The religious aspiration-capability nexus in African youth migration

This paper examines the intersection of religion, youth and migration in Africa, showing how religion shapes aspirations and capabilities of youth vis-a-vis migration. By decentering economic and political narratives, the study explores the often-overlooked religious dimensions that influence young Africans' imagination and pursuit of migratory futures. Drawing from a multi-scalar theoretical framework of religion, the paper engages data from a multi-sited study conducted in Lagos, Harare, Johannesburg and London/Birmingham, involving youth (15–35 years) of Nigerian and Zimbabwean origin classified as first – and second-generation migrants or left-behinds. Data were generated through 53 biographical interviews, 20 key informant interviews and ethnographic observations. Findings reveal that religion motivates migration aspirations, shapes the development of capabilities for handling migration outcomes. It also uncovers paradoxes that emerge when faith-based expectations encounter harsh migratory realities, thereby shifting simplistic religious narratives in migration while offering nuanced perspectives on the religious aspiration-capability nexus in African youth migration.