Brain drain and African development: Any possible gain from the drain?

Abstract

Everyday, Africa loses her best academics, scientists, doctors, nurses, accountants, and other sought-after professionals, through brain drain, into other richer countries. The question is: Why? The impact of the problem is to the detriment of development of the African continent. It also seems to be a continuous issue without any trend of ceasing. This paper explores the nature, effects (positive and negative) and reason for the brain drain in Africa. What can African countries do to minimize the problem or the impact thereof? The aim of this paper, with some models illustrating the subject matter, is to explore the nature and effects of brain drain on African development and ultimately pinpoint possible positive perspectives of brain gain from the drained brains.   Keywords: Brain drain, Africa, development, brain gain, professionals, migration, training.