A recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer has found that nearly half of Benin's citizens have considered leaving the country. The report, titled "Beyond Borders: Citizens' Perspectives on a Changing World Order," reveals that 46% of respondents have thought about emigrating, with 23% considering it seriously, 10% somewhat, and 13% a little. This represents an increase from 2016/2018, when 20% of respondents reported strongly considering emigration.
The survey also explored the preferred destinations of those considering emigration. Among them, 32% would aim for a neighboring country in the sub-region, 11% another African destination, 25% Europe, 23% North America, and 8% another region. This suggests that 43% of potential emigrants would remain on the continent. The report is part of a series of publications by Afrobarometer on various topics, including national identity, youth unemployment, and traditional leaders' neutrality.
The survey also gathered opinions on regional circulation and living conditions. A significant 74% of respondents expressed support for the free movement of people, but only 21% found it easy to cross borders, while 78% considered it difficult. Furthermore, 61% of respondents rated their living conditions as poor or very poor. Despite this, the country appears welcoming to foreigners, with 89% accepting migrant workers as neighbors and 88% accepting refugees.
The report highlights a contrast between the openness to international trade and a lack of awareness about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While 83% of respondents favored free trade, 17% preferred greater protection for local producers. Most respondents, 71%, preferred Benin to trade with the entire world, rather than just Africa or the sub-region. However, only 8% of respondents had heard of the AfCFTA.
The survey also examined perceptions of major world powers. China enjoyed a 69% favorable rating, ahead of the United States (58%), France (48%), the European Union (47%), Russia (40%), and India (36%). Notably, the positive image of China had declined by 19 points and that of the United States by 21 points since the previous survey.
Opinions on regional institutions were also gathered, with 58% of respondents holding a positive view of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and 54% of the African Union. These findings provide insight into the perspectives of Benin's citizens on various international issues.
The Afrobarometer report offers a comprehensive overview of Benin's citizens' attitudes towards emigration, international trade, and global relations. The findings can inform policy decisions and provide a better understanding of the country's position in the region.
Key points
- 46% of Benin's citizens have considered emigrating.
- The majority of respondents support free trade and the free movement of people.
- There is a lack of awareness about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) among Benin's citizens.
