Across the globe, young people are increasingly seeking to leave their home countries due to pervasive corruption and economic instability. In Jordan, the dire economic landscape is compelling many to migrate, particularly to the United States. High unemployment rates, which stood at 21.4% in the first quarter of 2024, have left many feeling hopeless about their future. Nearly 1,000 young men from the village of Kufr Asad alone have left in search of better prospects over the past year. Ihab, a recent migrant, cited poor management and rampant corruption as primary motivators for his departure, reflecting a broader sentiment among the youth. The journey to the US is fraught with peril and can cost between $12,000 and $15,000, a significant sum for many families in Jordan.
Similarly, a recent poll conducted by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation revealed that 60% of young people in Africa want to emigrate, primarily due to corruption. The survey, which included 5,604 individuals aged 18-24 across 16 countries, found that North America is the top emigration choice, followed by Western Europe. A staggering 55% of respondents believe Africa is headed in the 'wrong direction,' with 72% expressing concern over foreign exploitation of natural resources. The median age in Africa is just 19.7, and with 420 million young people aged 15-35, one-third are unemployed, highlighting a critical need for change.
In Equatorial Guinea, the situation mirrors these trends. The economy has declined since oil prices slumped in 2014, leading to rising unemployment and poverty among its 1.6 million inhabitants. The jobless rate is currently at 8.5%, according to the African Development Bank. Young citizens like Paciencia Mangue, 32, and Laura Ntogono, 27, express a strong desire to migrate to the U.S. for better opportunities. Many are leaving through dangerous routes, with testimonies of individuals like Geraldina Adang, 33, who faced perilous conditions traveling from Brazil to Mexico. The minimum wage in Equatorial Guinea is 128,000 CFA francs ($210) a month, while some expatriates earn significantly more abroad. The exodus is fueled by systemic corruption, lack of freedom, and poor management of public affairs, as noted by rights activist Joaquin Elo Ayeto.
Back in Jordan, the urgency for migration is underscored by demographic statistics, with 63% of the population under the age of 30. Despite the government's claims of creating 95,342 jobs in 2023, many young people remain skeptical. Former Deputy Prime Minister Mamdouh al-Abadi has called for significant political reform to address the underlying issues. Ayman, another migrant, now earns $20 per hour in Texas after fleeing Jordan's economic struggles, showcasing the stark contrast in opportunities available abroad. The desire among migrants to never return to Jordan underscores the severity of the situation and the lengths they are willing to go to escape it. [bbf5614a][ce66cf0c][b9f2994e]