THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Once a year, the BiB.Monitor Wohlbefinden, a research publication by the German Federal Institute for Population Research, measures and reports on the well-being and life satisfaction of people in Germany. This year’s edition examines how life satisfaction differs among various population groups based on their immigration and emigration backgrounds. According to the findings, Africans living in Germany reported an average life satisfaction score below the overall migrant average and the national average
A new report by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) — BiB Monitor Wohlbefinden 2025: How Satisfied Are Migrants and Emigrants? — reveals that people with a migration background in Germany report, on average, the same level of life satisfaction as those without one.
Migrants living in Germany rated their overall life satisfaction at 7.1 out of 10, matching the national average. According to the findings, Africans living in Germany reported an average life satisfaction score of 6.6 out of 10, which is below the overall migrant average of 7.1 and the national average of 7.1. However, the report shows considerable variation depending on region of origin and time spent in the country.
Key Findings
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Migrants from Eastern Europe reported above-average satisfaction, with about 23.5 % describing themselves as “very satisfied.”
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Migrants from Africa and Asia, however, recorded below-average scores — Africans rated their life satisfaction at 6.6, compared with the German national average of 7.1.
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Female migrants tended to report slightly higher well-being than male migrants, and satisfaction increased the longer individuals had lived in Germany.
What This Means for African Migrants in Germany
The gap between the national average and the 6.6 score for African-born residents points to enduring structural and social barriers affecting well-being. The BiB study suggests that factors such as income, education level, employment opportunities and discrimination influence these outcomes. While some differences narrow when adjusting for socio-economic factors, they remain notable.
For many Africans in Germany — particularly recent arrivals — the challenges of integration, language and recognition of qualifications continue to shape their everyday experiences. The finding that satisfaction rises with length of stay highlights the importance of sustained support for integration and participation.
Why It Matters
Life satisfaction is a key measure of inclusion — reflecting how individuals feel about their lives and their place in society. The BiB study makes clear that successful integration is not only about economic security but also about belonging, equality and dignity.
For African communities and organisations working on inclusion, this report provides valuable evidence of where gaps remain — and how targeted support in education, employment and community engagement can make a real difference.
While the overall picture for migrants in Germany is positive, the lower score for Africans underscores a continuing equity challenge: ensuring that all migrants — regardless of origin — can truly thrive and feel at home in Germany.
Felix Dappah
Download the full report HERE
