Opportunities within Africa: moving, working and studying across the continent

When people talk about moving “abroad”, they often mean North America, Europe or Australia. But some of the fastest-growing cities, tech scenes and universities are on the African continent. Moving within Africa can mean shorter distances from family, familiar cultures, lower relocation costs and, for some nationalities, simpler entry rules.

This article is an introduction. It is labelled as sample content while we verify every detail against official sources. Always confirm the current rules for your own nationality before you make plans.

Destinations to explore

We now have country guides for several African destinations, each with links to the official immigration authority:

• South Africa: a large, diversified economy with an official critical skills work visa.
• Kenya: a regional hub for business, tech and international organisations in Nairobi.
• Rwanda: a growing services and conference centre with many immigration services available online.
• Ghana: an English-speaking West African democracy and a popular choice for the diaspora.
• Nigeria: Africa’s most populous country, with large creative, finance and tech sectors.
• Morocco: a gateway between Africa and Europe that hosts many students from across the continent.
• Egypt: a historic centre of education and business linking Africa and the Middle East.
• Mauritius: an island financial hub with published routes for professionals and remote workers.

Regional free-movement agreements

Regional economic communities can make it easier for their citizens to travel and, in some cases, to live and work in other member states. What they cover varies, and so does how they work in practice.

ECOWAS (West Africa). Under the ECOWAS free-movement protocol, citizens of member states can enter another member state without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, with a valid travel document. Rights to reside and set up a business are covered by later phases of the protocol, which have been implemented less consistently. ECOWAS membership has also changed in recent years, so check the ECOWAS website for the current list of members.

EAC (East Africa). The East African Community’s Common Market Protocol provides for free movement of people and workers between partner states. How this works in practice, including the documents accepted at borders and work permit arrangements, differs from country to country.

African Union Free Movement Protocol. The AU adopted a continent-wide Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment in 2018. It needs 15 ratifications to come into force. According to the AU’s published status list, only a small number of countries have ratified it so far, so it is not yet in force.

AfCFTA. The African Continental Free Trade Area is a trade agreement covering goods and services. It is often mentioned alongside free movement, but it does not by itself give individuals a right to live or work in another country.

Practical tips

1. Start with the official immigration authority for the country you are considering. Our country guides link to each one.
2. Check your own nationality. Rules for visitors and workers often depend on the passport you hold and any regional agreements your country belongs to.
3. Verify qualifications early. Many professions require registration with a local regulator before you can work.
4. Be wary of agents who promise guaranteed jobs or permits for a fee, wherever you are moving.

Opportunities exist across every region of the world, including Africa. Explore the country directory by region to compare destinations side by side.