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How Do Migrants Fare in Africa’s Urban Labour Markets?

Author

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  • Luc Christiaensen
  • Michael Keenan

Abstract

Africa’s urban population is on the rise with migrants often feared as a direct source of urban underdevelopment under the premise that they integrate poorly into urban labour markets. This study examines the validity of this premise using data from six African countries. Specifically, it explores whether destination labour market and welfare outcomes systematically differ between migrants and nonmigrants, and whether the results differ depending on the duration of stay, migrant origin (rural/urban) and destination (town/city). Overall, migrants prove to integrate swiftly and well. They integrate better in towns than in cities and urban migrants tend to integrate better than rural migrants. Integration of rural-city migrants proves more challenging. They are able to work more and obtain similar welfare levels as their urban counterparts but initially face an occupational earnings penalty. Together, the findings do not provide support for policies hindering internal migration to urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Luc Christiaensen & Michael Keenan, 2026. "How Do Migrants Fare in Africa’s Urban Labour Markets?," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 62(8), pages 1431-1453, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:62:y:2026:i:8:p:1431-1453
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2025.2569392
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