Five Nigerians Open Up About Moving to an African Country

Moving to another country is rarely about packing a few suitcases and figuring out where to stay, and for many Nigerians, Europe, America and Canada often dominate conversations about relocation, but another possibility is closer to home: moving to another African country.

The continent is vast, and while we share some cultural similarities, living in another African country can be an entirely different experience. 

From navigating unfamiliar business environments to adjusting to different languages, food, social habits and everyday routines, relocating within Africa comes with its own surprises.

We asked five Nigerians about the decision behind relocating to another African country

I moved to grow my business

I had been running a small fashion distribution business in Lagos for about four years. I sourced clothes from different suppliers, sold to retailers and occasionally handled bulk orders for customers outside Nigeria. The business was moving, but I felt I had reached a point where I needed to look beyond my immediate market.

South Africa had always interested me because of its relatively developed retail market, its fashion industry, and the opportunities I believed existed for someone willing to build relationships and understand the market.

I visited Johannesburg twice before eventually deciding to relocate. On my first visit, I spent most of my time meeting suppliers, visiting shopping districts and trying to understand how businesses operated. I was particularly interested in the wholesale market.

I missed Lagos more than I expected. I missed the noise and the feeling that there was always somewhere to go, no matter the time.

Has moving here been worth it? I think so. My business has found a new market, and I have become more intentional about expansion. But if there is one thing I would tell someone considering the move, it is this: don't relocate simply because you think business will be easier elsewhere.

Bankole, South Africa

I’m exploring new life

I work remotely for a global company, and l earn quite well. I moved to Benin Republic because Lagos was a weapon fashioned against me. Power supply and serious issues like that. 

I remember my first few weeks in Cotonou quite vividly. Everything felt both familiar and unfamiliar. The distance from Lagos was short, the weather wasn't drastically different, and I could easily find Nigerian foods and products. Yet, I was in a country where French was the dominant language.

My first attempt at buying something at a local market was embarrassing. I had to rely on gestures, a translation app and whatever French words I could remember from secondary school.

Eventually, I enrolled in beginner French classes. I am still not fluent, but I can now hold basic conversations, negotiate prices and explain what I need without turning every interaction into a guessing game.

One thing I particularly appreciate is the slower pace of life compared with Lagos. I don't feel like I am constantly racing against traffic or rushing to fit five appointments into one afternoon.

If you are considering moving to Benin Republic, my advice is simple: learn some French before you arrive. It will save you plenty of stress.

Grey, Benin Republic 

Money Guides · 13 min readWhy Are More Nigerians Going to Benin Republic?Benin Republic gives Nigerians a way to have an international holiday without necessarily making international travel the biggest expense of the holiday.

I relocated for work

I had never seriously considered moving to Cameroon until I got a job opportunity in Douala.

At the time, I was working with a logistics company in Onitsha. The salary was decent, but the opportunity to work in another country and gain international experience was difficult to ignore.

My company was expanding its operations in Central Africa, and I was offered a position to help coordinate some of its activities in Cameroon.

I had visited Ghana before, travelled to a few Nigerian cities and generally considered myself someone who could adapt to new environments. So, I assumed moving to Cameroon would be straightforward. It wasn’t, but I had to adapt to speaking French and the food. 

There were also moments when I felt homesick, but for now, I am enjoying the experience of living somewhere that challenges what I thought I knew about my own continent.

Nnamdi, Cameroon 

I was tired of Nigeria

My decision to relocate was largely personal. I had spent most of my twenties in Lagos, working in advertising and trying to build a career. I wasn't necessarily unhappy, but I wanted a change. I wanted to experience a different environment without moving too far away from home.

One thing I have learned is that being Nigerian in Ghana can sometimes attract assumptions. People may have an idea of what Nigerians are like before they meet you. I have occasionally found myself explaining that not every Nigerian is loud, impatient or looking for an argument.

There are also practical things to consider. Rent, utilities, transportation and other everyday expenses. I had to rethink my budget and understand how much it would actually cost to maintain the lifestyle I wanted.

Nimi, Ghana 

Money Guides · 22 min readWhen Is the Best Time to Visit Ghana? A Complete Travel GuideThis guide explores Ghana’s weather throughout the year, the best months for different experiences, the festivals worth planning around and practical ways to manage your travel budget.

I moved here for a fresh start 

When I first told my family I was moving to Liberia, the immediate response was, “Why Liberia?” I understood the question. It wasn't exactly at the top of my relocation list, but I wanted a fresh start, and a friend in Monrovia had encouraged me to visit.

I eventually took a trip and was pleasantly surprised. English was widely spoken, people were welcoming, and I met entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in retail, digital services and communications. Those conversations convinced me to return, this time for a longer stay.

Settling in came with its challenges. Finding an apartment, navigating transportation and getting familiar with everyday services required patience. I also had to adjust to the food, although I quickly developed a liking for cassava leaf and potato greens.

The biggest adjustment was building a social life from scratch. In Nigeria, I had friends and family I could call anytime. In Monrovia, I had to make an effort to meet people, attend business events and establish new friendships.

I won't pretend relocation is always exciting. Some days, I miss Nigeria enough to start checking flight prices, but there is something rewarding about building a life somewhere new, discovering another culture and finding opportunities you might never have considered.

I don't know if Liberia will be my permanent home, but I'm glad I took the chance.

Joshua, Liberia

*All names have been changed to protect the identity of the subjects.