportunities

  • Relative political stability compared to regional neighbors

  • Established infrastructure and urban centers

  • History of welcoming migrants from across the continent

 

Côte d'Ivoire's strong ranking reflects West Africa's economic dynamics, with its agriculture sector, port infrastructure, and growing urban economy attracting labor from Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Ghana.

Uganda's humanitarian approach to refugee protection, combined with its peaceful stability in a volatile region, makes it a critical destination for East African migrants

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