Africa's diaspora remittances rise to $35.2 bn in 2015 - World Bank

The World Bank and other development partners have revealed that the total money transfers by African migrants to their region or country of origin surged by 3.4% to $35.2 billion, in 2015.

The sum which includes intra-African transfers, represents 6 percent of total transfers by migrants worldwide to their region or country of origin, Ecofin agency reports.

The total migrants transfers worldwide, though lesser compared to the previous year is estimated at $581.6 billion.

Africa is seen as number one in terms of migration and as such, some European countries have raised barriers thus making it more difficult for Africans to get visas.

Money transfers from remittances from citizens abroad critical to West #Africa pic.twitter.com/V8WGTL9EYA

— Paul Hirschson (@paulhirschson) March 29, 2016

Over the past four years, transfers by African migrants to their homes reached $134 .4 billion. A relatively low figure compared to licit and illicit financial flows from Africa.

According to a report published in 2015 by African Union High Level Panel against illicit financial flows, fiscal optimization allows Africa-based multinationals to send out up to $50 billion each year.

The report said high operations costs were behind the low level of money transferred by African migrants. It adds that these costs, though lower as compared to the year before (11.4%) represent 9.5% of total transferred.

There are presently 250 million migrants worldwide, refugees included. Populations with highest levels of migrants include Mexicans (migrating to the USA), Gulf countries and Russia’s satellites states.

The World Bank’s report however shows that African nations host at least four million migrants.

AGENCY