By Own Correspondent

GHANA headquartered non-profit entity, Afrobarometer says overwhelming jobs scarcity is forcing many Zimbabweans to leave their country.

 The number of Zimbabweans living outside of Zimbabwe is estimated to be between 4 and 7 million people, though it's generally accepted to be over 5 million. This is about 30% of Zimbabwe's total population.

South Africa and Botswana host the highest numbers of citizens in the diaspora with the United Kingdom and the United States of America making it to the third and fourth highest hosts.

According to the Afrobarometer report, Zimbabweans who have considered emigrating are most likely to cite work opportunities as the reason for leaving, followed by economic hardship and poverty.

“The most important driver for those who have thought about leaving is the prospect of work opportunities, followed by the desire to escape economic hardship or poverty,” the report said.

It further indicated that men were more likely to consider moving abroad, with South Africa remaining the favoured destination for at least 38% among those who would like to emigrate to the neighbouring country.

At least 23% of the men, according to the report, favour moving to Europe in search of opportunities, while approximately 12% preferred going to North America.

The report further indicated that a large number of the country’s population feels that southern Africans should be able to move freely across borders in order to trade or work in other countries without any difficulties.

However, the report said this remained a pipeline dream with at least two-thirds of the population reporting that crossing borders among the countries in the region was difficult.

“Three-fourths (76%) of Zimbabweans say southern Africans should be able to move freely across borders in order to trade or work in other countries.

“But two-thirds (67%) of citizens say cross-border movement is ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ with the belief being highest among the 75% highly educated, 72% very poor citizens and 71% unemployed Zimbabweans.”

The report further indicated that many of the Zimbabweans remaining in the country are also considering leaving for better opportunities outside.