Economic integration of African immigrant youths in Saskatchewan, Canada: Factors and barriers

There is a paucity of research on the economic integration of African immigrant youths in the smaller Canadian urban regions. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study examines factors shaping employment outcomes among African-born youths aged 18–30 years in Saskatchewan. Findings from 203 participants show that 48.3% reported difficulty finding work in their field, while 37.4% struggled to meet basic needs. Key barriers included discrimination, unrecognized credentials, and limited social networks. Although higher education and longer residence improved outcomes, they did not eliminate structural challenges. Local experience, language proficiency, and networking enabled integration. The study highlights the need for context-specific policies to address systemic barriers.