As Senegal grapples with unprecedented migration challenges, a recent study by the pan-African Afrobarometer network reveals that half of all Senegalese are considering emigrating. The survey portrays a society at a crossroads, caught between the younger generation’s aspiration to seek opportunities abroad and the complex realities of managing migration and hosting foreign nationals at home.

Senegal remains a major migration hub in West Africa. However, behind these statistics lies a tense social reality: structural unemployment of 20%and a young population (60% of whom are under the age of 25) who sometimes feel that the national horizon is too narrow for their ambitions.

Growing migration aspiration

Data collected by the Afrobarometer team, led by the Consortium for Economic and Social Research (CRES), tells a clear story: 48% of Senegalese people have considered emigrating, which is an increase of 7 percentage points compared to 2017. The driving force behind this exodus is not merely a desire to travel, but an overwhelming economic necessity. “Seven out of ten prospective migrants cite the search for employment or better job opportunities as the main reason,” notes the study.

Despite the government’s efforts, including initiatives such as the National Strategy to Combat Irregular Migration and circular migration programmes to Spain, the allure of North America (41%) and Europe (39%) remains strong.

Host country challenges

By 2025, Senegal would no longer be just a country of departure. With over 13,000 displaced people, including 11,897 refugees, it must manage its hospitality resources in a fragile economic context. This situation gives rise to nuanced perceptions among citizens.

On the one hand, the economic impact of foreign nationals is divisive, with 48% of respondents viewing it negatively. On the other hand, social coexistence remains a cultural strength: “The majority of citizens (75%) would welcome or be indifferent to having immigrants or foreign workers as neighbours.”

While Senegalese people are concerned about pressure on the labour market, this shows that they retain a remarkable openness towards others in everyday life, true to the spirit of Teraanga.

Regional integration is yet to be achieved

The report also highlights a paradox regarding African unity. Although a slim majority (53%) supports free movement within the sub-region, concrete obstacles continue to multiply.

“Three-quarters of respondents (76%) say that crossing international borders in West Africa is difficult, which is an increase of 10 percentage points compared to 2017.”

Even more striking is the fact that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a cornerstone of the continent’s future development, remains largely unknown, with only one in seven citizens having heard of it.

2050 HorizonsTo address these challenges, Agenda Sénégal 2050 will be launched at the end of 2024. Its aim is to integrate human mobility into a profound territorial and social transformation. The clear objective is to leverage migration as a driver of sovereignty and prosperity while strengthening regional integration to ensure that the future is built within national borders too.