African Student Mobility : between exodus and regional circulation
African student flows are reshaping: while the exodus to Europe, North America, or China remains massive, intra-regional mobility within Africa is growing. Between attractiveness policies, student visas, and costs, what do recent figures reveal and what strategies could reverse the brain drain ?
The number of international students has more than tripled since 2000: nearly 6.9 million students were enrolled outside their home countries in 2022, according to UNESCO, and the upward trend continues. These numbers reflect a global demand for recognized qualifications and, for many African states, an economic and diplomatic opportunity.
For Africa, the situation remains mixed. Studies show that the proportion of African students moving within the continent remains relatively low: only around 20% of students from sub-Saharan Africa choose another African country; the vast majority go to Europe, North America, or Asia. Structural factors explain this: language of instruction, recognition of degrees, cost of living, insufficient scholarships, and the still limited attractiveness of many African universities.
International mobility is a driver of exchange and employability
African host countries are nonetheless multiplying opportunities. Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Rwanda are developing programs in English or French, international partnerships, and hosting schemes for African students. Campus France notes, however, that Europe remains a major target; France has even formalized a “Bienvenue en France” strategy aiming for 500,000 foreign students by 2027, illustrating the global competition for talent. “International mobility is a driver of exchange and employability,” the agency emphasizes.
Beyond policies, student mobility is also determined by individual choices linked to employability: families invest in degrees perceived as “passports” to international jobs. This explains why, despite the growing quality of some African campuses, many students continue to favor destinations outside the continent.
Public-private partnerships and coordinated promotion of African universities abroad can also gradually reverse the flows
What can be done? The levers are well known: facilitate mutual recognition of degrees through regional agreements, multiply joint programs and dual degrees, develop targeted scholarships, and simplify student visa procedures. Public-private partnerships and coordinated promotion of African universities abroad can also gradually reverse the flows.
African student mobility is no longer just a matter of departures: it has become a strategic issue. If African countries manage to develop attractive ecosystems (quality, research, employability), the mobility map could be redrawn, benefiting a more balanced circulation and strengthening the continent’s capacities.
