The latest Women, Business and the Law index for 2026 reveals a stark divide in economic gender equality across African nations. While progress has been made in some regions, Chad continues to lag behind in empowering women economically.
Chad’s standing in the continental ranking
Ranked 36th out of 54 African economies, Chad earns a score of 51.40 out of 100 in the index. Its position places it just below Burundi, which holds 35th place with 52.68 points, and slightly ahead of Botswana and Nigeria, tied at 37th with 51.10 points. Chad’s performance remains below the continental average, reflecting persistent gaps in economic rights for women.
Top performers in Africa
Mauritius leads the region with an impressive 82.30 points, followed by Togo (79.33) and Côte d’Ivoire (78.25). Zambia and South Africa complete the top five. These nations have achieved higher scores through sweeping legal reforms addressing workplace mobility, entrepreneurship, marriage laws, and property rights—key drivers of women’s economic participation.
Critical gaps in Chad’s economic gender equality
With a score well below both the African (67 points) and global averages, Chad faces significant challenges in closing the gender gap. While recent legislation against sexual harassment in public spaces marks a step forward, major hurdles remain. Women in Chad still face barriers in accessing credit, confront workplace discrimination, lack robust parental protections, and struggle with property and inheritance rights. These obstacles disproportionately affect female-led households, particularly in agriculture and informal sectors where women form the majority of the workforce.
From policy to practice: a persistent challenge
The report highlights a recurring issue across the continent: laws designed to promote gender equality often fail to translate into real-world impact. Globally, only half of all enacted equality measures are effectively enforced, underscoring the need for stronger implementation mechanisms.
Pathways to progress for Chad
For Chad, this ranking serves as both a benchmark and a roadmap. Strengthening legal protections in property ownership, improving access to financial resources, and reinforcing measures against gender-based violence could unlock greater economic potential for women. Such reforms would not only advance social equity but also contribute to broader, more inclusive economic growth.
