South Africa is working on retaining talent by tightening immigration laws, according to an eNCANews video.

Almost a third of African professionals leave the continent each year for higher pay and more stable political environments.

In South Africa exceptional work skills visas have been eliminated and replaced with critical skill work visas.

“We’re trying to balance between the security needs of the country and the needs of the economy,” said Malusi Gigaba, South African Minister of Home Affairs.

Countries hit hardest by Africa’s brain drain include Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia. Industries hit hardest include medicine, engineering, technical and agriculture.

Analysts blame Nigeria’s brain drain on a lack of investment in skills transfer.

Can African countries retain their talent while also promoting intra-African
development?

Mobility of talent is already complex, according to the eNCANews report. Visa requirements and procedures may be too complicated, economists say. Simplifying these could be the first step to retain talent in Africa.