A new Afrobarometer report has found that a majority of Africans support free trade, although awareness of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains low.

The report, titled African Insights 2026: Beyond Borders: Citizen Perspectives on a Shifting Global Order, is based on Afrobarometer’s Round 10 surveys conducted in 38 African countries in 2024/2025.

According to the report, 62% of Africans believe trade with other countries will benefit their economies, with majorities in 32 of the 38 countries surveyed supporting free trade.

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However, only 13% of respondents said they had heard of AfCFTA, highlighting what Afrobarometer described as a major communication gap that could undermine efforts to build public support for continental economic integration.

The report also found that 56% of Africans support allowing people within their subregions to move freely across borders to live and work. However, 40% favour restricting cross-border movement to protect jobs and economic opportunities for citizens.

Economic concerns are also driving migration ambitions. About 45% of Africans said they had considered moving to another country, while 32% of young people said they had thought “a lot” about emigrating.

The report found that work and economic hardship were the main reasons people considered leaving their countries, with Europe and North America among the most preferred destinations.

On global partnerships, China emerged as the foreign power with the highest positive perception, with 62% of respondents viewing its economic and political influence favourably. This compared with 52% for the United States and 50% for the European Union.

The survey further showed that 71% of Africans believe African countries should have greater influence in international decision-making bodies such as the United Nations.

On climate change, Afrobarometer found that 80% of climate-change-literate respondents believe the phenomenon is making life worse in their countries. Droughts and crop failures were among the most commonly reported impacts.

Overall, the report said Africans are increasingly supportive of trade liberalisation, engagement with multiple global powers, greater African representation in international affairs and climate justice.

It, however, noted that attitudes towards immigration remain mixed, with many Africans supporting freedom of movement in principle while favouring restrictions on the number of foreign job seekers admitted into their countries.

MA