Talent migration: Africa’s newest threat

A new survey by African Leadership University (ALU) has unveiled a concerning trend—less than half (44%) of African school leavers plan to remain on the continent after completing their education.

The 2025 Africa Workforce Readiness Survey, which polled nearly 8,000 school leavers and employers across nine African countries, highlights a growing desire among young Africans to seek education and job opportunities abroad, sparking concerns about a potential brain drain.

The survey, conducted by Economic Policy Group (EPG), found that 88% of school leavers intend to pursue higher education, yet 37% plan to do so outside Africa.

The highest rates of students aiming to study abroad were recorded in Ghana (60%), Nigeria (45%), and Kenya (44%). Even more striking is that in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, only 19% of students plan to stay in Africa post-graduation, followed by Ghana (27%) and Nigeria (28%).

Employers Alarmed Over Talent Migration

This exodus of young talent has raised alarm among employers, with 64% identifying brain drain as a major challenge to Africa’s economic future.

While 68% of employers believe higher education institutions are preparing graduates well for the job market, only 15% rate the employability skills of recent graduates as excellent.

Employers cited problem-solving, leadership mindset, and initiative as the most lacking skills among graduates, while communication, creativity, and analytical thinking were the most sought-after skills.

Despite these concerns, optimism remains. A significant 65% of employers and 63% of school leavers believe Africa’s economy has a promising future. Additionally, 64% of employers are confident that the next generation of graduates can help grow their businesses.

The Role of Higher Education

The survey underscores the need for universities to align their offerings with employer expectations. More than half (51%) of school leavers prioritise work experience when choosing a university, a preference particularly strong in Côte d’Ivoire (82%), Uganda (68%), Nigeria (65%), and Ghana (62%).

Meanwhile, 63% of employers urge higher education institutions to focus more on leadership development, while 47% emphasise the need for technical skills training.

To address these gaps, ALU has recommended several strategies for universities, including strengthening industry partnerships, integrating more work-based learning opportunities, and fostering collaborations with both public and private sectors to support new academic programs.

The AI Factor and Future Job Prospects

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another area of both optimism and concern.

While 51% of school leavers view AI as an opportunity, 57% of employers fear it will force workers to reskill multiple times throughout their careers.

Furthermore, 51% worry AI could reduce job opportunities. Nevertheless, 54% of employers plan to integrate AI into their businesses, reflecting a cautious yet forward-looking approach to technology adoption.

Job market anxieties remain prevalent among school leavers.

The biggest concern (51%) is a perceived lack of job opportunities, with the highest worry levels in Uganda (66%), Ethiopia (65%), and South Africa (62%).

Other major concerns include inadequate work experience (38%) and an uncertain economic climate (36%). Despite these fears, popular career aspirations include engineering (14%), banking and finance (14%), technology and software (13%), and government roles (11%).

A Call to Action

In response to the findings, ALU CEO Veda Sunassee emphasised the need for Africa’s higher education sector to evolve:

“This is a pivotal moment for Africa. This survey clearly shows that to unlock the immense potential of young Africans, higher education must focus on leadership, problem-solving, and building strong links with the business world. By bridging the gap between education and workforce demands, we can empower Africa’s next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change and shape the continent’s future.”

As Africa faces a critical juncture, the survey offers both a wake-up call and a roadmap for policymakers, educators, and business leaders to rethink how they can retain talent, equip graduates with the right skills, and ensure a thriving future for the continent.