The pain of Africa today has become glaringly apparent, born of leadership that refuses to serve. When leaders fail, nations do not merely stumble; they bleed. Schools crumble, hospitals run dry, industries collapse, and people scatter across the world, taking with them dreams that could have nourished their nations.
The contradiction is impossible to ignore. Across the continent, nations rich in resources continue to produce poor outcomes. Africa is home to approximately 30% of the world’s known mineral reserves, yet millions of its people continue to live in poverty and economic insecurity. Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, continues to struggle with infrastructure deficits and corruption despite its vast oil wealth.
Zimbabwe, once regarded as the breadbasket of Africa, endured years of political instability that forced many of its citizens to seek opportunities beyond its borders. South Africa, despite more than three decades of democracy, continues to grapple with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, with more than 60% of young people unable to find work under the expanded definition of unemployment.
The tragedy is particularly striking given that Africa possesses vast agricultural potential and some of the fastest-growing populations globally. Yet despite this abundance, millions of Africans continue to face poverty, unemployment and economic insecurity. South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis provides a stark illustration of this reality.
According to Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 remains above 60%, making it one of the highest rates in the world. Millions of young people are unable to secure meaningful employment despite completing their education and actively seeking opportunities.
For many Africans, years of unemployment, poor service delivery and unfulfilled promises have created deep frustration. South African youth are frustrated by limited opportunities and economic exclusion, while many migrants arrive equally desperate in search of a better future. This desperation creates fertile ground for conflict. The real struggle is not between South Africans and migrants. It is the consequence of governance failures that have left both groups competing for limited opportunities.
Migrants are frequently accused of taking jobs, yet many find themselves trapped in low-paying work, exploitative labour conditions and economic insecurity. Both the unemployed South African and the exploited migrant are victims of the same underlying problem: poor governance and weak economic management.
It is for this reason that the conversation should not be about immigrants alone, but about the leadership failures that have abandoned millions of Africans. Unless these deeper challenges are addressed, competition over resources will continue to fuel division, resentment and hostility across our beautiful continent.
When this occurs, migrants often become convenient scapegoats for political leaders seeking to deflect attention from their own shortcomings. Yet immigrants are frequently victims themselves—victims of political instability, economic decline and institutional neglect in their countries of origin. Migration in Africa is not merely a geographical phenomenon; it is also a psychological one that quietly convinces millions that survival demands departure.
I write this article in the hope that Africa will remember its people and reject the forces of tribalism, xenophobia and division. Blaming migrants may serve political narratives, particularly during election periods, but the truth remains clear. Governance failures have produced both the unemployed South African and the exploited migrant, setting them against one another when they are confronting the same underlying challenges.
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once stated, “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.” His words remain profoundly relevant today. Good governance enables states to manage resources effectively, create economic opportunities and protect the dignity of their citizens. Without democratic reforms, accountability and responsible leadership, nations cannot achieve sustainable development.
Political instability resulting from poor governance continues to deter both domestic and international investment across Africa. It is through stronger institutions, transparent leadership, and sound economic policies that the continent can unlock the full potential of its vast resources.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 speaks of “The Africa We Want”, a continent characterised by inclusive growth, sustainable development and prosperous societies. That vision cannot be realised while migration continues to be viewed primarily as a security issue rather than a reflection of deeper governance and development challenges. If Africa is serious about addressing migration, then it must be equally serious about promoting political stability, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening accountable leadership.
In September 2025, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority reported that the High Court imposed lengthy prison sentences on seven Chinese nationals for contravening labour laws and trafficking 98 Malawian nationals, including minors, for labour exploitation. Many of the victims suffered injuries after being forced to work in inhumane conditions without adequate protective clothing.
This case serves as a reminder that migrants are often vulnerable not only to xenophobia but also to exploitation. What appears to be an opportunity for a better life can quickly become a life of abuse, coercion and modern-day slavery. Many of these individuals would never have taken such risks had their own countries provided the economic opportunities, security and dignity necessary to build their futures at home.
Until African governments create societies capable of providing opportunity, dignity and security for their citizens, migration will remain not only a consequence of economic hardship, but also a reflection of leadership failure.
It is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable and confront the governance failures that continue to undermine the prosperity, security and peace of our continent. Only then can Africa begin to realise the promise of Agenda 2063 and become the prosperous, united and influential global force it was always meant to be.
Tracey Reign is an author and political commentator.
