 African migration trends, myth versus reality. Myth. There is little demographic window of opportunity in Africa. Reality? Africa is the youngest continent for international migrants with a median age of 27 years. As these cohorts of children and youth grow older, and as birth rates across the continent are projected to continue to fall, the dependency ratio in Africa will plummet temporarily, presenting the continent for the demographic window of opportunity. Myth. Most Africans intend to migrate outside of the continent. Reality? A 2018 Afrobarometer survey conducted in 35 African countries showed that, on average, one-third of respondents have considered emigrating, especially the young and educated. However, a detailed analysis by Gallup pointed that only a relatively small percentage are actively planning and preparing to migrate. A high percentage of those intending to migrate plan to move to another country in Africa. Only 20% of respondents say they would like to migrate to Europe. Myth. There is enough data on migration in Africa. Reality? African countries have recognized that there is an urgent need to improve data on migration. An African Migration Data Capacity Building Program could help to address several challenges to migration management on the continent. Learn more about the migration trends in Africa in the African Migration Report.