Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data shows that nine African nations posted higher numbers of citizens granted Canadian permanent residence (PR) in the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, even as Canada’s total PR grants fell by 9.7%.

Nigeria recorded the largest absolute increase, with 11,565 PRs awarded between January and July 2026, up from 10,450 the previous year – a rise of 1,115 or 10.7%, moving it to fourth place globally for that period.

Sudan ranked second among African gainers, climbing from 2,565 to 3,640 PRs, a 41.9% jump.

Uganda posted the strongest percentage surge, with PRs rising from 395 to 1,100 – a 178.5% increase.

Ghana also grew, moving from 1,115 to 1,565 PRs, a 40.4% rise.

In East Africa, Kenya’s PR grants rose from 670 to 1,010, a 50.7% increase, while Burundi and Rwanda each posted 50% and 33.6% gains respectively.

Tanzania, though lower in absolute numbers, recorded the highest growth rate outside the East African core, with PRs climbing from 155 to 250 – a 61.3% rise.

Zimbabwe added 135 PRs, a 36.5% increase, while Burundi’s jump from 600 to 900 added 300 PRs (50% rise).

Conversely, several African countries saw declines; Cameroon fell by 1,690 PRs to 10,875, Eritrea dropped to 3,910, and Morocco, Tunisia, DR Congo, Somalia, Algeria, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Mauritius also recorded year‑on‑year decreases.

The IRCC dataset records individuals granted PR status regardless of their prior residence, and does not specify which immigration streams (economic, family, refugee or humanitarian) contributed to each country’s totals.