Burundi Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Burundi's labor force participation was 78.26% in 2025, ranked 14th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Burundi's labor force participation stood at 78.26% in 2025, a decline of +0.24pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 78.06% by 2026. Burundi ranked 14th globally.
Burundi's labor force participation rate has exhibited considerable variation over the past three and a half decades. At 78.25% in 2025, the country ranks 14th globally, with Eritrea ranking closely at 78.35%. This rate is a significant improvement from the all-time trough of 77.45% in 2006, but still below the all-time peak of 90.09% recorded in 1990. Over the 36-year period, fluctuations in labor force participation have been marked, reflecting the country's complex economic and social landscape. While Burundi's labor force participation rate has been steadily increasing since the trough, a sustained economic recovery, driven by improvements in education and job creation, would be necessary to propel the rate towards its historical peak and close the gap with peer countries such as the United Arab Emirates, which boasts a labor force participation rate of 78.59%.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 77.60% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 77.83% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 78.06% | - | - |
| 2025 | 78.26% | −0.24pp | #14 |
| 2024 | 78.49% | −0.31pp | #11 |
| 2023 | 78.80% | −0.30pp | #11 |
| 2022 | 79.10% | +0.01pp | #10 |
| 2021 | 79.09% | +0.55pp | #9 |
| 2020 | 78.55% | −1.19pp | #9 |
| 2019 | 79.74% | −0.30pp | #8 |
| 2018 | 80.05% | −0.05pp | #8 |
| 2017 | 80.09% | +0.17pp | #8 |
| 2016 | 79.92% | +0.44pp | #8 |
| 2015 | 79.49% | +0.55pp | #8 |
| 2014 | 78.94% | +0.10pp | #10 |
| 2013 | 78.84% | +0.14pp | #12 |
| 2012 | 78.70% | +0.14pp | #11 |
| 2011 | 78.57% | +0.14pp | #14 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burundi matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. 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
Burundi's labor force participation was 78.26% in 2025. Ranked 14th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Burundi's labor force participation peaked at 90.09% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Burundi was 77.45% in 2006.
Burundi ranks 14th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Burundi's labor force participation is projected to reach 78.06% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Burundi in 2025 was 78.26%. This ranks 14th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burundi_labor-force-participation,
title = {Burundi Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burundi/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}