Between Skills Shortages and Future Prospects
How attractive is Germany to migrant workers from Africa?
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Public debate on migration tends to focus on irregular immigration. This perception obscures a trend that is of considerable significance for the future of the German labour market: growing regular labour and education migration from the African continent. Whilst political discussions often centre on deterrence and repatriation, beyond the headlines, a transformation is taking place which, if managed with foresight, holds opportunities for both Germany and the countries of origin.
Skills shortages here …
Germany today is heavily reliant on workers from non-European countries. The large cohort of baby boomers is gradually retiring and society is ageing. This places a strain on social security systems and leads to a shortage of skilled workers. To meet current and future demand, immigration from EU countries alone will not be sufficient, as birth rates are particularly low in Eastern, Central and Southern Europe, and the populations in some of these regions are ageing even more rapidly than in Germany. This makes it all the more important to recruit skilled workers from third countries outside the EU. In the long term, these people can only come from continents such as Africa or Asia, where the number of people of working age is still rising. According to a recent analysis by the US-based Population Reference Bureau, Africa’s share of the global working-age population will rise from the current 14 per cent to 40 per cent over the course of this century.
… a lack of prospects there
The African continent is currently one of the regions of the world experiencing rapid population growth. This also means an enormous increase in the number of young people of working age. This younger generation holds great potential for the continent’s economic development, but it also presents challenges for governments: many countries are struggling with widespread poverty and high unemployment rates. Over the next 30 years, the number of people of working age – those aged between 15 and 64 – on the African continent is expected to almost double. A recent survey by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) shows that more than half of young people in African countries are optimistic about the future. At the same time, however, three-quarters of those surveyed cite economic uncertainty as a major concern.
According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund, around 15 million new jobs must be created annually in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 to keep pace with population growth. It is unlikely that this target will be met in the near future. Consequently, many Africans – particularly young people – are already considering emigrating to find work. The majority of migrants from African countries continue to move within the continent. Beyond the continent’s borders, North America (the USA and Canada) and Europe are the most attractive destinations for labour and education migration. A 2024 Afrobarometer survey of 18- to 24-year-olds in 16 African countries showed that the most popular destinations in Europe are France and the UK, with Germany only coming in third place.
When all sides benefit from migration
Migration is never simply a one-way street. In the best-case scenario, all those involved benefit equally – those who set out on their journey, as well as their countries of origin and destination. Destination countries such as Germany gain much-needed skilled workers and labour to safeguard the country’s prosperity. In the countries of origin, it can ease pressure on tight labour markets and offer young people prospects and create additional educational opportunities. Critics point to the so-called ‘brain drain’, particularly in the healthcare sector – the loss of well-educated people whose skills are urgently needed in their home countries. This concern is justified and must not be ignored. However, the picture is more complex: remittances sent by migrants to their families in their countries of origin now exceed the volume of official development aid many times over. Studies show that these funds – provided the right conditions are in place in the recipient country – contribute positively to economic development. Furthermore, migration gives rise to new networks: diaspora communities invest in their countries of origin, bring back the experience and skills they have acquired, and thus act as bridge-builders between regions.
The role of bilateral migration agreements
If both countries of origin and destination can benefit from labour migration, the question naturally arises as to why greater reliance is not placed on intergovernmental agreements. Germany has already expanded its cooperation with several African states on migration issues: it has a migration and mobility agreement with Kenya, a migration partnership with Morocco, whilst cooperation with Ghana and Nigeria on the recruitment of skilled workers, training and regular migration routes is being continuously deepened. These agreements are intended to facilitate more work visas for qualified professionals whilst also regulating issues of return and reintegration. During his recent tour of Africa, which included a visit to Nigeria, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke out in favour of more flexible visa procedures, amongst other things. From an African perspective, the focus is not on border controls and repatriation, but on migration as part of development strategy – particularly with regard to diaspora engagement and remittances. Successful cooperation must bring these differing perspectives together. Bilateral agreements also offer the opportunity to ensure occupational safety and fair wages in binding terms. The experience of the Philippines, which has established its own agency to protect its migrant workers, could serve as a model here.
