A recent Afrobarometer report has revealed that nearly half of Benin's population has considered emigrating to another country. The report, titled "Beyond Borders: Citizens' Views on a Changing World Order," was presented on September 22, 2026, in Cotonou by the Innovative Research in Economics and Governance (IREG), the national partner of Afrobarometer in Benin. The report is based on surveys conducted in 38 African countries, including Benin, between January 2024 and September 2025.
According to the report, 46% of Beninese citizens have thought about emigrating, with 23% saying they have thought about it a lot, 10% somewhat, and 13% a little. The destinations considered by potential emigrants are spread across the sub-region, cited by 32% of those concerned, the rest of Africa by 11%, Europe by 25%, North America by 23%, and another region of the world by 8%. The report also highlights a strong openness to welcoming foreigners in Benin, with 89% of respondents accepting migrant workers as neighbors and 88% accepting refugees as neighbors.
The report notes that 64% of Beninese citizens view the economic impact of immigrants positively, which is higher than the average observed in the 38 countries studied, at 45%. Additionally, 74% of Beninese citizens are in favor of free movement of people in their sub-region, compared to 26% who prefer limitations. This level recorded in Benin exceeds the average of the 38 countries, established at 56%. However, the report emphasizes that a majority of those surveyed have never heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Only 8% of respondents claim to have knowledge of AfCFTA, which is presented by experts as "one of the most ambitious economic integration projects in the history of the continent." At the regional level, Afrobarometer indicates that "West Africans (34% 'a lot') are more than twice as likely as East and North Africans (16% in both cases) to seriously consider moving elsewhere." The report cites Gambia, where 53% of those surveyed say they are considering it, and Liberia, with 51%.
The report estimates that "in Africa, migration is primarily a governance issue." At the continental level, 45% of Africans have considered emigrating, representing a 40% increase over ten years, driven mainly by young people and educated individuals seeking employment. According to the same report, the motivations advanced remain mainly economic, with 50% of candidates citing the search for employment and 29% the desire to escape poverty or economic difficulties.
The Afrobarometer report is based on surveys conducted in 38 African countries and provides a comprehensive overview of citizens' perceptions of migration and governance. The report highlights the need for policymakers to address the root causes of migration, including economic inequality and lack of opportunities. By understanding the perspectives of citizens, policymakers can develop more effective strategies to manage migration and promote economic development.
The report's findings have significant implications for Benin's policymakers, who must consider the concerns and aspirations of their citizens. By addressing the economic and social factors driving emigration, the government can work to reduce the desire for citizens to leave the country. Additionally, the report's emphasis on the importance of good governance in managing migration highlights the need for transparent and accountable institutions.
Key points
- 46% of Beninese citizens have considered emigrating, citing economic reasons as primary motivators.
- The majority of Beninese citizens are open to welcoming foreigners and support free movement of people in the sub-region.
- The report emphasizes the need for policymakers to address the root causes of migration, including economic inequality and lack of opportunities.
