Leveraging the power of the intra-African diaspora
The African diaspora plays a critical role in the continent’s economic resilience and development, with remittances from migrant workers estimated at $95 billion in 2022 and projected to exceed $100 billion in 2024. These flows account for over 5% of Africa’s GDP, more than double the level of official development assistance to the continent.
However, much of the conversation about diaspora contributions is focused on remittances from African migrants living outside the continent, creating a narrow understanding of the diaspora’s role.
The reality is that migration within Africa—particularly intra-African migration—has been far more significant in recent years. The African Union reports that 70,000 skilled professionals leave Africa annually, while the intra-African migration trend has accelerated as millions of youths move within the continent, especially in search of employment and educational opportunities. This shift suggests that the intra-African diaspora is larger and potentially more impactful than the African diaspora living outside of the continent.
Unfortunately, the data needed to fully understand this phenomenon is limited. Migration within Africa is not tracked systematically, and there is a significant data gap when it comes to understanding the size, location, and activities of these intra-African communities. There is also a pressing need to better map these communities to uncover their potential role in remittances, social and cultural networks, trade and economic development and security.
Announcing the Africa Practice-African Diaspora Network partnership
We are excited to announce a strategic partnership between the African Diaspora Network (ADN) and Africa Practice, to effectively address the significant data gap in understanding intra-African migration. ADN’s proven expertise in mobilising the diaspora and Africa Practice’s robust research and data analytics capabilities create a powerful synergy. Together, we are well-positioned to tackle the critical issue of underreporting and underutilising intra-African migration data.
This partnership is designed to enhance the collection and analysis of diaspora data, revealing key insights that will enable informed policy decisions and development programme design, while unlocking the potential for greater diaspora contributions to Africa’s development. Through our combined strength, we believe we can provide a clearer, more actionable understanding of migration trends within Africa—insights that are often overlooked but will be an important contributor to the continent’s future economic resilience.
The power of social listening
In the first phrase of our partnership, we’re looking to estimate the size of the intra-African diaspora, highlight some of the largest, most connected communities and present indicative findings regarding its demographic composition.
Given the current data deficit on migration and diaspora communities, and the cost of developing traditional data collection structures at a continental level, we believe that innovation is required to fast track knowledge. Social media, for example, is one of today’s most powerful sources of information, and is a critical tool in our research toolbox.
Total mentions by theme show a dominant focus on economic contributions, highlighting the intra-African diaspora’s well-established role in remittances and investments. Moderate mentions reflect migration trends and diaspora engagement, while fewer mentions suggest a more niche focus area in diaspora-driven tech innovations. Limited coverage on policy frameworks possibly indicates a gap in media attention or reporting mechanisms.
Data-driven decisionmaking
Understanding more about the intra-African diaspora is a critical requirement to help shape policy and programming, as well as investment decisions. By identifying these communities, they can then be mobilised to actively contribute to sustainable development and investment at both a country and a continental level.
The findings of our study will help inform a range of use cases on the continent, from conflict resolution to economic growth and continental unity. The intra-African diaspora, for example, can be mobilised to directly contribute to trade and investment through their cross-border knowledge, skills, and capital. By credibly mapping the size and scale of the intra-African diaspora, we can harness migration as a tool for development.
Get involved
We’re looking for partners, stakeholders, intra-Africa diaspora members and others interested in mapping and understanding the power of the intra-Africa diaspora. If you would like to get involved or learn more about this research collaboration, please reach out to [email protected].
About Africa Practice
Africa Practice is a mission-led strategic consulting firm advising investors and development partners across the continent. Our insights and advocacy shape a prosperous Africa.
About the African Diaspora Network
African Diaspora Network is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to harness and engage the intellectual, financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial capacity of Africans and friends of Africa in support of economic and social development across Africa and the communities the diaspora lives.
