These 3 Sectors in the US and the UK Are Welcoming African Talent

The African diaspora has grown into a strong community, powering industries and shaping economies globally. Just until a few decades ago, we saw a small number of international students and highly skilled workers move across continents in search of better education and employment opportunities.

Today, the interconnectedness of global trade and the emergence of new markets have transformed how and where Africans work. Add to that, more multinational companies are hiring across borders. And as a result, we see an increasing number of African immigrants entering fast-paced industries like healthcare and technology in the US and the UK.

If you’re starting out in a new country or looking to make the big move, we will help you find industries that value immigrant skills. In this article, we highlight the top sectors that are welcoming African talent in 2025 and beyond. 

While it all comes down to perseverance and the resilient mindset to build a better life away from home, we also share how OAPay continues to support the growing diaspora workforce.

Where exactly are African workers thriving in the US and the UK?

Even with the "AI takeover of jobs,” data points to a handful of industries that are open to employing African immigrants. As per the reports, the African American employment rate in the US reached 59.2%, a clear indicator of how more industries are welcoming African talent.

Another report suggested that the number of sub-Saharan African immigrants has surged by 90%.

With more Africans entering international markets, knowing where they are finding work will help you plan your next move.

Take a look at three key industries in the US and the UK where the African diaspora are actively making a difference with their skills, service, and entrepreneurship.

1. Healthcare: Where care meets opportunity - A trusted sector open to the African diaspora

For years, healthcare has remained one of the most reliable industries for the immigrant labor force. Amidst global downturns, the US healthcare sector added 62,000 jobs in May 2025, going beyond the sector's average monthly increase of 44,000 workers in 2024.

The UK mirrors this demand through its NHS, which actively recruits nurses, doctors, and care staff from the immigrant community. Beyond the sense of service, the healthcare industry continues to provide stability and long-term growth to the African diaspora who have moved from countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.

2. Technology and professional services: A space for skill and innovation - Skilled African professionals are joining the digital revolution

Both in the US and the UK, the tech sector is expanding, creating new jobs in data analysis, Fintech, and engineering. While data analytics is one of the most sought-after skills in the UK, the demand for cyber protection engineers is expected to see an unprecedented surge in 2025. Moreover, over 44% of sub-Saharan African professionals in the US work in the management and business sectors.

3. Logistics, retail, and small businesses: Powering daily life and local economies - African immigrants are filling essential roles that keep international cities functional.

The African immigrants are known to bring a strong entrepreneurial spirit wherever they go. In the US and the UK, many Africans have built family-run stores, food chains, delivery ventures, and other small businesses that employ and serve local communities. The UK also records strong immigrant employment across transport, logistics, and retail, primarily sectors that connect daily life.

OAPay: Remittance services built for your global lifestyle 

From tech hubs to healthcare wards to corner shops, the African diaspora is keeping global economies alive while sustaining their homes and communities in Africa.

Every immigrant's story is special. We see you as you strive to build your new life abroad and keep ties back home strong. OAPay is here to empower you to keep your dreams alive wherever life takes you.

As the best international money transfer app for the African diaspora, we enable you to send money online instantly and stay connected with your loved ones in Africa in just a few taps.

Keep connections back home alive; send money today on OAPay!

FAQs:

1. What are the top industries where Africans in the US and the UK find work?
The top industries employing African immigrants in the US and UK are the healthcare, tech, and logistics sectors. These sectors value skills while also providing the immigrant community a clear path for career growth.

2. How can newcomers find jobs in the US and the UK?
Apart from signing up on job portals, it is recommended to join community networks and diaspora associations that will help with verified job listings and potential referrals.