Public debates in Europe often frame African migration as a looming northward crisis, but the data tells a very different story. Most African migration happens within the continent, driven largely by work, education, and family ties rather than conflict or war. In fact, more Africans live in other African countries than outside the continent, and even those forced to flee violence usually remain close to home. Europe-focused narratives have skewed policy toward border control instead of cooperation, protection, and development. Researchers argue that understanding Africa’s largely intracontinental mobility is essential for smarter migration policy-making. This evidence calls for a major shift in focus toward supporting regional host nations, expanding legal pathways, and investing in better data to craft effective and fair policies.
The Conversation
