A growing number of African Americans are exploring relocation to African nations, driven by a blend of ancestral connection, cultural belonging, and concerns about the political climate in the United States. While former President Donald Trump is not cited as the primary catalyst for this shift, some migrants express unease over broader geopolitical tensions and a sense of social fragmentation in America.
Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who settled in Nairobi nine months ago after a decade abroad, describes the U.S. as having a “broken” social fabric. In Kenya, he says, he feels an immediate sense of safety and acceptance. “People look like me,” he explains. “It’s not like Europe or parts of Latin America where Black communities are smaller. Here, it feels like home.” Holleman acknowledges that while Trump isn’t the sole reason for his move, he worries about the global repercussions of U.S. political rhetoric. “Rising tensions could make it harder for Americans to travel or work abroad,” he says. “Hostility toward expats might grow.”
Ghana has emerged as another key destination, with its 2019 “Year of Return” initiative attracting members of the diaspora. Last year, the country granted citizenship to 524 people, predominantly African Americans. Kenya, too, has seen increased interest, with businesses like Adilah Relocation Services reporting a surge in clients. Founder Adilah Mohammad, who moved to Kenya after her mother’s death, frames the trend as a form of empowerment. “This is a movement—people choosing freedom from mental chains,” she says. Her firm assists with housing, healthcare, and logistics, streamlining the transition for newcomers. Though she emphasizes that Africa isn’t the only option, she describes choosing the continent as “magical” and rooted in spiritual calling.
Experts suggest African nations could gain economically from this migration, particularly those addressing governance challenges like corruption. Raphael Obonyo, a policy analyst at UN-Habitat, notes the U.S. stands to lose talent and credibility as citizens depart. “America’s image as a land of opportunity and stability is being challenged,” he says, warning of a potential brain drain. However, he cautions that African countries must prioritize stability and investor-friendly reforms to retain new residents long-term.
The trend underscores a broader reckoning with identity and opportunity, reshaping narratives about belonging on both sides of the Atlantic. As more individuals seek roots and renewal abroad, their choices highlight the evolving dynamics of migration in an increasingly interconnected—yet politically divided—world.
