Divorce was once considered a rare occurrence in many African societies. Back then, strong family ties and close-knit communities kept couples together.
However, urbanisation, modern lifestyles, and changing social norms are influencing marriages, leading to rising divorce rates in some countries while others continue to maintain remarkably low levels.
Factors such as legal frameworks, cultural customs, financial independence, and societal expectations all play a significant role in shaping these trends. 
This article highlights the top 10 African countries with the highest and lowest divorce rates, based on data from Divorce.com, Wisevoter, and World Population Review.
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Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Divorce Rates
Below are the ten countries where marriages are most likely to end in divorce, measured by the percentage of first unions dissolved within 15 to 19 years.
1. Republic of Congo – 47.1%
Marriages frequently dissolve either through mutual consent or court rulings citing adultery, cruelty, or abandonment.
2. Central African Republic – 44.14%
Divorce is often granted in cases of irreconcilable differences, adultery, abandonment, or cruelty.
3. Liberia – 43.06%
In Liberia, divorce is reportedly more common than widowhood, highlighting shifting social norms.
4. Gabon – 39.08%
About one-third of women in Gabon have experienced divorce, reflecting increased social acceptance.
5. Madagascar – 35.12%
Divorce is common, with many Malagasy having been in multiple marriages by the age of 40.
6. Malawi – 33.77%
Remarriage after divorce is socially acceptable, contributing to the relatively high divorce rate.
7. Ghana – 33.22%
Census data shows over half a million people in Ghana are divorced, underscoring evolving family structures.
8. Mozambique – 30.73%
New family laws allowing divorce in cases of domestic violence or infidelity have increased divorce filings.
9. Ethiopia – 30.57%
Divorce can occur by mutual agreement or court intervention, with detailed provisions for property and child arrangements.
10. Uganda – 30.28%
Divorce laws differ by marriage type, but women are increasingly initiating divorce in urban and educated settings.
Other notable countries with high divorce rates include Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Sierra Leone, Chad, Namibia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Rwanda.
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| Rank | Country | Divorce Rate (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Republic of Congo | 47.1 | Divorce by mutual consent or court rulings citing adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. |
| 2 | Central African Republic | 44.14 | Grounded in irreconcilable differences, adultery, abandonment, or cruelty. |
| 3 | Liberia | 43.06 | Divorce is more common than widowhood, reflecting changing social norms. |
| 4 | Gabon | 39.08 | One-third of women experience divorce at some point in life. |
| 5 | Madagascar | 35.12 | Divorce is frequent; many adults have had multiple marriages by age 40. |
| 6 | Malawi | 33.77 | Remarriage after divorce is socially accepted. |
| 7 | Ghana | 33.22 | The census shows over half a million people are divorced. |
| 8 | Mozambique | 30.73 | New family laws allow divorce in cases of domestic violence or infidelity. |
| 9 | Ethiopia | 30.57 | Divorce possible by mutual consent or court intervention with property/child arrangements. |
| 10 | Uganda | 30.28 | Women increasingly initiate divorce, especially in urban areas. |
Top 10 African Countries with the Lowest Divorce Rates
While some countries experience rising marital dissolution, others maintain low divorce figures due to strong cultural, legal, or financial barriers. Here are the African countries where divorce remains rare.
1. Mozambique – 0.04 per 1,000
Cultural customs and financial obligations related to bride price discourage divorce.
2. Kenya – 0.06 per 1,000
Education, financial independence, and family structures help maintain marital stability.
3. Zimbabwe – 0.07 per 1,000
Despite rising cases, cultural and financial factors continue to keep divorces low.
4. South Africa – 0.4 per 1,000
A decline in overall marriages and delayed union formation contribute to fewer divorces.
5. Sudan – 1.5 per 1,000
Traditional and religious norms still play a significant role in limiting divorce cases.
6. Seychelles – 1.5 per 1,000
Legal and social systems discourage frequent marital breakdowns.
7. Algeria – 1.6 per 1,000
Divorce is legal but remains relatively uncommon due to social stigma.
8. Mauritius – 1.7 per 1,000
Cultural values and legal frameworks maintain a low divorce rate.
9. Egypt – 2.2 per 1,000
Although divorce occurs, strong family influence helps preserve marriages.
10. Libya – 2.5 per 1,000
Libya has the highest divorce rate among North African nations but still lower than many Western countries.
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| Rank | Country | Divorce Rate (per 1,000) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mozambique | 0.04 | Cultural customs and financial barriers such as bride price reduce divorce. |
| 2 | Kenya | 0.06 | Education and financial independence help maintain marital stability. |
| 3 | Zimbabwe | 0.07 | Cultural and economic factors contribute to low divorce rates. |
| 4 | South Africa | 0.4 | Decline in marriages and delayed unions reduce divorces. |
| 5 | Sudan | 1.5 | Religious and traditional norms limit marital breakdowns. |
| 6 | Seychelles | 1.5 | Legal systems discourage frequent divorce. |
| 7 | Algeria | 1.6 | Divorce remains uncommon due to social stigma. |
| 8 | Mauritius | 1.7 | Cultural values and legal requirements maintain low rates. |
| 9 | Egypt | 2.2 | Family influence preserves marriages. |
| 10 | Libya | 2.5 | Highest divorce rate in North Africa but lower than many Western nations. |
Why Divorce Rates Differ Across Africa
Several factors influence the variations in divorce rates:
- Cultural and Religious Norms: Countries like Mozambique and Kenya maintain low divorce rates due to strong family expectations.
- Legal Barriers: Lengthy or complex divorce processes, as in Mauritius and Algeria, discourage separation.
- Financial Considerations: Bride price, inheritance laws, and economic dependence prevent divorces.
- Education and Urbanisation: Women’s financial independence and urban lifestyles increase divorce likelihood in countries like Liberia and Nigeria.
Interestingly, women in sub-Saharan Africa initiate divorce more often than men, particularly among urban, educated, and employed women.
As Africa modernises, divorce rates are changing too. Some countries see more divorces as gender roles and city life shift, while others still hold marriage as a lifelong commitment.
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