Three out of four African migrants in Europe are backing businesses they are involved in Africa.

That statistic comes from new research carried out by mobile network operator World Mobile.

They found that with so much demand for technology and e-commerce, many African migrants living abroad are investing in those sectors.

The research also shows that 83% are likely to invest in businesses over the next five years.

Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile, said migrants are aware of the rapid expansion of the sharing economy in Africa and are eager to see their resources put to work in the continent's development.

Watkins said the infrastructure for World Mobile's network can be owned jointly by its users and operators, thanks to their network's specific focus on the sharing economy.

Analysts have predicted that the sharing economy will be valued at more than $335 billion (about R6 trillion) globally by 2025 and Africa is predicted to be a key centre for growth with "improved adoption of digital services and apps boosting expansion".

The study shows that migrants from across the continent send on average $6,000 (about R108,000) a year to their country of origin.

"A third of the migrants said they send more than $500 (aboutvR9,000) a month, with one in 12 giving more than $1,000 (about R18,000) a month to family and friends," said World Mobile.

Compiled by Mashudu Mabila