You probably know that Africa is one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems. You might not know that despite this rapid growth, Africa is also losing many of its tech talents through brain drain to more affluent countries.
Simply put, brain drain occurs when skilled professionals in a country (primarily poor countries) move or begin to work for richer countries. This has a negative effect on the poorer country while it significantly benefits their wealthier counterparts.
Although, the problem of brain drain isn’t peculiar to Africa alone. A study revealed that about 80% of Indian computer programmers migrate to the USA, depriving the Indian economy of about US$ 2 billion.
I digress.
It’s not unusual for skilled professionals to seek greener pastures and better opportunities for career advancement. Some of them might not desire to leave their home country for a foreign land where they know no one. Most of them just want a better life for themselves and for their family.
This poses the question;
What Factors Motivate the Migration of Tech Talents From Africa
Most factors that cause people to migrate stem from the unfavourable living conditions in Africa. A few of these factors are:
Bad Policies
The worsening political and economic conditions are driving young Africans, especially Nigerians to seek exit opportunities to other countries desperately. Issues such as an economic downturn, high unemployment rates, and unstable electricity are common reasons to move to a better country.
These are issues that the government can efficiently resolve to retain talents that will help technological advancement in Africa. I’ll give you real-life examples of how government policies can be frustrating.
The Nigerian government banned crypto in 2021, this led to shut down of many upcoming businesses in the country. Startups that had exhausted their funds on launching had to count their losses.
Bad Living Conditions
Often, bad government policies result in terrible living conditions for citizens of the country. Many Africans would instead move to western countries because of the ease of living. They take the offer in a heartbeat if you offer an average Lagosian a fully sponsored ticket or even a job in Canada. It’s not these people derive joy in leaving their families behind. It’s simply because they are genuinely tired of needing to fight tooth and nail to survive.
Lack of Job opportunities
Apart from the lack of job opportunities, most of the available jobs are low-paying jobs. Some of these jobs can’t survive on their salary. Many people want to do their 9-5 jobs and move on.
However, the average African is either juggling two jobs or one 9-5 and a business. Such individuals can hardly be productive at work. All they will have on their mind is how they can make a better living and escape the hell-hole they live in.
How to Curb Brain Drain in Africa
The onus lies on the government to do what’s right and ensure that the skilled workforce in their respective countries has a reason to stay. The following are a few measures that can be considered by the government.
Incentive Programs
The government can promise offer jobs to the most outstanding students or professionals. These are programs that are beneficial enough for these skilled workers to decide to remain in their home country. For instance, doctors who remain within a country can be promised stipends or promotions which leads to a raise in salary after a while.
African countries can take a cue from countries like Poland where scholarships are provided for Polish citizens who wish to return home.
Implement Better Policies
Policies that create healthier living conditions that encourage citizens to stay will contribute to brain gain in the country. Many emigrants stay connected to their home country even after they are gone. Such people can help their communities through remittances, investment, and technology transfer.
There is also some promising evidence that suggests governments can successfully encourage the return of their high-skilled diaspora by providing tax incentives to returning emigrants. The return of migrants can support economic development, especially when they bring capital and knowledge, and when their home countries provide the right conditions for them to make full use of their skills and experience.
In Summary
The most effective long-term approach for African countries to stop their brain drain is by giving them a reason to stay – this means providing better jobs, more opportunities and a higher standard of living.
