The World Bank

Every country in Africa has been affected by international migration, in all its forms. Some people choose to migrate; others are forced to do so by natural disasters or conflict. Migration has often been viewed as a “brain drain” rather than an opportunity. Technological progress has made it easier for migrants to stay in touch with the country they left behind and to contribute to its social and economic development. Until recently, few governments and institutions in Africa recognized the potential contribution that the diaspora could make, if properly managed, to the economic transformation of the continent. The projected rise in the labor force in poor regions and decline in rich and some emerging economies in the next few decades are expected to create substantial imbalances in the global labor market. If not addressed, these imbalances could have negative long-term economic consequences in both regions ...