Benin Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Benin's youth unemployment was 2.89% in 2025, ranked 11th globally. This represents a 6.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Benin's youth unemployment stood at 2.89% in 2025, a decline of +0.20pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.86% by 2026. Benin ranked 11th globally.
Benin’s youth unemployment rate stood at 2.89 % in 2025, placing the country 11th lowest globally according to World Bank data. Over the 35‑year series the indicator rose from a 1991 baseline of 1.75 % to an all‑time peak of 5.45 % in 2011, before falling to a trough of 0.83 % in 2002, illustrating pronounced volatility linked to macro‑economic cycles and labor‑market reforms. The current level is marginally above Guinea‑Bissau’s 2.84 % and below Togo’s 3.44 %, suggesting that Benin remains among the region’s better performers despite modest absolute figures. The post‑peak decline after 2011 reflects a combination of expanding informal employment and targeted youth‑skill programmes, yet the recent uptick to 2.89 % signals renewed pressure from a growing labor‑force cohort. Continued investment in vocational training and the integration of digital platforms into the formal sector will be crucial to sustain the downward trajectory and prevent a reversal of recent gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 2.71% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 2.79% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.86% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.89% | −0.20pp | #11 |
| 2024 | 3.09% | −0.00pp | #11 |
| 2023 | 3.09% | −0.04pp | #11 |
| 2022 | 3.13% | −0.11pp | #12 |
| 2021 | 3.24% | +0.28pp | #11 |
| 2020 | 2.96% | +0.66pp | #10 |
| 2019 | 2.30% | −0.32pp | #9 |
| 2018 | 2.62% | −0.36pp | #10 |
| 2017 | 2.98% | −0.26pp | #9 |
| 2016 | 3.24% | −0.18pp | #12 |
| 2015 | 3.42% | −0.19pp | #14 |
| 2014 | 3.61% | −0.35pp | #15 |
| 2013 | 3.96% | −0.77pp | #18 |
| 2012 | 4.73% | −0.72pp | #23 |
| 2011 | 5.45% | +3.31pp | #26 |
Analysis
Benin's youth unemployment was 2.89% in 2025, a decline of −0.20pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 2.86% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benin's youth unemployment was 2.89% in 2025. Ranked 11th globally. This represents a 6.5% decrease from the previous year.
Benin's youth unemployment peaked at 5.45% in 2011.
The lowest youth unemployment in Benin was 0.83% in 2002.
Benin ranks 11th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Benin's youth unemployment is projected to reach 2.86% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Benin in 2025 was 2.89%. This ranks 11th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_benin_youth-unemployment,
title = {Benin Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/benin/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}