Prevalence, Patterns and Push Factors of Migration in Southern and Western Africa: A Comparison of South Africa and Nigeria

The study examines the prevalence, patterns, and push factors of international migration in Southern and Western Africa, taking South Africa and Nigeria, respectively, as comparative examples. Scant studies have been conducted that compare the migration phenomenon between these two prominent African countries. This is the gap this study fills. The study employs an explanatory research design and a document analysis approach, relying on secondary data. Data was analysed using discourse analysis. Among other findings, it was shown that while international emigration is prevalent in Nigeria, there is a greater influx of international immigration into South Africa than emigration. The study concludes that the prevalence, patterns and push factors of international migration in South Africa and Nigeria differ significantly.