Egypt, Nigeria Lead Africa’s 2025 Remittance Inflows

Africa received $124.2 billion in remittances in 2025, an 86% jump from a decade ago, with nearly three-quarters of the continent’s inflows going to five countries. Egypt led the continent with $41.51 billion, ranking fourth globally behind India, Mexico, and the Philippines. Nigeria followed with $22.78 billion, then Morocco, Ethiopia, and Kenya, with $13.65 billion, $7.13 billion, and $5 billion, respectively. However, countries receiving smaller absolute amounts were often more dependent on remittances relative to their economies. The Gambia recorded the highest remittance-to-GDP ratio at 22%, followed by Liberia, Comoros, and Lesotho at 21% each. Meanwhile, continental remittances are now more than double global foreign direct investment flows, or about 18% of Africa’s total exports. Transfer costs have also fallen 20% over the past decade to 7.2% for sending $200.