Chart of the Week
Consideration of emigration among Namibians is significantly more common among younger age groups and is primarily motivated by economic reasons, such as securing employment or escaping poverty.Although the majority of Namibians in each age group have not considered emigrating, the proportion who have has increased notably since 2017, when the same question was last asked. In 2017, only 23% of respondents indicated that they had considered emigration, compared to 35% in 2024.
Among those who have considered emigrating, the most common reason cited was to find work or seek better employment opportunities, selected by 55% of respondents overall, and by 66% of those aged 26-35.
Just over 20% of respondents cited economic hardship, poverty, or destitution as reasons for considering emigration. This reason was significantly more common among older age groups, with 42% of respondents aged 46-55 and 43% of those aged 56 and above selecting this option.
Emigration considerations driven by prospects of better business opportunities or lower taxes were also more prevalent among older respondents. Meanwhile, pursuing education was understandably most common among the youngest age group, with 15% of those aged 18-25 mentioning this reason.
Although seeking a better democratic environment or greater personal freedom and liberty was cited by fewer than 2% of respondents overall, this reason became more common with age, with 14% of those aged 56 and above selecting it.
While Namibians express a strong sense of national identity and patriotism relative to other African countries surveyed, persistent economic challenges and high unemployment have led many to consider emigration in pursuit of financial and economic stability.