Rising Opportunity and Identity Fuel a ‘Silent Exodus’ as More French Africans Move Back to Africa

In recent years, an increasing number of French Africans have been leaving France to settle in African nations, with countries like Senegal emerging as popular destinations. Known as the “silent exodus,” this phenomenon is driven by a complex mix of factors, from rising racism and nationalism in France to the desire to reconnect with ancestral roots and explore new economic opportunities in Africa. For individuals like Menka Gomis, a 39-year-old born in France to Senegalese parents, Africa offers the promise of a better future.

This trend has gained attention for its potential implications on identity, migration, and economics. Many who are leaving are highly educated, which has led researchers to refer to this emigration as a “brain drain” affecting France. BBC Africa Eye recently investigated this movement, interviewing individuals who shared their personal motivations, the challenges they face, and their dreams for life in Africa.

The Growing Appeal of Africa for French Africans

For Gomis, the decision to leave France is rooted in both personal and professional motivations. Although he was born and raised in France, his connection to his Senegalese heritage has always been strong. In recent years, however, he has become disillusioned with life in France, where he says he faced racial discrimination as early as six years old. “I may be French, but I also come from elsewhere,” he told BBC Africa. His experience is not isolated, as many French Africans report similar experiences of exclusion and racial discrimination.

Now, Gomis is building a life in Senegal, where he has opened a travel agency aimed at helping others connect with their roots. He sees Africa as a continent of opportunities, comparing it to “the Americas at the time of the gold rush,” where much remains to be developed and built. His view resonates with others who see Africa as the continent of the future, full of untapped potential and ripe for innovation.

Increasing Racism and Discrimination in France

The experiences of French Africans like Gomis are underscored by a broader shift in French society, where there has been a notable rise in racism and nationalism. According to a survey cited by the BBC, 91% of Black people in France reported experiencing racial discrimination. This sentiment has been exacerbated by recent political changes and incidents, such as the fatal police shooting of Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of Algerian descent, in June 2023. The shooting sparked nationwide protests, reflecting the frustration and anger felt by ethnic minorities regarding how they are treated by law enforcement and society at large.

In response to these challenges, Prime Minister Michel Barnier and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau have pledged to tighten immigration policies, adding to the perception that France is becoming increasingly unwelcoming for people of immigrant backgrounds. French Africans who feel marginalized are now looking to Africa as a place where they can live with dignity and reconnect with their heritage.

Challenges and Realities of Moving to Africa

For some, however, the move to Africa is not without its own set of challenges. Salamata Konte, who co-founded a travel agency with Gomis in Senegal, described her mixed feelings about relocating. Although she was born in France, her parents were Senegalese, and she initially found it challenging to integrate, even being called “Frenchie” by locals. “At first, I was rejected in France, and now I’m also rejected here,” she explained, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging that many returnees face.

Moreover, Konte pointed out that being a businesswoman in Senegal comes with its own difficulties, such as confronting societal norms around gender roles. “I often tell people that Senegalese men are misogynistic. They don’t like to hear that, but I think it’s true,” she said. Despite these challenges, Konte has found success and fulfillment, encouraging those considering the move to approach it with humility and an open mind.

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A Reconnection with Heritage and Identity

The “silent exodus” is also deeply tied to a desire to reconnect with African heritage. For many French Africans, returning to their parents’ or grandparents’ homelands represents a chance to explore a cultural identity that was difficult to fully embrace in France. Some, like schoolteacher Audrey Monzemba, express a longing to live in a society that respects their faith and cultural values. Monzemba, who wears a headscarf, faces challenges in secular France, where wearing religious symbols in state institutions is heavily regulated. “I want to go to work without having to remove my veil,” she said, explaining her motivation to move to Senegal.

Others, such as software developer Fatoumata Sylla, see moving to Africa as a way to honor their parents’ legacy. Sylla, whose family is originally from Senegal, is preparing to relocate and start a business there, fulfilling her father’s wish to “never forget where you come from.” However, her brother Abdoul, who feels more at home in France, questions whether Africa can truly offer a reconnection with ancestral culture.

The Broader Implications of the Silent Exodus

As more French Africans choose to leave, this movement has implications beyond individual stories. Sociologist Olivier Esteves, co-author of France, You Love It But You Leave It, describes the silent exodus as a brain drain affecting France, particularly since many of those leaving are highly educated professionals. While some in France dismiss concerns over systemic racism, data shows a worrying increase in racist incidents, with more than 15,000 recorded cases related to race, religion, or ethnicity last year.

At the same time, Africa stands to gain from this influx of skilled and educated individuals, many of whom bring valuable experience and a desire to invest in local economies. In countries like Senegal, the contributions of returnees in fields such as technology, business, and healthcare could accelerate development, creating a ripple effect that benefits the broader African economy.

A Future Rooted in Heritage and Hope

The decision to leave France and move to Africa reflects a profound shift in how French Africans view their identities and futures. For those like Gomis, Konte, and Sylla, the move is more than a career decision—it’s a journey toward self-discovery, respect, and the possibility of a brighter future. As this silent exodus continues, it will be essential for both France and African countries to recognize and respond to the realities of migration, belonging, and opportunity.