Recent analysis from the Women, Business and the Law 2026 report highlights uneven progress in closing the gender gap in economic rights across African nations. While several countries have made significant strides, Chad continues to lag behind its peers on key indicators.
Chad’s standing in Africa’s economic gender equity ranking
Chad ranks a modest 36th out of 54 African economies, scoring 51.40 out of 100 in the latest assessment. This places it just below Burundi (35th, 52.68 points) and marginally ahead of Botswana and Nigeria, which share the 37th position with 51.10 points. The country’s performance remains well below the continental average, underscoring persistent challenges in ensuring equitable economic opportunities for women.
Top performers redefine regional standards
The report identifies Mauritius as the continental leader with 82.30 points, followed closely by Togo (79.33) and Côte d’Ivoire (78.25). Zambia and South Africa also feature among the top five. These nations have achieved strong scores through sweeping legal reforms addressing mobility, employment, marital rights, and business ownership, setting a benchmark for others to emulate.
Where Chad falls short
Despite a slight improvement in workplace safety—marked by new legislation against public sexual harassment—Chad’s overall score remains below both African (67 points) and global averages. Critical gaps persist in areas such as access to credit, workplace discrimination protections, parental rights, and inheritance laws. These deficiencies disproportionately affect women, who represent a majority of the workforce, particularly in agriculture and informal trade.
Implementation remains the biggest hurdle
The report points to a troubling disparity between enacted laws and their practical enforcement across Africa. Globally, only half of all gender-equality laws are effectively implemented, a trend that undermines progress even in countries with progressive legislation.
Pathways to progress for Chad
According to the assessment, targeted reforms in property rights, financial inclusion, and violence prevention could substantially enhance women’s economic participation in Chad. Such measures would not only advance gender equity but also contribute to more inclusive economic growth.
