Botswana Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Botswana's female labor participation was 63.71% in 2025, ranked 25th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Botswana's female labor participation stood at 63.71% in 2025, a rise of +0.26pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.81% by 2026. Botswana ranked 25th globally.
Botswana’s female labour‑force participation rose steadily from 48.67 % in 1990 to 63.71 % in 2025, marking the highest level recorded in the 36‑year series and placing the country 25th globally. The increase reflects gradual improvements in education, health outcomes and policy measures that have expanded women’s access to formal and informal employment. Botswana’s 2025 rate of 63.71 % is closely aligned with peers such as Singapore (63.57 %) and Burkina Faso (64.07 %), indicating a convergence toward the participation levels of both advanced and developing economies. The upward trajectory contrasts with the early‑1990s trough, when less than half of women were economically active, underscoring the impact of sustained gender‑focused interventions. Continued investment in childcare services, skills development and sectoral diversification will be critical to maintain momentum, as any slowdown in these areas could temper future gains in female labour participation.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 68.42% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 67.11% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.81% | - | - |
| 2025 | 63.71% | +0.26pp | #25 |
| 2024 | 63.45% | +0.02pp | #27 |
| 2023 | 63.43% | +3.50pp | #27 |
| 2022 | 59.93% | +0.99pp | #50 |
| 2021 | 58.94% | +2.80pp | #51 |
| 2020 | 56.14% | −1.90pp | #63 |
| 2019 | 58.04% | +0.49pp | #57 |
| 2018 | 57.56% | +0.45pp | #56 |
| 2017 | 57.10% | +0.42pp | #60 |
| 2016 | 56.68% | +0.39pp | #59 |
| 2015 | 56.29% | +0.40pp | #62 |
| 2014 | 55.89% | +0.46pp | #67 |
| 2013 | 55.43% | +0.55pp | #71 |
| 2012 | 54.89% | +0.73pp | #74 |
| 2011 | 54.16% | +0.82pp | #78 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Botswana matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana's female labor participation was 63.71% in 2025. Ranked 25th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Botswana's female labor participation peaked at 63.71% in 2025.
The lowest female labor participation in Botswana was 48.67% in 1990.
Botswana ranks 25th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Botswana's female labor participation is projected to reach 65.81% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Botswana in 2025 was 63.71%. This ranks 25th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_botswana_female-labor-participation,
title = {Botswana Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/botswana/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}