Leaving Home and Living Abroad: A Comparative Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Migration Decisions of Africans to Move Abroad

ABSTRACT Objective: This study comparatively examined the individual‐ and country‐level factors influencing migration decisions of Africans using large‐scale cross‐sectional data from 34 African countries. Methods: Employing a multilevel analysis technique, specifically hierarchical linear modeling (HML), this study addresses design, methodological, and analytical limitations in the existing literature. Results: At the individual level, gender, age, education, foreign exposure, sense of nationality, fear of violence, discrimination, economic management, and income and salary issues significantly predicted migration decisions. Male citizens, those with post‐secondary education, urban residents, individuals with a strong sense of nationality, and those fearful of extremism were more likely to consider relocation. Citizens who experienced religious and disability discrimination and those who believed that economic management and salary/income were major problems were also more inclined to migrate. Conversely, citizens aged 66 years or older and those who were fearful of violence were less likely to relocate. At the country level, gross domestic product (GDP) and regional location were important factors, with citizens from countries with higher GDPs and those located in southern Africa being less likely to consider migration. Conclusion: The findings contribute to theory building on African migration and provide insights for developing policies to address the challenges posed by international migration, particularly in western Africa. This study recommends a comprehensive approach to economic management, investment in education and vocational training, anti‐discrimination measures, and targeted strategies for high‐migration regions.