President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has called on African leaders to take responsibility for the ongoing brain drain across Africa, acknowledging that many of the continent’s skilled professionals are leaving for opportunities abroad due to systemic failures at home.
Speaking at the Inclusive Fintech Forum in Kigali on Tuesday, Kagame highlighted the need for African governments to create environments that encourage talent retention rather than blaming individuals seeking better prospects elsewhere.
“Africa is experiencing a brain drain. We see many of our skilled workers leaving the continent to work abroad. Not entirely their [skilled workers relocating] problem. I think we, the leaders, should take the blame,” Kagame said.
His remarks come amid growing concerns about Africa’s talent exodus, which has seen millions of skilled professionals leave for Europe, North America, and Asia.
According to a report, Southern Africa alone loses over $5 billion annually due to the migration of highly skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare, engineering, and information technology.
The cost of brain drain
The impact of brain drain is evident in various sectors. A World Health Organisation (WHO) report estimates that Africa has less than two doctors per 10,000 people, compared to the global average of 15 per 10,000.
Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have seen a mass exodus of doctors and tech professionals drawn by better pay, stable economies, and improved working conditions abroad.
Kagame stressed that financial constraints should not be an excuse for inaction, urging leaders to “put resources to better use and support each other” in fostering development. He also underscored the importance of financial inclusion, particularly for women in the informal sector, and called for a harmonised regulatory landscape to promote business growth and innovation across the continent.
A call for reform and innovation
The Rwandan president pointed to digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence as key drivers for economic transformation, emphasising the role of public-private partnerships in combating challenges like cybercrime and fraud.
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“We need to work as one team to build a more connected future,” Kagame said, adding that Africa’s fintech sector, which has tripled in recent years, holds immense potential in reshaping the continent’s economic landscape.
Despite challenges, Kagame remains optimistic, stating that Africa is “moving in the right direction” and must continue investing in innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital to curb the devastating effects of brain drain.