Regular migration is gaining in importance
In 2023, just under five per cent of all new migrants in Germany came from Africa. A trend reversal is currently emerging here: as highlighted in a recent discussion paper by the ‘Megatrends Africa’ project of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the number of people from African countries coming to Germany to take up employment, undertake training or study has risen significantly in recent years. Between 2019 and 2025, the number of visa applications for employment processed by German embassies in African countries has almost quadrupled – from around 7,860 to 29,415. The rise in visas for vocational training and further education is particularly striking: from 1,318 in 2019 to 7,531 in 2025. This represents a potential that Germany is still barely tapping.
The problem these days is that university graduates in Tanzania have no prospects after completing their studies – there aren’t enough jobs. But if we create ways for them to seize opportunities abroad as well, we could harness their full potential – and everyone involved would benefit.
Innocent, 28, TanzaniaThe prospects for young Africans
This is also evident from interviews with skilled workers and students from African countries, which the Berlin Institute for Population and Development conducted as part of a study last year to find out how young people from various African countries perceive Germany as a destination for educational and labour migration. According to the study, Germany generally enjoys a positive image as a reliable, well-organised country with attractive educational and employment opportunities; in particular, the dual vocational training system is seen as appealing – a unique selling point compared with other European destination countries.
At the same time, the study reveals significant obstacles that are holding back the potential of this migration. Foremost among these are bureaucratic hurdles: lengthy visa procedures, complicated recognition processes for foreign qualifications and a multiplicity of bureaucratic bodies that often seems impenetrable to outsiders. The rejection rates for visa applications from African countries are significantly higher than for applicants from other regions of the world – a circumstance that raises questions about the criteria and fairness of these procedures.
Added to this is a welcoming culture that is perceived as lacking. Language barriers, a lack of support structures on arrival and everyday racism are cited by respondents as deterrent factors. Whilst countries such as Canada and the UK are actively recruiting skilled migrants, Germany has so far been reluctant to take on this role.
I see Germany as one of the emerging destinations for Africans. In view of global developments – in the US and also in other countries – Germany should not remain inactive. It is an opportunity to attract as many skilled workers as possible to the country.
Edward, 30, ZambiaIn order to realise the potential that educational and labour migration from African countries offers Germany, and to pave the way for further migration agreements, the Federal Government should focus more closely on three areas in particular:
More self-promotion – language support and exchange programmes
Germany should market itself even more strategically in African countries as an attractive destination for education and labour migration, particularly through official channels of the German government or the business sector. In order to spark interest in Germany at an early stage and also to break down language barriers, Germany should create more opportunities for children and young people in African countries to learn German, including in state schools or universities, as well as at affordable prices at German institutions such as the Goethe-Institut. Through new partnerships between schools, universities, training institutions, professional associations and chambers of commerce in Germany and African countries, more exchange programmes and scholarships for school pupils, apprentices and students from African countries should be established and supported.
Simplify visa procedures and recognise professional experience
The application procedures for visas for educational and labour migration, as well as the associated waiting and processing times, must be simplified and reduced for applicants. Similarly, the costs of visa applications and the official verification of foreign qualifications should be lowered so that they are affordable for African applicants.
Promoting a welcoming culture and taking a multidimensional approach to integration
Germany should promote a more welcoming culture for migrants within public authorities: from German embassies and consulates in Africa right through to migration and registration offices in Germany. German society should be made more aware that Germany relies on labour migration from non-European countries to secure the country’s economic strength and prosperity. Xenophobia and racism are already leading to a situation where qualified professionals do not feel welcome in Germany and leave the country again. It is essential to counteract this trend. The integration of migrant workers from Africa should not be viewed solely from one perspective. German society, business and politics should also accommodate the views of migrants, endeavouring to better understand their respective cultures and to meet their needs. This includes simplifying visa procedures for family visits and family reunification.
