Economic Hardship Fuels Migration in Guinea-Bissau & Cape Verde
Economic hardship is driving a surge in migration interest across Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), with nearly half of the population in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde considering a move abroad. According to the latest Afrobarometer report, “Beyond Borders: Citizen Perspectives on a Shifting Global Order,” the desire to emigrate has increased substantially across the continent as citizens seek better financial opportunities.
The report, released in Accra, Ghana, highlights a significant trend: 47% of Bissau-Guineans and 46% of Cape Verdeans are contemplating leaving their home countries for economic reasons. This sentiment is also prevalent in Angola (38%), São Tomé and Príncipe (31%), and Mozambique (21%). Notably, São Tomé and Príncipe was the only country in the group to see a slight decline in migration intent, down from 35% in previous years.
A Culture of Welcoming and Economic Openness
While many citizens look toward the horizon for their own futures, their views on foreigners entering their countries remain largely positive. A majority of respondents in São Tomé and Príncipe (68%), Cape Verde (65%), and Guinea-Bissau (54%) believe that immigrant workers have a “very good” influence on their local economies. Guinea-Bissau stands out as one of Africa’s most welcoming nations, with 40% of its population actively advocating for the country to receive more foreign workers.
However, opinions are more polarized in Mozambique and Angola, where the public remains divided on whether immigration provides a net economic benefit or a burden.
The Disconnect with Continental Free Trade
Despite the growing movement of people, awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains alarmingly low. While Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde show the highest levels of awareness at 27% and 24% respectively, the figures plummet in Angola (13%), São Tomé and Príncipe (12%), and Mozambique (11%). This suggests a significant information gap regarding Africa’s efforts toward regional commercial integration.
When it comes to trade strategy, PALOP nations appear to favor globalism over regionalism. A vast majority of respondents in Cape Verde (79%) and São Tomé and Príncipe (77%) believe their countries should prioritize trade partnerships with the entire world rather than limiting focus to intra-African or sub-regional markets.
Angola’s Protectionist Outlier
The report also identifies a distinct protectionist trend in Angola. While most PALOP countries favor free trade and open borders, only 45% of Angolans support cross-border openness. Instead, 40% of Angolan respondents expressed a preference for protecting domestic producers from foreign competition—a sharp contrast to the more liberal economic views held by their neighbors.
The Afrobarometer report provides a comprehensive look at how African citizens view their place in a shifting global order, touching on everything from migration and trade to the influence of major global powers on the continent.
Image: Pexels – Nico Marín
