How can we explain why certain young Africans choose to migrate to another African country? In this episode of Dialogue Migration, we follow the journey of a young man, Gérôme, who has spent nearly a decade travelling across Africa.

In Cotonou, Benin, you will meet young people of various nationalities. They come from different African countries, some of which already have established local communities, while others do not. Each person integrates in their own way, based on their original goals.

As usual, on this June morning in 2025, the city of Cotonou pulses to the rhythm of motorcycles and cars. Horns blare and the hustle and bustle of traffic fills the streets. In the public space known as ‘Place du Souvenir’, we meet Gérôme*, a young biotechnology student at a prestigious private university in the heart of Cotonou. Gérôme is in his twenties, from Chad, and defines himself as a Pan-Africanist with a distinct vision. He is well-dressed in a blazer over jeans and leather shoes, and sports an afro hairstyle.

Gérôme was originally trained in biology in Cameroon, studying in Maroua for four years. After finishing school in his home country, he dreamed of travelling across Africa. In this interview with Dialogue Migration, he shares his experience, motivations, and future plans.

A dream and a vision

“I’ve been to several African countries – I spent two years in Nigeria, then I moved on to Ghana and Togo, and now I’m here in Benin,” Gérôme tells Dialogue Migration. His desire to learn more about Africa is what drives him from one country to another. For him, that’s a priority, unlike some young people of his generation who only dream of Europe. “I tell myself, ‘Why not Africa?’ We already have a rich cultural diversity that we can explore, and we can turn this blend of African cultures into a resource.”

Through his travels, Gérôme has realised that many African countries have similar cultures. “They only differ slightly from one country to another, but they’re all essentially the same,” he observes.

Gérôme is also an entrepreneur who runs a clothing accessories business selling shirts, trousers, jeans, shoes and more. He is focused and driven.

A quest for intellectual and cultural growth

“I spent two years in Nigeria learning about Nigerian culture and improving my English,” explains Gérôme. He recalls being advised by a senior member of the Bar Association at an international Chadian forum back home to study English. “He told me, ‘With your intellect, you should learn English. You’ll see; it will open doors for you.” I did what he said, and the opportunities that English has given me today are beyond anything I ever imagined.”

Gérôme also recalls a childhood memory that sparked his curiosity: seeing a photograph of his uncle, who had travelled to Ghana to study. ‘When I saw the photo he sent, it looked like he was in Europe. Maybe there wasn’t any snow, but it was amazing. I told myself that when I grew up, I would visit that country too,” he tells Dialogue Migration.

The reasons why young people migrate are varied and often shaped by circumstances. “A traveller isn’t just someone who leaves to study. When you travel, you have several goals at once. I’m currently in Benin for school, but that wasn’t the main reason I came. Once I arrived, I realised that Benin was the perfect place to study compared to other African countries I’ve visited. Here, young people prioritise education, just as our parents advised us. That’s why I’ve chosen to stay in Benin for now,” says Gérôme.

Looking toward the West?
After his experiences in Africa, many might assume that Gérôme would want to go to Europe next. “No, I’ve never dreamed of going to Europe. It has never even crossed my mind,’ he insists. As a staunch Pan-Africanist, he has his own vision.

“What can we Africans contribute to our continent?’ It is the mindset of an enthusiastic young person who wants to make a difference that transforms a region or a community. If we want to effect change, moving to Europe isn’t the answer. Change starts within. They say that a good investor is someone who invests in themselves. If we can invest money to travel abroad, we can invest the same amount here and develop Africa. By travelling across Africa, we can bring about change,” he affirms.

*Pseudonym