African immigrants are among the fastest-growing foreign-born populations in the United States and though they still make up a small share of the total foreign-born population, their numbers have been increasing steadily in recent years.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African Nations with the most migrants in the U.S.
- The list is courtesy of the Migration Policy Institute
- Nigeria leads the list, with over 476,000 immigrants living in the U.S
African migration to the United States has surged in recent decades, with migrants from nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Somalia leaving Africa in search of education, economic opportunity, safety, and family reunification.
While Africans still represent a smaller share of the total foreign-born population, their presence is growing rapidly, and certain nations now stand out as leading sources of migrants shaping America’s diverse immigrant landscape.
When people talk about immigration to the United States, Mexico usually tops the list. With more than 10.9 million people, it is by far the largest source of America’s foreign-born population.
Still, the picture is broader. According to the United States Migration Policy Institute, the U.S. hosts a total of 47.8 million foreign-born residents, making up about 14% of the total population.
Out of this number, 2.79 million are African-born, making it the smallest regional group but one that continues to grow. Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana make up the top contributors while the rest of Africa collectively accounts for 868,612 migrants.
Though relatively modest in size, the momentum is unmistakably rising. African immigrants in the U.S are steadily weaving themselves into the fabric of U.S. society.
The immigrant communities are not just population figures, they are engines of culture, education, and economic vitality. From healthcare to technology, from small businesses to academia, they continue to shape America’s story in powerful ways.
The Migration Policy Institute’s immigrant population reports draw on U.S. Census Bureau data, primarily the American Community Survey and the Current Population Survey.
By tracking demographics, education, employment, and settlement patterns, MPI provides a detailed view of how immigrant communities are shaping life in the United States.
Below are the top 10 African Nations with the most migrants in the U.S.
The table presents the ten African countries with the largest migrant populations in the United States.
Nigeria tops the list with 476,008 nationals, accounting for the biggest African diaspora community in America. Ethiopia follows with 278,182 migrants, while Ghana ranks third at 241,477.
Egypt and Kenya also feature prominently, reflecting strong migration ties from North and East Africa. South Africa and Morocco represent Southern and North Africa respectively, while Liberia, Somalia, and Cameroon complete the list, each shaped by histories of conflict and displacement.
Together, the figures highlight how West, East, and North Africa dominate U.S.-bound migration flows, with numbers ranging from nearly half a million Nigerians to about ninety thousand Cameroonians.
African nations migrate more to the U.S. for several reasons. Economic prospects remain a central driver, as the U.S. offers better access to jobs, higher wages, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Education is another powerful factor: many African students pursue degrees in American universities and often remain to build professional careers, particularly in healthcare, technology, and academia.
At the same time, political instability and conflict, especially in places like Somalia, Ethiopia, and Liberia, push people to seek safety and stability abroad.
Over time, these communities establish support networks that attract new arrivals, reinforcing the cycle of migration.
Suotunimi Orufa
