My passport had expired, unused  and was collecting dust. Until the age of 36, I had never left the United States, not even crossing into Mexico or Canada. Like many of my generation, I had grown up hearing that America was “the greatest country in the world,” I had also become subconsciously conditioned to the specific hardships of being Black in America: the unwarranted suspicion, police harassment, the professional ceilings, the constant microaggressions, and at time, the need to navigate public space with deliberate caution.

Ultimately, it was my wife who finally convinced me to move abroad, our first experience was to China. While that experience was largely positive, I was perpetually seen through a dual lens: as an American who was privileged and also as a Black man. A year after our daughter was born in Guangzhou, we sought a new chapter, one that would offer her a different connection to the world. As international teachers, we found our gateway: a job in Cameroon, West Africa. That was our first, and far from last, experience on the continent. Since then, we’ve visited or lived in eight sub-Saharan nations. Here is my personal ranking, weighing the pros and cons of each country.

8. South Africa

Grade: 2/10

Pros: It offers every modern convenience imaginable—world-class malls, diverse cuisine, excellent hotels, and an efficient airport. The natural beauty, from safari parks to Cape Town’s vistas, is stunning. Taxis are easy and affordable.

Cons: The cost of living is high, and the social environment can be surprisingly cold. Racial tensions feel overt and segregationist attitudes are prevalent, an uncomfortable echo of a past I knew too well. Coupled with a high crime rate and safety concerns in many areas, the experience was more stressful than liberating.

Overall: Although I was glad to have been,. its not a place I’d recommend for a prolonged stay, nor one I’m eager to revisit.

7. Ghana

Grade: 4/10

Pros: A tourist’s delight with breathtaking waterfalls, canopy walks, historic sites, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful, safe beaches. As an African American, the ease of finding hair-care and skin products was a welcome relief. The countryside is gorgeous, and daily expenses can be quite reasonable. And or course, I blended in. 

Cons: Living there presented real challenges. The “obruni” (foreigner) label is persistent – particularly with lighter-skinned African-Americans, often accompanied by inflated prices. Infrastructure struggles with frequent power outages, and bureaucratic frustrations—from banking to apartment hunting—are common. The cultural concept of time was also a significant adjustment.

Overall: A wonderful place to visit, but a difficult place to build a life. I cherish my experience but wouldn’t choose it for long-term residence again.

6. Senegal

Grade: 6/10

Pros: A gorgeous country with wonderful beaches, excellent food (its jollof rice is a top contender), and unique experiences like walking with lions on safari. Gorée Island is a profound historical must-see. The country is well-maintained, and local goods are inexpensive.

Cons: Outside tourist zones, a little French goes a long way, as English isn’t widespread. You are unmistakably seen as a foreigner. Haggling for currency exchange can be frustrating, and vendors in markets can be extremely pushy.

Overall: Definitely worth visiting and potentially living in. A country I hope to see again.

5. Cameroon

Grade: 6.5/10

Pros: The warmth and helpfulness of the locals were unparalleled in our experience. Assimilation felt natural. Food, while not hugely varied, was delicious and cheap. Markets were easily accessible and had a plethora of items. With it’s black sand beaches, Limbe stands out as a favorite beach town. It felt relatively safe despite political headlines.

Cons: Visible poverty is more pronounced here than elsewhere we’ve been on the continent. Infrastructure like roads are often poor, and local banking are unreliable, leading us to keep our savings overseas. Petty crime like break-ins is not uncommon.

Overall: Our positive experience was deeply tied to its people. I would certainly return, but only under the right circumstances.

4. Republic of Congo

Grade: 7/10

Pros: Not to be confused with the DRC, it’s a smaller, calmer, clean, and efficient country. We found it safe, with friendly locals, cheap taxis, great restaurants, and attractions like a gorilla sanctuary. Daily life was straightforward and uncomplicated.

Cons: The cost of modern services is startling—internet and laundry can rival U.S. prices. French is essential in most areas, and nightlife, though present, is limited.

Overall: Uneventful in the best way. Ideal for those seeking a calm, orderly life. I would live here again and definitely recommend a visit.

3. Ethiopia

Grade: 7.5/10

Pros: A culturally rich hub with wonderful hotels, shopping, and extraordinary cuisine at reasonable prices. Ethiopians were exceptionally friendly, and I encountered virtually no anti-Black racism. English is widely spoken, and the nightlife is vibrant. Shopping for items such as clothing and jewelry can also be extremely cost efficient.

Cons: Internet can be unreliable, and safety requires vigilance and trusted local guidance. Exchanging the local currency back into dollars upon departure is notoriously difficult. Use a credit card when possible.

Overall: A fantastic place to live and work, lacking for nothing essential. I’d return in a heartbeat.

2. Kenya

Grade: 8.5/10

Pros: What doesn’t Kenya have, it has it all: pristine parks, incredible safaris, modern malls, great food, and welcoming people. I rarely felt like an outsider. The safari and beach in Mombasa were highlights, and currency exchange was simple.

Cons: Nairobi’s airport process is arduous—arrive at least three hours early. Traffic is severe, and petty theft like pick-pocketing is common.

Overall: A place I would gladly call home. I highly recommend it for travel or extended stays, especially for those from the diaspora seeking opportunity.

1. The Gambia

Grade: 9.5/10

Pros: While its serene beaches, history, and affordability are fantastic, its greatest asset might just be its people. The welcoming atmosphere in this English-speaking nation makes everyone feel at home. It’s safe, family-friendly, and what I call a perfect “starter” African country for the diaspora.

Cons: Occasional power outages (without a generator), sometimes slow restaurant service, and crowded markets. Book hotels well in advance.

Overall: A fast-developing country with a simple, fulfilling lifestyle. It’s the place on the continent where I’ve felt most “at home,” and I cannot recommend it highly enough. We’ve been twice, and I’ll be back a third time as well.