Divorce in Africa, like in many parts of the world, is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a variety of social, cultural, economic, and legal factors. African societies are diverse, encompassing a wide range of traditions and belief systems, so the experiences and attitudes towards divorce can vary significantly from one region to another.
In some regions of Africa, traditional marriage systems still coexist with modern legal frameworks. These systems may not provide the same legal protections for women as modern laws, and they can contribute to gender inequalities within marriage and divorce proceedings.
Divorce is a legal process that terminates a marriage, leaving both parties unmarried and free to remarry if they so desire. It may be a difficult and emotionally draining event for everyone concerned. Aside from the emotional toll, it can have severe financial consequences.
While data on divorce in Africa is scarce, a Wisevoter analysis provides insights into global divorce statistics by country.
The following African countries have the highest divorce rate:
| Rank | Country | Divorce rate | Global rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libya | 2.5 per 1k | 18 |
| 2 | Egypt | 2.2 per 1k | 23 |
| 3 | Mauritius | 1.7 per 1k | 50 |
| 4 | Algeria | 1.6 per 1k | 53 |
| 5 | Seychelles | 1.5 per 1k | 65 |
| 6 | Sudan | 1.5 per 1k | 67 |
| 7 | South Africa | 0.6 per 1k | 109 |