Africa’s Costly Gender Gap – Ethiopia Insight

Africa’s gender equality policies remain unfulfilled—costing the continent billions in lost growth

A common thread I observed running through these discussions was a deep frustration with the slow pace of change. I concentrated on discussions centered on Africa, seeking to understand why gender equality remains such an enduring challenge in the region.

A recurring theme across these discussions was the significant progress in legal and policy reforms across Africa—commendable efforts that continue to face substantial challenges in implementation. Nearly all African countries have ratified key international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol.

Most recently, the African Union took a landmark step by adopting the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, reinforcing the continent’s policy commitment to gender equality.

At the national level, nearly every country has introduced progressive legislation, adopted gender-responsive policies, and developed strategies to expand opportunities for women. Yet, despite these commitments, the gap between policy and practice remains vast.

Policy Gap

This observation led me to consider the concept of “decoupling” in institutional theory, as proposed by Meyer & Rowan in their influential article Formal Structure as Myth and Ceremony. Applied to gender equality, decoupling occurs when governments adopt policies and strategies to signal their commitment but fail to implement them effectively.

Although the legal frameworks may appear progressive on paper, the institutional and fiscal environments needed for successful execution are often inadequate. As a result, decoupling allows governments to maintain a façade of compliance with international norms, seeking global legitimacy, while neglecting the structural investments necessary for meaningful change.

Sitting at CSW69, I found myself asking: Why do African governments decouple their policies from actual behavior? While decision-makers often cite a lack of resources as the primary barrier to implementation, we, as Africans, have witnessed firsthand that when something is truly a priority, leaders can mobilize resources—both locally and internationally—with remarkable efficiency.

Whether for large-scale infrastructure projects, military spending, or political campaigns, governments demonstrate an undeniable capacity to secure funding when they deem it necessary. The real challenge, then, lies elsewhere.

Economic Blindspot

Listening at CSW69, a few root causes emerged that contribute to the decoupling of gender equality policies from their implementation. Here, I would like to focus on one that may resonate with African decision-makers: the continent is losing out on significant opportunities for economic growth due to gender inequality.

The core issue lies in the fact that the vast majority of decision-makers continue to view gender equality primarily as a human rights issue, rather than as a fundamental driver of economic progress.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of both the economic costs of inequality and the potential return from advancing gender equality in Africa, policymakers often treat it as a concern to be addressed after the economy has progressed and generated resources.

This mindset overlooks the fact that the economy cannot reach its full potential without gender equality at its core. By delaying action, they not only perpetuate inequality but also miss out on the vast economic benefits that gender parity could unlock.

The mechanisms behind this economic impact are clear. In agriculture—where women make up nearly 50% of Africa’s labor force—systemic barriers limit their productivity. A 2024 FAO study reported an average gender gap of 35 percent in agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

These gaps are not due to a lack of skill or effort but to entrenched inequalities that deny women access to land, credit, training, and essential agricultural inputs like fertilizer and improved seeds. Providing women with equal access to these resources could unlock higher yields, enhance food security, and drive broader economic stability.

Time Burdens

Beyond agriculture, unpaid care work continues to severely constrain women’s economic participation. A 2024 study found that women in Sub-Saharan Africa spend an average of 249 minutes per day on unpaid and undervalued care work, compared to 87 minutes for men. This represents a 40% greater time commitment by women, limiting their ability to engage in income-generating activities or formal employment.

The African Union’s Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment recognizes unpaid care work as one of the key barriers to women’s full economic participation, emphasizing its detrimental effect on economic growth.

Even within the formal economy, significant barriers persist. Despite progress in girls’ education, many women still face challenges transitioning into stable, well-paying jobs, often relegated to low-paying, informal work with little security.

Research consistently shows that businesses with greater female representation in leadership are more productive and financially successful. For example, a 2019 World Bank analysis highlights that gender-diverse leadership teams boost profitability and productivity, which is crucial for Africa’s economic advancement.

The 2019 African Gender Index published by the African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, also emphasizes that gender inclusion in leadership roles can accelerate economic development and enhance productivity.

Tapping Potential

In sum, gender inequality restricts women’s access to economic opportunities and resources, as highlighted in the 2018 UN Women SDG monitoring report and the 2019 African Gender Index.

Africa’s gender gap carries a steep economic price. Equal access to resources is not merely fair—it unleashes half the continent’s workforce, fueling growth.

The slow march toward equality is more than a rights failure; it strangles economic potential. Persistent patriarchal mindsets and policymakers’ reluctance to treat gender parity as an economic priority stifle progress.

To thrive, the continent must embed gender equality at the core of development agendas—beyond rhetoric, into action. Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Mauritius, and Cape Verde prove the payoff: gender-smart policies empower women and boost economies. Yet these cases remain exceptions. Scaling such reforms demands bolder strategies and political will.

The hour for half-measures is over. Gender equality is now an economic imperative. As AU research reveals, closing the gap could add $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2043—an 18% surge—and lift 18 million from poverty. The choice is clear: invest in women, or stall the continent’s future.

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