Botswana Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Botswana's labor force participation was 68.80% in 2025, ranked 31st globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Botswana's labor force participation stood at 68.80% in 2025, a rise of +0.23pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 70.92% by 2026. Botswana ranked 31st globally.
Botswana's labor force participation rate has experienced a steady upward trend since 1990, increasing from 62.61% to its current level of 68.80% as of 2025. This represents a significant improvement, with the country's labor force participation rate surpassing that of its peer countries, including Oman, which ranks 34th at 68.38%. The all-time peak of 68.80% in 2025 indicates that Botswana has made considerable progress in recent years, while the all-time trough of 58.60% in 2000 highlights the challenges the country faced in the past. The improvement in labor force participation is likely a result of various economic and social factors, including government initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and development. As the global economy continues to evolve, Botswana's labor force participation rate is expected to remain stable, but may be impacted by changes in the country's demographic structure, particularly the aging population, which could potentially lead to a decline in the labor force participation rate if not addressed through targeted policies.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 73.63% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 72.27% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 70.92% | - | - |
| 2025 | 68.80% | +0.23pp | #31 |
| 2024 | 68.57% | +0.29pp | #32 |
| 2023 | 68.28% | +3.66pp | #35 |
| 2022 | 64.62% | +0.63pp | #64 |
| 2021 | 63.99% | +2.70pp | #62 |
| 2020 | 61.30% | −2.18pp | #83 |
| 2019 | 63.48% | +0.37pp | #75 |
| 2018 | 63.11% | +0.34pp | #76 |
| 2017 | 62.77% | +0.31pp | #78 |
| 2016 | 62.46% | +0.27pp | #79 |
| 2015 | 62.19% | +0.27pp | #86 |
| 2014 | 61.92% | +0.33pp | #88 |
| 2013 | 61.59% | +0.42pp | #89 |
| 2012 | 61.17% | +0.60pp | #94 |
| 2011 | 60.57% | +0.71pp | #98 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Botswana matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana's labor force participation was 68.80% in 2025. Ranked 31st globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Botswana's labor force participation peaked at 68.80% in 2025.
The lowest labor force participation in Botswana was 58.60% in 2000.
Botswana ranks 31st globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Botswana's labor force participation is projected to reach 70.92% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Botswana in 2025 was 68.80%. This ranks 31st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_botswana_labor-force-participation,
title = {Botswana Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/botswana/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}