Chad’s position in african women’s economic rights

The Women, Business and the Law 2026 report presents a mixed picture regarding economic equality for women across the African continent. While various nations have achieved notable progress, Chad’s performance indicates it lags behind in this crucial area.

Among 54 African economies evaluated, Chad holds the 36th position, scoring 51.40 out of a possible 100. This places it immediately behind Burundi, which secured 35th place with 52.68 points, and just ahead of Botswana and Nigeria, both tied at 37th with 51.10 points. Consequently, Chad finds itself in the lower half of the continental ranking, significantly distant from the top-performing nations.

Mauritius leads the continent, achieving an impressive 82.30 points. Togo has made a significant leap, securing the second spot with 79.33 points, closely followed by Côte d’Ivoire in third with 78.25 points. Zambia and South Africa also feature among the frontrunners. These strong showings are largely attributable to comprehensive legislative reforms targeting areas such as mobility, employment, marital rights, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Despite a notable initiative, Chad’s score of 51.40 points remains considerably below both the African and global averages, which hover around 67 points out of 100. Nevertheless, a positive development has emerged in the security sector, marked by the enactment of legislation specifically addressing sexual harassment in public spaces.

However, numerous deficiencies continue to impede progress. These include significant hurdles in accessing credit, inadequate protection against workplace discrimination, limited parental rights, and insufficient recognition of property and inheritance rights. Such systemic weaknesses stifle the economic engagement of Chadian women, who constitute the majority of the active workforce, particularly within the agricultural and informal sectors.

Furthermore, the assessment highlights a substantial disparity across Africa between the promulgation of laws and their actual enforcement. Globally, only half of all legislation designed to promote equality is effectively put into practice.

For Chad, this comprehensive ranking serves as both a critical diagnosis and a clear call to action. Targeted reforms focusing on property rights, enhancing access to financial resources, and strengthening protection against violence have the potential to significantly improve the status of women and foster more inclusive economic growth.