Top 5 Best African Countries for Freelance Emigration: A Practical Guide for Digital Nomads

Last Updated on September 29, 2024 by LawEuro

Africa is fast becoming a prime destination for freelancers and financially independent individuals looking for affordable and vibrant places to live. Below, we rank the five best African countries for freelance emigrants based on key factors like cost of living, economic development, internet quality, safety, language accessibility, and migration policies. For each country, we break down specific cities that offer the best balance between affordability and quality of life, along with a total estimate of the minimum amount required for a comfortable lifestyle.

1. South Africa

• Best Cities for Freelancers: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban
• Pros: Advanced infrastructure, high internet quality, English-speaking, vibrant cultural life.
• Cons: High crime rates in some areas, expensive compared to other African countries.

Living Costs:

• Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Cape Town or Johannesburg costs about $350–$500/month.
• Food: A breakfast costs about $5–7. Monthly grocery expenses are around $150–$200.
• Taxi: $1.50 per kilometer.
• Internet: High-quality internet, mobile data plans around $15 for 5GB.
• Monthly Budget: $800–$1,000
• Annual Budget: $9,600–$12,000

Migration Policy:

• Visas: South Africa offers a 90-day tourist visa, renewable. Freelancers can apply for a work or independent financial visa. Details can be found at South African Home Affairs – www.dha.gov.za.

Conclusion: South Africa is a top destination for freelancers who need strong digital infrastructure and want to live in a developed city. However, high crime rates in certain areas and relatively higher living costs are drawbacks.

2. Mauritius

• Best Cities for Freelancers: Port Louis, Grand Baie
• Pros: High safety, tropical island lifestyle, English-speaking, affordable living.
• Cons: Limited big-city amenities, smaller job market.

Living Costs:

• Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Port Louis costs $400–$600/month.
• Food: Breakfast averages $4–6, and monthly grocery expenses total $100–$150.
• Taxi: Affordable, around $0.75 per kilometer.
• Internet: Reliable 4G internet, costing about $12–$15 for 10GB.
• Monthly Budget: $700–$900
• Annual Budget: $8,400–$10,800

Migration Policy:

• Visas: Freelancers can apply for a Premium Visa for up to 1 year, easily extendable. Tourist visas are also available for 90 days on arrival. More info at Economic Development Board of Mauritius – https://www.edbmauritius.org

Conclusion: Mauritius offers a great quality of life with low crime and affordable living costs. However, it may lack some of the big-city infrastructure found in larger countries.

3. Rwanda

• Best Cities for Freelancers: Kigali
• Pros: Safe, low cost of living, good digital infrastructure, welcoming to foreigners.
• Cons: Lower economic development compared to South Africa and Mauritius.

Living Costs:

• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in Kigali costs about $300–$450/month.
• Food: Breakfast costs $3–5, and monthly groceries range from $80–$120.
• Taxi: Around $1 per kilometer.
• Internet: Excellent 4G coverage, costing $10 for 5GB.
• Monthly Budget: $600–$800
• Annual Budget: $7,200–$9,600

Migration Policy:

• Visas: Rwanda offers an easy-to-obtain 30-day e-visa, and long-term visas are available for entrepreneurs and freelancers. Visit Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration for more info – https://www.migration.gov.rw

Conclusion: Rwanda is perfect for freelancers looking for a safe, affordable, and digitally connected environment, although its economy is still developing.

4. Kenya

• Best Cities for Freelancers: Nairobi, Mombasa
• Pros: Largest economy in East Africa, English-speaking, vibrant tech scene.
• Cons: Crime and safety concerns in some areas, especially Nairobi.

Living Costs:

• Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Nairobi costs about $300–$500/month.
• Food: Breakfast costs $4–6, and groceries cost $100–$150 per month.
• Taxi: $1.50 per kilometer.
• Internet: Reliable 4G, costing about $8 for 10GB of data.
• Monthly Budget: $700–$1,000
• Annual Budget: $8,400–$12,000

Migration Policy:

• Visas: Kenya provides an e-visa for freelancers that allows them to stay for up to 12 months. A 90-day tourist visa is also available. For more information, visit eCitizen Kenya.

Conclusion: Kenya is an appealing option for freelancers looking to integrate into East Africa’s tech scene, but crime and high urban costs in Nairobi could be concerns for some.

5. Morocco

• Best Cities for Freelancers: Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier
• Pros: Affordable, rich in culture, good infrastructure.
• Cons: Language barrier (French and Arabic dominant), slower internet outside major cities.

Living Costs:

• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in Casablanca or Marrakesh costs around $250–$400/month.
• Food: Breakfast is $3–5, with monthly grocery expenses around $100–$150.
• Taxi: $1 per kilometer.
• Internet: 4G is widely available, and data plans cost about $10 for 10GB.
• Monthly Budget: $600–$800
• Annual Budget: $7,200–$9,600

Migration Policy:

• Visas: Morocco allows 90-day visas for many nationalities. Longer-term residence and work permits are available for freelancers and entrepreneurs. More details at Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Conclusion: Morocco offers affordable living, especially in culturally rich cities like Marrakesh and Tangier, though the language barrier could be a downside for English-speaking freelancers.

Summary of Monthly and Annual Living Costs:

Country	Monthly Cost (USD)	Annual Cost (USD)
South Africa	$800–$1,000	$9,600–$12,000
Mauritius	$700–$900	$8,400–$10,800
Rwanda	$600–$800	$7,200–$9,600
Kenya	$700–$1,000	$8,400–$12,000
Morocco	$600–$800	$7,200–$9,600

Final Thoughts

• South Africa is the most developed, with advanced infrastructure but at a higher cost and with safety concerns.
• Mauritius is ideal for freelancers seeking a tropical island lifestyle with good safety and relatively low costs.
• Rwanda offers a low-cost, safe, and digitally connected environment, perfect for tech freelancers.
• Kenya boasts a strong economy and a vibrant expat scene, especially for those in the tech industry, though safety could be an issue.
• Morocco is culturally rich and affordable, but English speakers may face communication challenges.

These countries offer unique benefits depending on the type of lifestyle a freelancer seeks. Whether it’s the island beauty of Mauritius or the cultural vibrancy of Morocco, Africa has much to offer for those looking to live and work remotely.