Africa’s shifting migration patterns and new challenges to watch in 2025 — ACSS report

A sharp restriction in off-continental irregular migration combined with escalating push factors will continue to shape governance and security priorities in Africa in 2025, according to a new report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), which also highlights the urgent need for more regional cooperation to accommodate intra-continental population movements.
The new analysis by the Washington-based ACSS sheds light on the emerging migration trends across Africa in 2025, outlining how economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors are re-shaping both intra-continental and international migration patterns. One of the key findings is the growing trend of intra-African migration, driven by economic integration, regional conflicts, and opportunities in urban centers. As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) integration process gathers momentum, it is expected to encourage more Africans to move within the continent in search of employment, education, and entrepreneurial prospects. Countries with robust economies like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are predicted to attract the bulk of migrants from neighboring nations.
Environmental challenges are also expected to play a significant role in migration trends in 2025. The ACSS analysis points to climate change as a key factor driving displacement, particularly in countries facing severe droughts, floods, and desertification, like in the Sahel region. Also Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan will likely see a sharp increase in climate refugees seeking more hospitable areas within Africa. With Africa’s youthful population, with over 60% of its population being under 25, the ACSS report notes that Europe, the Middle East, and increasingly Asia, will be key destinations for African students and professionals looking for opportunities.