South Africa is home to 1 million Asians, predominantly African-born Indians, primarily located in Durban and Gauteng.
Mauritius boasts the highest population ratio of Asians in Africa, with 929,000 residents, mainly descendants of Indian laborers who were brought during colonial times.
In West Africa, countries like Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone have larger Asian populations than often recognized, with Ivory Coast hosting about 300,000 and Sierra Leone around 150,000. These communities are mainly comprised of Lebanese and Indians, attracted by business opportunities in trade and real estate.
Deep Dive!!
When thinking of Asian migrant communities, many envision their presence in Europe or America. However, Africa has developed robust business ties with Asian populations, resulting in notable communities across the continent. The infusion of Indian traders centuries ago and the expansion of Chinese infrastructure have established a significant and growing Asian presence.
While some regions are just beginning to see an increase in their Asian populations, others have well-established communities that enhance their economies, cultures, and political landscapes. Below is a list ranking African countries by the size of their Asian populations.
10. Zambia
Zambia’s Asian population is relatively new, primarily consisting of 113,000 Chinese individuals. Over the past twenty years, the mining and construction sectors, especially in the Copperbelt province and Lusaka, have drawn many Chinese workers. Additionally, there are long-established Indian families involved in retail and manufacturing.
9. Madagascar
Madagascar’s Asian population stands at around 125,000, primarily composed of Chinese and Indo-Pakistani groups who own shops and medical facilities in Antananarivo and Toamasina. While early 20th-century Chinese involvement included railway community projects, their current influence is primarily in agriculture-related enterprises.
8. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s Asian population includes 150,000 individuals, mainly Indian and Lebanese traders who dominate the business scene, particularly in Freetown. The Lebanese community has a historical presence dating back over a century, primarily in retail, construction, and hospitality. The post-conflict recovery has opened new pathways for Asian investment and migration.
7. Kenya
Kenya has a historically rooted Asian community. Indians were brought to the region during British colonial rule in the early 20th century to help build the Kenya-Uganda railway. Currently, about 170,000 Asians live in Kenya, mainly in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. The Indian community primarily works in manufacturing, banking, and pharmaceuticals, while the Chinese focus on construction and infrastructure development.
6. Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast is home to approximately 300,000 Asians. Cities like Abidjan have seen a rapid increase in this demographic, consisting of both longstanding Lebanese families and newer Chinese migrants. Older Lebanese communities often engage in retail and real estate, while the new Chinese arrivals primarily work in construction, electronics, and mining. Ivory Coast is emerging as a hub for Asian entrepreneurs and investors in West Africa.
5. Egypt
Egypt has an Asian population of around 310,000, including Filipino workers, Chinese engineers, and Indian professionals. There has been consistent Asian investment and employment, aided by the Suez Canal’s strategic importance and Cairo’s burgeoning technology sector. The geographic location of Egypt serves as a link between Asia and Africa, fostering trade and migration. The Chinese community is particularly significant in infrastructure and real estate development in Egypt.
4. Sudan
Sudan has an Asian population of around 324,000, with a significant Chinese presence, largely due to petroleum exploration that began in the 1900s. Today, the Chinese dominate the oil and construction industries, while the Pakistani and Indian communities primarily manage hospitals and retail operations in major cities like Khartoum.
3.
Mauritius
Mauritius boasts a significant Asian community, numbering approximately 929,000. The Indo-Mauritian culture greatly influences the island’s social, political, and economic spheres. This community was initially brought to the island by the British as indentured laborers following the end of slavery in the 19th century. Hinduism, Islam, and various Indian languages have flourished here, contributing to Mauritius being one of the most culturally rich countries in Africa with a substantial Asian population.
2. Nigeria
Nigeria is home to around 945,000 individuals of Asian descent, predominantly comprising Chinese, Indians, and Lebanese. These groups play a crucial role in the nation’s economic progress. The Chinese community is particularly growing in the fields of telecommunications and construction, while Indian merchants are prominent in the pharmaceutical and textile industries in major cities like Kano and Lagos. The Lebanese community remains influential in the food and hospitality sectors. Nigeria is viewed as an attractive destination for Asian investors due to its vast population and potential customer base.
1. South Africa
Leading the list is South Africa, with a dynamic Asian population of about 1 million. The Indian community initially arrived in the 19th century to work in sugar plantations in KwaZulu-Natal. Today, they are heavily involved in various sectors such as politics, business, and media, especially in Durban. On the other hand, the Chinese community mainly excels in trade, mining, and electronics, centered in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. South Africa’s strong global ties, infrastructure, and regulatory environment continue to attract Asian migrants and investors.
