A recent study by Afrosondagem on the quality of democracy and governance in Cape Verde reveals that 64% of Cape Verdeans are considering emigratin. The primary motivation for this is the search for job opportunities.
According to Afrosondagem’s General Director, José Semedo, the percentage of people considering emigration has risen from 57% in 2017, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, to 64% in 2024. Young people show the highest interest in leaving, with 76% of those aged 18 to 35 expressing a desire to emigrate. The rate is even higher, at 82%, among unemployed individuals actively seeking work.
Semedo noted that the trend spans all age groups and education levels. He emphasized that the desire to find employment is the main driver behind this widespread interest in emigration. Additionally, 75% of employed individuals have also contemplated leaving the country.
Men are more inclined to emigrate than women, with 70% of male respondents expressing interest compared to 59% of women. Urban residents are slightly more likely to consider emigration (65%) than those in rural areas (60%).
Europe remains the top destination for Cape Verdeans, with 61% choosing European countries as their preferred destination, followed by 28% who favor the United States.
The survey also touched on attitudes toward immigration. Opinions are divided on whether Cape Verde should accept immigrants seeking work. Around 34% believe the country should receive fewer immigrants, 25% think it should accept more, and 16% favor maintaining current levels. Semedo acknowledged this ambivalence, stating, “We are a country prone to emigration, but we also have some reservations about receiving immigrants.”
Regarding the emigration of young people in recent years, 27% of respondents perceive it as a mass exodus. However, 67% believe that this migration benefits the destination countries, particularly in Europe and the United States.
The survey, part of the 10th Afrobarometer/Afrosondagem study, included 1,200 respondents from the islands of Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão, and Fogo, covering over 85% of Cape Verde’s population.