Burkina Faso Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Burkina Faso's labor force participation was 70.01% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Burkina Faso's labor force participation stood at 70.01% in 2025, a decline of +0.06pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 68.45% by 2026. Burkina Faso ranked 28th globally.
Burkina Faso's labor force participation rate has exhibited a downward trend over the past three and a half decades, with a notable decline from its all-time peak of 83.93% in 1991 to 70.00% in 2025, marking the lowest point since 1990 when available data begins. This decrease positions Burkina Faso at the 28th position globally among countries with available data. The country's labor force participation rate has consistently trailed behind that of its peer nations, such as Paraguay, which boasts a rate of 70.25% in 2025. In contrast to the stagnant labor force participation in Burkina Faso, the country's population has continued to grow, which may exacerbate the issue of a shrinking labor force participation. A significant improvement in education and job opportunities could potentially alter the trajectory of Burkina Faso's labor force participation rate, thereby mitigating the risks associated with a shrinking workforce.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.40% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 67.42% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.45% | - | - |
| 2025 | 70.01% | −0.06pp | #28 |
| 2024 | 70.06% | −1.13pp | #29 |
| 2023 | 71.20% | −1.14pp | #26 |
| 2022 | 72.34% | −1.65pp | #26 |
| 2021 | 73.98% | −1.21pp | #18 |
| 2020 | 75.19% | −2.43pp | #14 |
| 2019 | 77.62% | −0.25pp | #12 |
| 2018 | 77.87% | −0.25pp | #12 |
| 2017 | 78.12% | −0.25pp | #12 |
| 2016 | 78.37% | −0.25pp | #12 |
| 2015 | 78.62% | −0.24pp | #11 |
| 2014 | 78.86% | −0.24pp | #11 |
| 2013 | 79.11% | −0.24pp | #11 |
| 2012 | 79.35% | −0.24pp | #10 |
| 2011 | 79.58% | −0.24pp | #10 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burkina Faso matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burkina Faso's labor force participation was 70.01% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Burkina Faso's labor force participation peaked at 83.93% in 1991.
The lowest labor force participation in Burkina Faso was 70.01% in 2025.
Burkina Faso ranks 28th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Burkina Faso's labor force participation is projected to reach 68.45% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Burkina Faso in 2025 was 70.01%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burkina-faso_labor-force-participation,
title = {Burkina Faso Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burkina-faso/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}