Do Africans Prefer the West to Africa? A Question of Income, Plans and Returning

Do Africans prefer the West to Africa? In his video, Tobeh addresses this question through reactions gathered on the street, comments posted online and video clips. His discussion does not lead to a uniform answer: the choices mentioned depend on expected income, the cost of living, job prospects, but also attachment to one’s country, family and personal plans.

The creator makes clear from the outset that the tweet that prompted his reflection could not be found, so he recreated one to illustrate his point. This caveat is important: this is neither a survey nor a representative measure of African opinions. Instead, the video offers an interpretation of discussions and testimonies visible on social media.

An overly simplistic opposition between Africa and the West

The phrase highlighted in the video contrasts being “on foot in France” with “having a car in Africa.” It sums up an idea that is often discussed: some people might consider being in the West preferable, even when their standard of material comfort could be higher in their country of origin.

However, the reactions shown by Tobeh reveal a less binary situation. In a street-interview segment, people who are asked choose Mauritania or Côte d’Ivoire over France. Another person, however, says they would stay in France rather than return to Cameroon. These answers do not allow for a general conclusion, but they illustrate the diversity of individual preferences.

Moreover, the term “West” covers several countries in the video, such as France, the United States and Belgium. Likewise, Africa is not presented as a homogeneous whole: the situations cited notably concern Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Senegal, Guinea, Congo and Algeria. Professional, economic and family contexts therefore vary from one country and person to another.

Salary as a central factor in departures

For Tobeh, the income gap is one of the most visible elements in the appeal of certain Western countries. He plays clips comparing pay reported by people living in France, Cameroon, Guinea, Congo or Algeria. These amounts are presented as individual testimonies rather than statistical data.

The video emphasizes that salaries perceived as high in some African countries may seem more attainable in Europe or North America, especially in certain jobs. This prospect may encourage students to pursue their studies abroad or workers to seek employment outside their country.

The creator also mentions people who seek to settle permanently in the West after their studies or after arriving for work. Through clips and with a critical perspective, he also refers to situations in which obtaining residency papers becomes a goal in romantic relationships. These examples are presented as cases observed in online content; they do not describe all migration journeys or all couples concerned.

Comparing incomes is not enough

One point recurs in the comments cited: a salary cannot be compared without taking the cost of living into account. Tobeh notably recounts a discussion about a job offer in Senegal that included a salary, housing and a vehicle. In this exchange, one person believes that such an offer would make it possible to live comfortably near one’s family. Another, on the other hand, points to daily expenses, including fuel, food, parking and family obligations.

The video does not settle this debate. Rather, it shows that comparing incomes in Africa and the West depends on actual expenses, housing, access to services, support for relatives and the ability to save. One person may prioritize a higher income abroad; another may consider that a lower income, combined with a lifestyle seen as more enjoyable, is enough to consider returning.

The comments featured in the video also bring out non-financial criteria. Some people mention being close to loved ones, food, going out, a sense of freedom or the pleasure of living in their hometown. Others refer to healthcare, school or benefits when assessing France. These arguments are attributed to the people quoted and show that the choice cannot be reduced to a monthly amount.

The importance of education and public-sector employment

Tobeh cites the case of a debate in Côte d’Ivoire contrasting a visa for the United States with admission to ENA. In the comments he displays, many people choose the school, emphasizing the prospects it would offer in the country. He explains that ENA is a school intended to train administrative executives and associates this path with access to public-service or ministerial positions.

According to the analysis expressed in the video, competitive examinations and public-sector jobs may be seen as particularly attractive in some African countries. The creator contrasts this perception with the one he attributes to some Western discourse, where the private sector is often presented as more lucrative. This is his personal interpretation, informed by the exchanges he comments on.

This passage highlights an essential idea: moving abroad is not necessarily the first choice for everyone seeking stability. When studies, a competitive examination, professional activity or an entrepreneurial project offer what is considered a solid prospect locally, returning or remaining in one’s country of origin may become a preferred option.

A new generation less idealistic about the West?

Tobeh’s conclusion is nuanced. He states that, based on what he has observed, part of the new generation idealizes the West less than before. He shares statements from people who say they want to return to Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Benin or Congo after building up savings and developing a professional project.

In these statements, social media play an important role. The video suggests that vlogs and immersive content allow people living abroad to see more of the developments, opportunities and wealth of different African countries. Again, this is an interpretation put forward by the videographer, not a quantified observation about the diaspora as a whole or African youth.

The final message is therefore not that the West has ceased to be attractive, nor that Africa is automatically preferred. Rather, the video shows the coexistence of several aspirations: seeking a better salary, studying, working, joining one’s family, creating a business or returning to live in one’s country of origin. According to the testimonies presented, the choice depends on the concrete conditions available at each stage of one’s journey.

FAQ

Does the video claim that all Africans want to live in the West?

No. Tobeh presents opposing views: some people value the opportunities offered by the West, while others choose or consider returning to their country of origin.

Which factor is most often mentioned in the video?

Income levels and job prospects are central. However, the video points out that the cost of living, expenses, family and perceived quality of life also influence decisions.

Do the examples cited allow for generalization?

No. The video relies on comments, clips and individual testimonies. They illustrate perceptions and experiences without constituting a representative survey.

Video source: A video by Tobeh: Do Africans Prefer the West to Africa?