Africa: $124.2 billion in remittances, Egypt ahead of Nigeria

Migrants and diasporas sent $124.2 billion to Africa in 2025, an increase of 86% compared to 2016, according to the report Sending Money Home 2026 published on September 14 by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Egypt leads the continent with $41.5 billion received, followed by Nigeria at $22.8 billion.

In low- and middle-income countries, remittances reached $728.6 billion in 2025, nearly double the level observed a decade earlier. IFAD highlights that these flows surpassed global official development assistance and foreign direct investment received by these economies that year.

A significant portion of this money directly finances household expenditures. The report estimates that about three-quarters of the transfers are used for food, housing, bills, and other immediate needs. The remaining quarter contributes to health, education, housing, savings, and small economic activities.

Rural areas received nearly $233 billion globally in 2025. Beneficiary households also invest approximately $22 billion annually in rural agri-food systems, according to IFAD, supporting agricultural production, local businesses, and employment.

The report also notes that more than half of remittances are now sent digitally, but only 35% of the transactions analyzed are fully digital from end to end. The growth of these channels aims to reduce fees and facilitate access to financial services.

IFAD calls on governments, regulators, and financial institutions to lower costs, improve transparency, and expand access to savings, insurance, and credit. However, the institution emphasizes that these funds remain private family resources and cannot replace public investment or social protection.