There are thousands of highly skilled people of African descent living in the Diaspora, be they from the Caribbean, or the African continent, all of which has contributed significantly towards its development. Every year, thousands of highly skilled man- power of African descent leaves their country of birth in search of 'greener pastures,' creating a huge strain on its economic growth due to the lack of skilled home grown man power.  

The table below reflects this trend and demonstrates the immigration flow of skilled Africans to industrialised countries. International Office for Migration ( IOM ) and European Commission for Africa ( ECA ) estimates. 

The continuing flow of African professionals leaving their country/continent every year is one of the greatest obstacles facing Africa's development and has many identifiable implications and negative impacts.