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How Millions of Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa

Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Published in China S Second Continent: How A Million Migrants Are Building A New Empire In Africa

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In the past decade, millions of migrants have arrived in Africa, fleeing war, poverty, and persecution. Some have come to stay, while others are simply passing through. But all of them are changing the face of the continent.

China's Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa

by Howard W. French

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The vast majority of migrants to Africa come from other African countries. In 2017, there were an estimated 25.7 million international migrants living in Africa, of which 20.5 million were from other African countries. The largest numbers of migrants come from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea.

There are a number of reasons why people migrate to Africa. Some are fleeing war and persecution. Others are seeking economic opportunities. Still others are coming to reunite with family members. Whatever their reasons, migrants are having a significant impact on the continent.

One of the most visible impacts of migration is the growth of African cities. In 2018, the United Nations estimated that over half of Africa's population lived in urban areas. This is up from just 20% in 1950. Much of this urban growth is due to the influx of migrants.

Migrants are also having a significant impact on the African economy. They are starting businesses, creating jobs, and investing in infrastructure. In some cases, migrants are even helping to revitalize struggling economies. For example, in Ghana, migrants from Nigeria have played a major role in the growth of the country's tech industry.

Of course, migration also presents some challenges. Migrants can put a strain on local resources, such as housing and healthcare. They can also compete with local workers for jobs. In some cases, migrants have even been the target of discrimination and violence.

Despite these challenges, migration is a positive force for Africa. Migrants bring new skills, ideas, and perspectives to the continent. They are helping to build a more prosperous, more diverse, and more dynamic Africa.

The Challenges of Migration

Migration is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of legal pathways for migration. This forces many migrants to take dangerous and illegal routes to reach their destinations.

Another challenge is the discrimination and xenophobia that migrants often face. In some cases, migrants have been the target of violence and even death. This can make it difficult for migrants to integrate into their new communities.

Finally, migration can put a strain on local resources. Migrants can compete with local workers for jobs and housing. They can also put a strain on healthcare and education systems.

The Opportunities of Migration

Despite the challenges, migration also presents a number of opportunities for Africa. Migrants bring new skills, ideas, and perspectives to the continent. They are helping to build a more prosperous, more diverse, and more dynamic Africa.

One of the biggest opportunities of migration is the potential for economic growth. Migrants can start businesses, create jobs, and invest in infrastructure. This can help to boost economic development and reduce poverty.

Another opportunity of migration is the potential for social and cultural exchange. Migrants bring new ideas and perspectives to their new communities. This can help to promote tolerance and understanding.

Finally, migration can help to strengthen ties between countries. Migrants can serve as bridges between their home countries and their new countries. This can help to promote peace and cooperation.

The Future of Migration in Africa

Migration is a complex issue with both challenges and opportunities. It is important to manage migration in a way that maximizes the benefits and minimizes the challenges.

One way to do this is to create more legal pathways for migration. This would help to reduce the number of migrants who take dangerous and illegal routes to reach their destinations.

Another way to manage migration is to address the root causes of migration. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and economic development in migrants' home countries.

Finally, it is important to promote tolerance and understanding between migrants and non-migrants. This can help to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Migration is a fact of life in Africa. It is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity. By working together, we can manage migration in a way that benefits everyone.

China's Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa

by Howard W. French

4.3 out of 5