Working hours vary considerably around the globe, and African countries are no exception. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), numerous African countries have relatively short average working hours.
Shorter working hours are frequently linked to better work-life balance, improved health, and increased productivity. While some countries continue to struggle with extended working hours in some industries, these countries are making strides towards creating a healthier work-life balance.
According to ILO data, the top five African countries with the shortest working hours are as follows:
Rwanda (30.4 hours/week)
Rwanda has Africa’s shortest working hours, averaging just 30.4 hours a week. Only 12% of employed people work 49 or more hours each week.Rwanda, ranked fourth globally, has a lower average due to its emphasis on work-life balance and strict labour rules.
Somalia (31.4 hours/week)
Somalia is ranked fifth globally, with an average weekly working time of 31.4 hours. With only 10% of employed adults working long hours (49+ per week), Somalia has fewer working hours than many other African countries, making it an anomaly in the region.
Ethiopia (31.9 hours/week)
Ethiopia follows closely behind Somalia, working an average of 31.9 hours a week. Although 15% of employed people work 49 or more hours per week, Ethiopia is ranked ninth in the world for shorter working hours.
Madagascar (34.5 hours/week)
In Madagascar, employees work an average of 34.5 hours a week, with 10% working more than 49. Madagascar ranks 20th globally for its relatively short working week, making it one of the African countries with a better work-life balance.
Democratic Republic of Congo (36.3 hours/week)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) works an average of 36.3 hours per week. With 15% of the workforce working more than 49 hours per week, the DRC ranks 34th globally in terms of shortest working hours, indicating a rather balanced work ethic.
