A lively debate has unfolded online following comments by Nigerian tech entrepreneur Mark Essien, who offered a sweeping observation about how Africans appear to experience life across major Western destinations.

“When I watch videos of Africans abroad,” Essien wrote, “those in the UK look happy, those in mainland Europe look sad, those in America look stressed.”

The remark quickly drew reactions from Africans living across the United Kingdom, mainland Europe and the United States, many of whom challenged, refined or outright rejected the generalisation.

Several contributors questioned the idea that Africans in the UK are broadly “happy”.

One respondent, Lillian Oankney, pushed back bluntly: “People in the UK happy ke? I am not happy o. Just mixed feelings.”

Another user, Rotimi, described the claim as subjective, arguing that happiness depends more on personal circumstances than geography. He added that some of his contacts in Europe appeared happier, citing easy travel across the Schengen zone and a more relaxed lifestyle.

However, others defended the UK as relatively easier for Africans to integrate into. Enny noted that proximity to Nigerian food, parties, churches and community networks makes homesickness easier to manage, while Olubolaji highlighted language compatibility as an underrated advantage of the UK economy and labour market.

Mainland Europe: Opportunity or Isolation?
Views on mainland Europe were sharply divided.

Val suggested that Africans often struggle in European countries due to language barriers, workplace discrimination and more overt racial bias than they anticipated before migrating. According to her, weaker diaspora structures compared to the UK can also contribute to feelings of isolation.

In contrast, Rotimi argued that many Africans in Europe are thriving, pointing to cheaper travel, work-life balance and access to multiple countries as major benefits that contribute to quality of life.

The American Trade-Off: Pay vs Pressure
The United States was widely characterised as financially rewarding but emotionally and physically demanding.

Mike Amanpene, an African based in the UK, said he would still choose the US for its economic opportunities, particularly for highly educated migrants. However, he added that despite its flaws, the UK offers more dignity for non-white residents than much of mainland Europe.

Others echoed concerns about stress levels in the US. Villetech noted that while salaries may be higher, healthcare costs and weaker work-life balance create constant pressure. “You’re one hospital visit away from serious medical debt,” he warned.

No Single Migrant Experience
Some users rejected Essien’s framing entirely. Nonya Buis argued that he sees the opposite dynamic, with UK residents appearing stressed and Americans more relaxed, while conceding that experiences vary widely.

Tolu offered a middle ground, describing the UK as a place with strong basic amenities and legal protections, Europe as difficult for newcomers to establish themselves, and the US as a “pay-as-you-go” society where survival is closely tied to employment, regardless of migration status.

The discussion reflects a growing trend among Africans abroad who are increasingly vocal about the realities behind migration narratives often glamorised on social media.

While destinations differ in culture, economics and social systems, contributors broadly agreed on one point: there is no universally “happy”, “sad” or “stress-free” destination — only trade-offs shaped by immigration status, employment, health, community and personal expectations.