Top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), several African countries have relatively short average working hours.
Shorter working hours are often associated with better work-life balance, improved health, and greater productivity.
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While some nations still face challenges with long working hours for certain sectors, these countries are making progress toward achieving a healthier balance for their workforce.
Here are the top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours, based on the ILO’s data.
Rwanda (30.4 hours per week)
Rwanda has the shortest working hours in Africa, with an average of just 30.4 hours worked per week. Only 12% of employed individuals work 49 or more hours per week. Ranked 4th globally, Rwanda’s focus on work-life balance and its strong labour laws contribute to this lower average.
Somalia (31.4 hours per week)
Somalia ranks 5th globally with an average of 31.4 hours worked per week. With just 10% of employed individuals working long hours (49+ per week), Somalia has relatively shorter working hours compared to many other African countries, making it an outlier in the region.
Ethiopia (31.9 hours per week)
Ethiopia follows closely behind Somalia, with an average of 31.9 hours per week. Although 15% of employed persons work 49 or more hours per week, Ethiopia still ranks 9th globally for having shorter working hours.
Madagascar (34.5 hours per week)
In Madagascar, workers average 34.5 hours per week, with 10% working more than 49 hours. This relatively short working week places Madagascar in the 20th position globally, making it one of the countries in Africa with a better work-life balance.
Democratic Republic of Congo (36.3 hours per week)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has an average of 36.3 hours worked per week. With 15% of the workforce working over 49 hours, the DRC ranks 34th globally for the shortest working hours, showing a relatively balanced work culture.
Mozambique (36.4 hours per week)
Mozambique is close behind the DRC, with an average of 36.4 hours worked per week. Approximately 19% of employed individuals in Mozambique work 49 or more hours per week, putting the country in the 35th global position.
Comoros (37.8 hours per week)
Comoros has an average of 37.8 hours worked per week, with 13% of workers putting in 49 or more hours. Comoros ranks 51st globally for shorter working hours, indicating a focus on balancing work and personal life.
Ghana (38.5 hours per week)
Ghana’s average working week is 38.5 hours, and about 24% of workers work over 49 hours. Ranking 61st globally, Ghana’s working hours are slightly longer than those of other countries on this list but still relatively short.
Tanzania (39.7 hours per week)
Tanzania has an average of 39.7 hours worked per week, with 28% of the workforce working long hours. Ranked 81st globally, Tanzania’s working hours are slightly higher, but the country still stands out in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Niger (39.7 hours per week)
Niger shares the same average working hours as Tanzania at 39.7 hours per week, with 29% of employed individuals working over 49 hours. Ranking 83rd globally, Niger is one of the African nations where working hours are relatively short compared to the global average.
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