Why relying on jobs abroad only is no longer sustainable for Africa

Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu at the 'Diaspora job fair' at Kinoru stadium in Meru County. Young people out of various tertiary institutions attended the jobs fair organized by State Department for Diaspora Affairs, with Njogu saying the event was purposed to bring together people with various skills and who were ready to take up job opportunities abroad. Photo; Phares Mutembei, [FILE,Standard] In an increasingly polarised world, the global flow of human resources has become a contentious issue, amplified by political extremism and economic uncertainty. The re-election of US President Donald Trump, driven by his anti-immigration rhetoric, is a stark reminder of how political discourse has shifted toward exclusionary nationalistic views. Trump's "America First" slogan has resonated with many, not just in the US, but across the globe. Populist and far-right movements in Europe, fuelled by similar anti-immigrant sentiments, have gained traction, while social tensions in countries like the UK and France have erupted in racist riots and protests. As migrant workers continue to face exploitation in wealthier nations, it becomes evident that relying on the export of human resources is not a sustainable model for economic development. Migrant workers, particularly from developing countries, are an essential part of labour forces in wealthier nations. However, their rights are frequently overlooked, and they are exposed to harsh working conditions, abuse, and discrimination. In the Middle East, reports of forced labour and mistreatment of migrant workers have been well-documented, particularly in countries like Qatar, where millions of migrants have been brought in to prepare for the 2022 World Cup. Similarly, in Europe, migrant workers face exploitation in sectors such as agriculture, where they work in grueling conditions for meagre wages, often with little recourse to legal protection. While the migration of workers from Africa to the Middle East, Europe, and even Asia has become a key source of income for many families, it is not a model that can sustain long-term growth. Human resource export, particularly through the migration of skilled and unskilled labour, is problematic for several reasons. While remittances sent home by migrant workers help alleviate immediate financial pressures, they cannot replace the need for local, sustainable economic growth. African economies are dependent on remittances, which are unpredictable and subject to external political and economic shifts. The reliance on remittances reinforces a cycle of dependency rather than fostering self-sufficiency. Instead of investing in the development of local industries and infrastructure that can create jobs and drive long-term growth, many African nations continue to focus on sending their workforce abroad. This creates a situation where the continent loses some of its best and brightest individuals-skilled professionals, tradespeople, and even labourers. Instead of focusing on the export of labour, Africa should focus on harnessing its natural resources for the benefit of its own people. The continent is rich in mineral resources-such as gold, diamonds, cobalt, and oil-which, if properly managed, could generate wealth and jobs on a massive scale. Africa's agricultural potential is similarly vast, with vast stretches of arable land that remain underutilised. By investing in agriculture, building local industries, and developing infrastructure, African countries can create an economy that is not dependent on the whims of foreign markets or the global movement of labour. Renewable energy is another area where Africa has enormous potential. The continent is blessed with abundant solar, wind, and hydroelectric resources, yet it remains largely dependent on fossil fuels. By focusing on renewable energy development, African nations could reduce their reliance on imported energy, create green jobs, and position themselves as global leaders in emerging clean energy economy. The value of Africa's resources lies not just in extraction, but in their potential for local processing, manufacturing, and innovation. Rather than exporting raw materials, African countries should prioritise adding value to their resources through local industries. This would create jobs, reduce the need for imports, and increase the value of African exports. The development of these industries could lead to a more diversified economy that is not vulnerable to the volatility of global markets.

Why relying on jobs abroad only is no longer sustainable for Africa

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