People in Benin are torn between wanting to leave their country and being reluctant to host foreign migrants. Nevertheless, they largely support regional free movement and openness to trade. This is according to the latest Afrobarometer survey, published in August 2025.
The study shows that 40% of Beninese people have considered emigrating to another country. This figure is, however, six points lower than in 2017. The main motivations are economic, with the top reasons being job seeking (37%), economic hardship (28%), poverty (14%) and better business opportunities (6%).
The intended destinations are now almost evenly divided. Almost half of those considering emigration wish to stay in Africa, primarily in Nigeria (23%) or other West African countries (16%). The other half are looking towards Western countries, particularly Europe (20%) and North America (18%). This is in contrast to 2017, when 57% of potential migrants still preferred destinations within Africa.
Positive perceptions, but cautious acceptance
The survey highlights the general perception of migrants in Benin. While 64% of respondents believe that foreign migrants have a positive economic impact on the country, strong reservations remain. Only 27% support increasing the number of foreign workers, while just 25% are in favour of admitting more refugees. According to Afrobarometer, this cautious attitude reflects a discrepancy between acknowledging migrants’ economic contributions and addressing domestic social or economic concerns.
Strong support for regional free movement
The survey reveals widespread support for free movement within West Africa among Beninese people. Almost three-quarters (74%) believe that people in the subregion should be able to cross borders freely for work or trade. However, this aspiration contrasts with the reality experienced by many, with 78% saying that it is either ‘difficult’ (47%) or ‘very difficult’ (31%) to cross international borders in West Africa for work or business. According to Afrobarometer, this discrepancy highlights the difference between the desire for free movement and the practical barriers perceived on the ground.
Trade liberalisation embraced but continental integration still largely unfamiliar
Economic openness is widely supported in Benin. Over eight in ten citizens (83%) want the government to facilitate trade with other countries to create more economic opportunities. Seventy per cent of respondents believe that this openness should extend to all countries worldwide. By contrast, 20% prefer cooperation focused on Africa, while 6% favour cooperation limited to West Africa.
Despite the desire for economic integration, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains largely unknown, with only 8% of respondents claiming to have heard of it. According to Afrobarometer, awareness does not exceed 10–12% even among the most educated, wealthiest and oldest participants, highlighting an information gap regarding continental integration policies.
Benin, a country at the heart of migration dynamics
Benin is situated at the intersection of various migration routes and serves as a country of origin, transit and destination. The majority of Beninese migrants travel to West Africa and France. These migrants are often skilled workers whose remittances support their families back home. In 2020, the International Organisation for Migration and Index Mundi estimated the value of these transfers to be around 206 million US dollars.
At the same time, Benin is home to immigrants, primarily from West Africa, who are often self-employed or displaced due to security threats. This further cements the country’s pivotal position in regional human mobility.
Dire need for greater awareness of African integration
The Afrobarometer survey was conducted by Innovante Recherche en Économie et Gouvernance, inBenin among 1,200 adults between 29 January and 9 February 2024. The survey has a margin of error of more or less three percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Previous rounds were conducted in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2022. The findings reveal a divided Beninese society, open to the free movement of people and economic exchange, yet cautious about increased immigration. The low level of awareness of continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) highlights the urgent need for stronger communication and enhanced public education on regional and African integration policies.
