Immigration of Young Africans to Europe Against All Odds

A thorny and topical issue for years, the African continent is facing a disproportionately uncontrollable problem. Figures are difficult to quantify; Africa is annually stripped of its human capital, passively watching as its active cohort is supposed to take over and help it close the gap it has accumulated compared to its peers (Europe, America, Asia). Its young people undertake journeys that are sometimes fatal to their lives. In this article, we will outline the dangers faced by these protagonists during these journeys.

Which regions of Africa are the most likely to receive immigration?

The immigration phenomenon is constantly increasing; every year, thousands of Africans attempt by all means to leave the continent for their preferred destination: Europe. Coming from all directions, from West to East, from South to North, no corner is left out. In 2019, 67.5% of these migrants came from West Africa, 18.5% from East Africa, 8% from Southern Africa, the same number from Central Africa, and 6% from North Africa. Overall, 80% of the migratory pressures experienced by Europe came from Africa.

The causes of African immigration

Poverty, political pressure, domestic violence, wars—the list is not exhaustive, and remains among the reasons cited by immigrants; these misfortunes drive them to travel the world. Forty percent of them cite the reasons stated above. Some travel in extremely perilous conditions; To dot the i's and cross the t's, 93% of them encountered danger during their journey. Each year, 800,000 to 1 million embark on this adventure hoping to make a decent fortune.

Choice Routes of African Immigrants

Wishing to escape their difficult conditions, particularly financially, many young Africans use clandestine routes, often expensive and risky, to seek a future they believe to be better.

According to statistics, approximately 200,000 to 300,000 Africans arrive on the European continent via illicit routes. Most of them pass through the Mediterranean Sea (which has a very pernicious reputation) and the Balkan route. The age group most exposed to immigration remains those between 18 and 35. By way of corroboration, in 2020, approximately 95,000 migrants used the Mediterranean to return to Europe. That same year, asylum applications approached 150,000. Despite the constraints related to COVID-19 containment measures, they continued to achieve their goal, that is, to arrive in Europe.

West Africa, the leading source of immigration candidates

For various reasons, West Africa remains the region par excellence most fond of Europe. A preference that is not new, its individuals have always looked toward Europe. Various surveys have demonstrated their affection for this continent; having a member present there represents a source of pride for the family. In 1990, for example, a study showed that approximately 415,000 West Africans were living in Europe. This represented a significant percentage of 14.31% of all African residents in Europe. West Africans made up 3.4% of the total non-European foreign population. Their primary destination remained and still remains France. 31% of their nationals resided in France, representing 7.8% of the African population living in Europe.