Africa: Jobs Abroad or Jobs in Africa? Why a Focus On Work in Other Countries Shouldn't Replace Opportunities At Home

What the report says

AllAfrica republished a 22 July 2026 analysis from The Conversation Africa examining the growing use of overseas work schemes by African governments as a response to youth unemployment. The authors — Michael Boampong of The Open University, Daniel Assamah of Rutgers University-Newark and Melissa Mouthaan of the University of Cambridge — cite Ghana and Kenya as examples of countries expanding labour mobility agreements with destinations including Spain, Qatar and Caribbean states.

The article says earlier arrangements with Gulf countries have tended to involve construction and service jobs, while newer Caribbean partnerships are aimed at skilled workers such as nurses and other health professionals. It notes that many young Africans face insecure work at home, while wealthier countries need labour in care, agriculture, construction and other sectors. The authors argue that this makes overseas employment attractive to policymakers seeking remittances and reduced pressure on domestic job markets.

However, the analysis warns that treating migration mainly as an economic tool can carry development risks. In Ghana, the article reports, remittances make up 6% of GDP and reached about US$4.6 billion in 2024, but the country is also seeing large numbers of health workers leave, including records showing 500 nurses departing each month in recent years. The authors say this raises concerns about essential services, ethical recruitment and long-term investment in skills.

The piece concludes that labour mobility should support, not replace, domestic job creation. It recommends stronger partnerships on training and qualifications, better reintegration support for returnees, and continued investment in decent work, education and public institutions at home.