Is Africa facing a brain drain of its youth?

The issue of brain drain affecting Africa's youth has come to the forefront of discussions as Fragomen Africa suggests that the demographic dividend promised by the continent's youth bulge might be under threat. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Caroline Kanzara, Senior Manager for Immigration at Fragomen, shed light on the factors contributing to the potential exodus of young talent from Africa. While some may argue that young people are desperate to leave the continent, Kanzara emphasized the need to differentiate between different categories of youth and the skillsets they possess. Kanzara acknowledged that the tightening of borders during the pandemic has led to restrictions on movement, but as countries begin to ease these measures, opportunities for skilled individuals to relocate are increasing. Critical sectors like healthcare, information technology, and engineering are witnessing a high demand for talent globally, with countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia actively attracting professionals from Africa. The allure of better prospects and development opportunities abroad poses a challenge to retaining skilled youth within the continent. When questioned about the role of African governments in stemming the brain drain, Kanzara emphasized the necessity of enhancing internal skill development. While Africa boasts a significant youth population, there is a gap in the required skills for young individuals to fill key positions. Global exposure and training are crucial for aligning African youth with international standards, making it imperative for governments to focus on programs that facilitate skill transfer and development. The conversation delved into the complex issue of high unemployment rates across the continent, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to talent retention. Kanzara suggested that a balance must be struck between addressing local unemployment and allowing for the transfer of skills from foreign nationals. Programs that mandate skills transfer within a designated timeframe could help mitigate the brain drain while enriching the local workforce. In the midst of global competition for skilled professionals, African countries face the dual challenge of providing opportunities for their youth while leveraging external expertise for knowledge transfer. The onus lies on governments to design effective policies that not only encourage the development of local talent but also facilitate cross-border collaboration to nurture a diverse and dynamic workforce. By fostering a conducive environment for skill acquisition and exchange, Africa can harness the potential of its youth bulge and stem the tide of brain drain that threatens to erode its demographic dividend.