Nearly half of respondents in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde are considering emigrating for economic reasons, according to an Afrobarometer report released on Wednesday, 5 August, which identifies the same trend in Angola (38%), São Tomé and Príncipe (31%), and Mozambique (21%).
One of the primary drivers behind respondents' intent to emigrate is of an economic nature. The report, titled 'Beyond Borders: Citizen Perspectives on a Shifting Global Order', finds that the intention to migrate has 'increased substantially'. The study was presented in Accra, Ghana, and is based on representative surveys conducted across 38 African countries.
Among the Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), São Tomé and Príncipe stands out as the only nation to record a significant decline in emigration intent, which fell from 35% in the 2016–18 period to 31% in 2024–25.
The report also examines perceptions of the economic impact of immigrants in host countries. A majority of respondents in São Tomé and Príncipe (68%), Cape Verde (65%), and Guinea-Bissau (54%) believe that foreigners who relocate for work have a 'very good' influence on the economy.
Guinea-Bissau emerges as one of the most welcoming countries on the continent, with approximately 40% of citizens arguing that the country should admit more workers. Mozambique and Angola, meanwhile, maintain more divided opinions regarding the economic impact of immigrants.
The study also examines citizens' views on trade openness and awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Awareness of the AfCFTA remains low across the PALOP nations. Guinea-Bissau records the highest rate (27%), followed by Cape Verde (24%). By contrast, awareness levels are lower in Angola (13%), São Tomé and Príncipe (12%), and Mozambique (11%), reflecting limited dissemination of information on African trade integration.
Across all PALOP countries, the majority of respondents prefer to prioritise trade partnerships at a global scale rather than focusing exclusively on intra-African or sub-regional trade. Cape Verde (79%) and São Tomé and Príncipe (77%) lead this preference, followed by Guinea-Bissau (70%), Angola (63%), and Mozambique (61%).
On free trade, PALOP respondents are broadly in favour of cross-border openness, with the exception of Angola. In that country, only 45% support such openness, while 40% advocate for the protection of domestic producers, pointing to a more protectionist tendency.
The report also gathers findings on citizens' perceptions of cross-border trade and economic integration, migration, Africa's role in global governance, and the influence of major international powers on the continent.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/08/05/mundo/africa/palop-razoes-economicas-levam-quase-metade-dos-guineenses-e-cabo-verdianos-a-considerar-emigrar/
