ABSTRACT
Migration for development recognises remittances as a panacea for development in low- and medium-income countries. This chapter explores remittances–development nexus in African countries. Remittance inflows in Africa are becoming lifeline and progressively becoming an essential source of external finance contributing a larger percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) in some African countries. The chapter describes the trends of remittances in African countries, controversies surrounding remittances and the African remittances market, among others. Africa is lagging in its development agenda as there are inherent structural problems which keep migration as an alternative to those who can afford to migrate. With its youthful population, Africa remains a source of international labour, hence remittances will continue to be a vital source of external financial flows for African countries.
