Guide to Work: Africa

Working in Africa offers workers a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and endless opportunities for exploration. While laws mean securing employment may pose challenges for internationals, there are job opportunities in skills shortage sectors with global companies.

African countries often prioritise hiring native citizens, but often encourages international applicants who possess high-level skills. Foreign graduates may discover that their expertise is vital to the advancement of a variety of fields. They have also been known to encourage foreign workers to establish their businesses, especially when such ventures could attract foreign investments or create employment opportunities for local citizens.

Africa includes 54 countries and two partially-recognized countries. The countries within this region vary in different sizes, cultures, languages, and climates. These countries include:

  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Benin
  • Botswana
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cameroon
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Comoros
  • Congo
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Eswatini (Swaziland)
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mayotte
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Réunion
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Helena
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • United Republic of Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

In Africa, the challenge of skills shortages across various sectors poses a barrier to economic growth and development. While there is a growing population of middle-skilled individuals across the continent, there is a significant shortage of specific, experienced, technical skills. According to the Critical Skills List 2023, workers are needed in the following roles:

  • management consultant
  • multimedia specialist
  • software developer
  • university lecturer
  • web designer

You must plan thoroughly before deciding to visit any African country as the cultures can be significantly different to the UK and some areas of Africa are classed as unsafe. Find out more about working in Africa on PROSPECTS.

Working visa requirements

If you are planning to work in Africa, it is essential to obtain a visa or permit. Each African country has specific requirements for issuing a visa and work permit. Depending on your nationality, the duration of stay and even the industry, you will be subject to different requirements, complexities and applicable legislation.

You may find it easier to obtain visas for some countries than others. Some countries have even implemented measures to ensure a balance between foreign employees and citizens. It is advisable that you secure employment before relocating to ensure that you can obtain a work visa, despite the availability of job opportunities in various shortage areas.

We have provided further detail on the most common countries in Africa for graduates to travel to. However, it is advisable to visit the Embassy website of the country you are wishing to travel to, to confirm and apply for the relevant visa. Read the instructions, instruction, processes, and requirements fully before accepting a job.

Algeria:

In Algeria, work permits are only available for roles which cannot be filled by Algerian nationals. You must also have a minimum of a ‘technical level of qualification’ to be hired. Following recruitment your employer must make a declaration to the authorities within 48 hours and present any documents, which give them the right to hire foreigners. When your contract ends, your employer must also inform the authorities that you have left.

Angola:

You need a work visa to work in Angola, which would allow you multiple entries into Angola and to remain in Angola until your work contract expires. The work visa would allow you to work in Angola for a period of 12 months, which can be prolonged for equal periods, up until the end of your work contract. Once you have worked in Angola for a minimum of five years, you are entitled to apply for a residence visa. The residence visa entitles you to carry on a paid job.

Botswana:

To live and work here you must make two separate applications, one for a residence permit and another for a work permit. It is common for both applications to be submitted simultaneously. There are no special permits for individuals who possess scarce skills but individuals possessing scarce skills obtain more points in the visa evaluation process.

Burundi:

In Burundi, you are able to enter the country for three months (for business or touristic purposes) by obtaining an ordinary entry visa. Once in the country, if you want to live and work in Burundi, you will have to apply for a visa d’etablissement. You would be required to obtain an invitation authenticated by the Immigration Office in Burundi or by the Ministry of External Relations and International Cooperation, which forms part of the visa application.

Egypt:

To work in Egypt you will require an entry visa, a residence permit and a work permit. Your new employer must submit a comprehensive formal request to the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration. The maximum percentage of foreigners that may be employed by corporate entities in Egypt is approximately 10%. You may also be prohibited from working in certain professions

Ghana:

To live an work in Ghana you will need to be issued a work permit or an immigration quota permit. You will not automatically qualify for a residence permit, you will need to apply for this separately and have it approved by the Director of Immigration. A foreign national granted a work permit or immigrant quota work permit must also submit an annual return.

Kenya:

You will need to first find employment to obtain work permits to live and work in Kenya. If you intend to remain in Kenya for work or business purposes for a short period of time, you can obtain a special pass. A special pass is issued to people who intend to engage in any form of employment (whether paid or unpaid) or in any other income generating activity, and is valid for a period not exceeding three months.

Nigeria:

To live and work in Nigeria on a long-term basis, working visas are connected to job offers and the company employing you. Your employer is required to follow a particular process before you can apply for a work visa. If you are looking to travel to Nigeria on a short-term basis you will need either:

  • Temporary Work Permit
  • Business Visitor’s Visa

Work permits and residence permits do not apply to nationals of member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS). They can work, reside and undertake commercial and industrial activities within Nigeria.

South Africa:

To work in South Africa you must obtain a work visa. The Immigration Act 2002 and its regulations provide for different types of work visas, depending on the circumstances surrounding your entry into South Africa. There are four categories of work visas allowing foreign candidates to work in the country:

  • General work – the most common type of visa, you’ll need to submit a signed permanent contract of employment.
  • Critical skills – for workers in professions the South African government deem to be critical.
  • Intra-company transfer (ICT) – if you’ve worked for a multinational company in your home country for a minimum of six months, you can apply to relocate to its South African branch.
  • Corporate visa – you’ll need this if you’re planning to start a business in South Africa.

You can take an assessment to determine which visa you’ll need at Work Visa South Africa. You must possess all the required visa documents while boarding your flight to South Africa, otherwise you may be denied entry. Find out more about working in South Africa at PROSPECTS.

Embassy websites:
Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Highlights the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for countries in Africa, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the relevant Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Job searching links

Most often in Africa, job openings are advertised nationally and international workers will only be considered for a role if there are no qualified African citizens available for the job. Most foreign workers find work before arriving in the country. Multinational corporations with a presence in Africa are the primary employers for foreign professionals. If you work for a multinational company, you may have the opportunity to work in Africa through a placement or secondment with your current employer. Directly reaching out to these companies increases your chances of landing a position in Africa.

Recruitment Agencies:
Job boards, newspapers and networking sites:
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 

Useful links