Africa is facing a workplace stress epidemic, with Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda topping the list of countries with the highest daily work stress in 2025, according to a recent report by Gallup. The report highlights a concerning trend, with global employee engagement dropping from 23% to 21% in 2024, marking only the second time in 12 years this has happened.

The data reflects a global pattern, but it hits especially close to home in Africa, where workplace stress levels are among the highest in the world. After years of improvement, life satisfaction among workers globally fell to just 33% over the last two years, with significant implications for Africa's fastest-growing economies. High levels of daily stress are becoming a silent productivity killer, threatening to undermine the continent's economic growth.

Gallup estimates that last year's dip in global engagement cost the world economy $438 billion in lost productivity. For Africa, where GDP growth is already threatened by inflation, debt stress, and political instability, this kind of productivity loss is unaffordable. However, if leaders act decisively, the opportunity is immense. A fully engaged global workforce could add $9.6 trillion in productivity, equivalent to 9% of global GDP.

The top 10 African countries with the highest workplace stress in 2025 are Liberia (64%), Sierra Leone (61%), Rwanda (59%), Madagascar (58%), Ghana (58%), Nigeria (57%), Uganda (57%), Chad (54%), Tanzania (54%), and Senegal (49%). These countries are facing significant challenges in maintaining a productive workforce, which could have long-term consequences for their economic development.

The report's findings are a wake-up call for African leaders and policymakers to prioritize employee well-being and engagement. By addressing the root causes of workplace stress, such as poor management, lack of autonomy, and inadequate resources, they can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive economic growth.

In conclusion, Africa's workplace stress epidemic is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By understanding the scope of the problem and its implications, leaders can take decisive action to create a more productive and engaged workforce, driving economic growth and development across the continent.