Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Number of Immigrants
Immigration Statistics (2020)
| Rank | Country | Number of Immigrants | Key Origin Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 2,900,000 | Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho |
| 2 | Côte d’Ivoire | 2,600,000 | Burkina Faso, Mali |
| 3 | Uganda | 1,700,000 | South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| 4 | Sudan | 1,400,000 | Eritrea, South Sudan, Ethiopia |
| 5 | Kenya | 1,100,000 | Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia |
| 6 | Ethiopia | 1,100,000 | Somalia, Eritrea, South Sudan |
| 7 | Nigeria | 1,000,000+ | Various West African countries |
| 8 | Libya | 826,537 | Sub-Saharan African countries |
| 9 | Egypt | 543,937 | Sudan, Syria, various Arab countries |
| 10 | Tanzania | 500,000+ | Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo |
Source: UN DESA 2020 data
Migration in Africa is predominantly an intra-continental phenomenon, with more than half of African migrants choosing to relocate within the continent rather than seeking opportunities abroad. According to United Nations data from 2020, approximately 21 million Africans were living in another African country, reflecting the continent’s complex and dynamic patterns of human mobility driven by economic opportunities, conflicts, and regional integration policies.
South Africa stands as the undisputed leader in hosting immigrants on the African continent, with approximately 2.9 million international migrants as of 2020. The country’s relatively developed economy, robust infrastructure, and diverse job market have long attracted people from across the continent. The majority of South African immigrants originate from neighboring countries, particularly Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho, seeking better economic prospects and escaping political instability in their home nations. Despite occasional xenophobic tensions, South Africa remains a magnet for African migration.
Côte d’Ivoire holds the second position with 2.6 million immigrants, serving as West Africa’s primary destination for regional migrants. The country’s cocoa industry, construction sector, and growing urban centers have historically attracted workers from landlocked Sahelian countries. Burkina Faso represents the single largest source of immigrants to Côte d’Ivoire, with the migration corridor between these two nations ranking among the busiest in Africa. Mali also contributes significantly to Côte d’Ivoire’s immigrant population, continuing migration patterns established during the colonial period.
Uganda, with 1.7 million immigrants, ranks third and hosts the largest refugee population in Africa. The country’s progressive refugee policies, which allow refugees to work and move freely, have made it a haven for those fleeing conflict and persecution. South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the primary sources of Uganda’s immigrant population, with most arrivals driven by prolonged conflicts and humanitarian crises in their home countries. Uganda’s approach to refugee integration sets a positive example for the continent.
Sudan hosts approximately 1.4 million immigrants, making it the fourth-largest destination despite experiencing its own internal conflicts and political instability. The country serves as both a destination and transit point for migrants from Eritrea, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Sudan’s geographic position and porous borders facilitate significant cross-border movement, though the ongoing conflict that erupted in 2023 has dramatically altered migration patterns, creating millions of internally displaced persons.
Kenya and Ethiopia each host approximately 1.1 million immigrants, sharing the fifth position. Kenya serves as East Africa’s economic powerhouse, attracting migrants seeking employment opportunities in its services sector, while also hosting significant refugee populations from Somalia, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Ethiopia, despite experiencing internal conflicts, particularly the civil war in Tigray, has traditionally been a major refugee host country, providing shelter primarily to Somalis, Eritreans, and South Sudanese fleeing violence and persecution.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, hosts over one million immigrants, primarily from neighboring West African countries. The country’s oil wealth and diverse economy have historically attracted workers from across the region, though economic challenges in recent years have affected migration patterns. The implementation of the Economic Community of West African States protocols facilitating free movement has encouraged intra-regional migration to Nigeria.
Libya rounds out the list with approximately 826,537 immigrants as of 2020, though political instability and ongoing conflicts have significantly impacted these numbers. The country’s oil industry historically attracted large numbers of migrant workers from sub-Saharan Africa. However, Libya has increasingly become a transit country for migrants attempting to reach Europe via the dangerous Mediterranean crossing, with many facing severe human rights abuses.
Egypt hosts around 543,937 immigrants, serving as both a destination and transit country for migrants from Sudan, Syria, and various Arab nations. The country’s large urban centers, particularly Cairo, have attracted refugees and economic migrants, though restrictive policies and economic challenges have limited its appeal compared to other African destinations.
Tanzania completes the top ten with approximately 500,000 immigrants, primarily refugees from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country has a long history of hosting refugees, dating back to independence struggles in neighboring countries during the 1960s and 1970s.
The patterns of immigration across these countries reflect broader regional dynamics, including the impact of conflict, economic disparities, climate change, and regional integration policies. Eastern and Western Africa together host almost 60 percent of all international migrants on the continent, demonstrating the importance of regional migration corridors. Most African migration is motivated by the search for employment and better living conditions, with conflict-induced displacement accounting for a significant portion of movements in certain regions.
These statistics underscore the reality that Africa’s migration challenges and opportunities are primarily continental rather than global in nature, challenging narratives that focus exclusively on African migration to Europe and other developed regions.
