The Women, Business and the Law 2026 report presents a varied assessment of economic rights equality between men and women across Africa. While some nations have achieved significant advancements, Chad continues to lag in this crucial area.
Ranked 36th among 54 African economies, Chad received a score of 51.40 out of 100. This places the country just behind Burundi, which secured the 35th spot with 52.68 points, and ahead of Botswana and Nigeria, both tied at 37th with 51.10 points. Chad thus finds itself positioned in the latter half of the continental standings, far from the leading countries.
Mauritius holds the top position with an impressive 82.30 points. Togo has made remarkable strides, ascending to second place with 79.33 points, followed closely by Côte d’Ivoire in third with 78.25 points. Zambia and South Africa also feature prominently among the top performers. These strong outcomes are largely attributable to ambitious legislative reforms encompassing mobility, employment, marriage, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
With its score of 51.40 points, Chad remains below both the African and global averages, estimated at approximately 67 points out of 100. However, the report does note progress in the realm of security, thanks to the implementation of legislation addressing sexual harassment in public spaces.
Despite this, several deficiencies persist. These include limited access to credit, inadequate protection against workplace discrimination, insufficient parental rights, and a lack of robust recognition for property and inheritance rights. Such weaknesses notably impede the economic participation of Chadian women, who constitute the majority of the active population, particularly within the agricultural and informal sectors.
The report also underscores a considerable gap across Africa between the adoption of laws and their actual, effective application. On a global scale, only about 50% of laws intended to promote equality are genuinely enforced.
For Chad, this ranking serves as both a diagnostic tool and a clear call to action. Implementing targeted reforms focused on property rights, enhancing access to financing, and strengthening protection against violence could substantially improve the situation for women and foster more inclusive economic growth within the nation.
