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BBC OS Conversations: Migrating from Africa

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Migrating from Africa

25/08/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - BBC OS Conversations, Migrating from Africa

Professional and unskilled men and women discuss why they want to leave the continent

James Reynolds and Lukwesa Burak hear from men and women across four countries in Africa to discover the many reasons why they want to start new lives away from the continent.

More than 60 people are currently feared lost at sea after trying to escape Senegal by boat for a better life in Europe. According to the UN, Africa accounts for only 14 percent of the global migrant population. Most Africans also migrate internally but, due to the recent tragedy from Senegal, we decided to focus on those - both skilled and unskilled - who want to leave the continent for elsewhere.

Host James Reynolds and his colleague Lukwesa Burak hear from men and women across four countries in Africa to discover the many reasons why they want to leave.

“I’m a registered nurse and I've practised for eight years here,” says Jolly in Kenya. “I’d like to go the west, especially Canada. I just want to experience a new life, career advancement and definitely better remuneration.”

For those who are unemployed or who have low paid jobs, the financial costs involved in arranging travel are so high that they will consider leaving by any means possible, in some cases illegally and no matter what the personal risk.

“My plan B is that if I’m not able to gather the money then I have to try and use the Mediterranean Sea,” says Daniel in Ghana, referring to the world’s most deadly migration route. He works as a driver and has other part-time jobs yet is still struggling.

We also hear from two unemployed mothers, one of whom is prepared to temporarily leave her young child with relatives in order to secure her own and her daughter’s future.

A co-production between the BBC OS team and Boffin Media.

(Photo: Daniel in Ghana)

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