Top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours

Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours.
This list is courtesy of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Rwanda ranks number 1 on the list.

While long work hours have been seen as essential for economic development, especially in fast-growing African countries, they come with significant drawbacks.

These drawbacks include worker burnout and reduced long-term efficiency. This, in turn, can result in higher employee turnover, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs, factors that ultimately harm businesses.

Shorter working hours, on the other hand, foster a healthier work-life balance, which can enhance employee well-being and productivity.

Additionally, from a health perspective, shorter work days can significantly reduce the risk of physical ailments linked to prolonged hours, such as cardiovascular issues and chronic fatigue.

This is particularly important in some African countries where access to quality healthcare may be limited, making preventive measures crucial for maintaining a healthy workforce.

Mental health is another critical area where shorter working hours can make a positive impact. Reduced stress and better work-life balance can lower the risk of anxiety and depression, which are often exacerbated by long and demanding work schedules.

With that said, here are the top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Top 10 African countries with the shortest working hours

Rank	Country	Average hours per week per employed persons	Share of employed working 49 or more hours per week	Global rank
1.	Rwanda	30.4	12%	4th
2.	Somalia	31.4	10%	5th
3.	Ethiopia	31.9	15%	9th
4.	Madagascar	34.5	10%	20th
5.	Democratic Republic of Congo	36.3	15%	34th
6.	Mozambique	36.4	19%	35th
7.	Comoros	37.8	13%	51st
8.	Ghana	38.5	24%	61st
9.	Tanzania	39.7	28%	81st
10.	Niger	39.7	29%	83rd