- Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda recorded the largest increases among African countries receiving Canadian permanent residence in 2026
- Canada's overall permanent residence grants dropped 9.7% in the first seven months of 2026, yet nine African countries bucked the trend
- Kenya posted a 50.7% rise in PRs granted, while Tanzania recorded the highest growth rate outside East Africa's top performers
Elijah Ntongai is an experienced editor at TUKO.co.ke, with more than four years in financial, business, labour and technology research and reporting. His work provides valuable insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.
Nine African countries recorded year-on-year increases in the number of their citizens granted Canadian permanent residence between January and July 2026, even as Canada's total permanent residence intake declined by 9.7% over the same period.
Source: UGC
Data published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that total PR grants fell from 246,580 in the first seven months of 2025 to 222,625 in the same period of 2026, a reduction of 23,955.
Despite that overall contraction, the country-level figures tell a more varied story for Africa.
Nigeria Leads African Countries in PR Grants
Nigeria posted the largest absolute increase among African countries, with its citizens receiving 11,565 PRs between January and July 2026, up from 10,450 during the same period in 2025.
That rise of 1,115, representing a 10.7% increase, also moved Nigeria into fourth place globally among all countries of citizenship for Canadian PRs granted during the period.
It remains the largest African source country for Canadian permanent residents by a significant margin.
Sudan ranked second among African gainers, climbing from 2,565 to 3,640 PRs, a rise of 41.9%. Uganda recorded the strongest percentage increase of any African country, with PRs granted to Ugandan citizens jumping from 395 to 1,100, a 178.5% surge.
Ghana also made notable gains, rising from 1,115 to 1,565 PRs, up 40.4%.
East Africa Posts Strong Momentum
Several East African nations featured prominently among the fastest-growing countries. Kenya rose from 670 to 1,010 PRs, a 50.7% increase, while Burundi climbed from 600 to 900, up 50%.
Rwanda moved from 595 to 795 PRs, recording a 33.6% gain. Tanzania, although lower in absolute numbers, posted a 61.3% increase, rising from 155 to 250 PRs.
Zimbabwe also edged upward, from 370 to 505 PRs, a gain of 36.5%.
Not all African countries shared in those gains. Cameroon, which remains the second-largest African source country by total volume, recorded 10,875 PRs, down 1,690 from 12,565 a year earlier.
Eritrea saw a steeper decline, falling from 6,195 to 3,910. Morocco, Tunisia, DR Congo, Somalia, Algeria, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Mauritius also recorded year-on-year drops.
Top 9 African Countries by Increase in Canada PRs Granted
Rank | Country of Citizenship | Jan–Jul 2025 | Jan–Jul 2026 | Change | % Change |
1 | Nigeria | 10,450 | 11,565 | +1,115 | +10.7% |
2 | Sudan | 2,565 | 3,640 | +1,075 | +41.9% |
3 | Uganda | 395 | 1,100 | +705 | +178.5% |
4 | Ghana | 1,115 | 1,565 | +450 | +40.4% |
5 | Kenya | 670 | 1,010 | +340 | +50.7% |
6 | Burundi | 600 | 900 | +300 | +50.0% |
7 | Rwanda | 595 | 795 | +200 | +33.6% |
8 | Zimbabwe | 370 | 505 | +135 | +36.5% |
9 | Tanzania | 155 | 250 | +95 | +61.3% |
What the IRCC Data Measures
The IRCC dataset records individuals granted permanent resident status in Canada, regardless of where they were physically living before that status was conferred.
Many recipients may have already been present in Canada on study or work permits before transitioning to permanent residence. The data does not identify which immigration pathway, whether economic, family, refugee or humanitarian, accounts for each country's figures.
The figures do not represent country-specific quotas and do not alter any individual applicant's eligibility under Canada's various immigration programmes.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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