Here are 10 African countries often cited as strong options for relocation for heritage-seeking, investors, or lifestyle change.
For each, here’s a brief highlight and what you should check. “Best” is subjective—what’s best for you will depend on your priorities: language, cost of living, visa/residency rules, community, business opportunities, safety, etc.
1. Ghana
Why it stands out: Ghana has an active diaspora outreach programme for people of African descent (“Year of Return”, “Beyond the Return”) and has granted citizenship to diaspora members.
What to check: Residency/immigration rules for non-Ghanaians, cost of living in Accra vs smaller towns, business/investment regulation.
2. Mauritius
Why it stands out: Ranked among the safest and most stable in Africa; good quality of life and appealing for investors and relocation.
What to check: Cost may be higher than in many African mainland countries, visa/residency/investment requirements, and integration into local society.
3. Kenya
Why it stands out: Kenya is among Africa’s leading economies in East Africa, and it has a growing business and tech ecosystem.
What to check: Safety/security in certain areas, infrastructure, schools if relocating with family), and immigration/residency route.
4. Botswana
Why it stands out: Known for political stability, lower population density, and appealing to those wanting a quieter yet well-governed African home.
What to check: Visa/residency paths for foreigners, cost of living and housing market, ease of doing business for investors/entrepreneurs.
5. Rwanda
Why it stands out: Rwanda is often highlighted for safety, cleanliness, governance, and a business-friendly environment.
What to check: How comfortable you’ll be with the cultural/language environment, property/land ownership rules for foreigners, and integration into the local community.
6. Morocco
Why it stands out: North Africa option—with somewhat closer links to Europe, and some favourable expat living and business conditions.
What to check: Language (French/Arabic), cultural fit if relocating from the U.S., visa/residency rules, and cost of living depending on the city you choose.
7. Namibia
Why it stands out: Offers an outdoors/nature lifestyle, relatively stable governance, and a lower cost of living, according to recent listings.
What to check: Infrastructure (especially outside major centres), job/business opportunities, integration into local culture if not fluent in local languages.
8. South Africa
Why it stands out: Among the largest economies in Africa, it offers diverse lifestyle options (urban, coastal, natural), robust infrastructure in many areas.
What to check: Safety/security concerns in some areas, inequality/infrastructure issues, certainty of legal/business environment, and cost of living in major cities.
9. Tunisia
Why it stands out: On cost metrics, Tunisia appears among the more affordable African countries.
What to check: Political stability and governance, language (French/Arabic), suitability for long-term relocation (education, healthcare, integration for families).
10. Egypt
Why it stands out: One of the most affordable countries in some cost-of-living metrics in Africa.
What to check: Legal/immigration/residency procedures for non-locals, cultural/language fit (Arabic dominant), quality of services (healthcare, schooling), depending on city/area.
How to Use This List
Match to your priority: Are you relocating for heritage, for business, or for lifestyle? Choose the country that aligns most.
Go scout first: Visit for at least a few weeks (ideally 1-2 months) to test lifestyle, neighbourhoods, culture.
Check immigration/residency rules: Each country has different paths (work permit, investor visa, diaspora program, residency).
Understand cost of living, housing, schools, and healthcare: Big variation between countries and between major cities vs smaller towns.
Look at the business/investment climate if you are relocating to start something or invest: tax regime, ease of company formation, and local networks.
Community & belonging: Especially for African Americans relocating, check how diaspora or returnee communities are engaging in that country, as some countries have specific diaspora return initiatives.
Get in touch with My African Heritage by LECHA to help you choose the best country for you.