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This chapter gives an overview of the patterns of African migration using quantitative data from the MAFE surveys. Three broad topics are addressed: (1) patterns of mobility, focusing on trends in departures, returns and circulation, (2) profiles of migrants, and (3) migration routes and strategies. Using extensive data on three origin countries and six destination countries, it identifies some common patterns and trends, as well as heterogeneity and changes in African migration. A key finding is that African migration is diverse. Trends in departures and returns have developed differently across countries, and migrants’ profiles and motives for departure also vary widely by destination and origin country. While migration to Europe has generally become more complex, strategies and routes have also varied more widely across origin and destination countries.

This chapter explores trends in migration and return from Ghana between 1975-2008. Taking advantage of the MAFE (Migration between Africa and Europe) data, it offers rare quantitative evidence on the characteristics of migration from Ghana. The results show that migrant realities are complex, change over time and can involve back and forth movements between countries. Migrants are found to frequently circulate between a destination country and Ghana, be it for visits or for longer periods but without a definitive return. This suggests evidence of transnational lifestyles. Nevertheless, the opportunity to return is not equal for all migrants as our results show.