Burundi Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Burundi's youth unemployment was 1.68% in 2025, ranked 5th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Burundi's youth unemployment stood at 1.68% in 2025, a decline of +0.02pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.65% by 2026. Burundi ranked 5th globally.
Burundi’s youth unemployment rate has fallen to 1.68 % in 2025, the lowest level recorded over the 35‑year series and the fifth‑lowest among all countries, according to World Bank data. This marks a sharp decline from the all‑time peak of 3.90 % in 2006 and from the earliest observation of 3.89 % in 1991, suggesting a sustained improvement in the labour market for young people. The downward trajectory places Burundi ahead of regional peers such as Tanzania (2.38 %) and Liberia (2.30 %) while trailing Chad’s 1.46 % and Cambodia’s 0.71 %. The reduction may reflect expanded informal employment, demographic shifts, or targeted youth programmes, although the precise drivers are not isolated in the data. If economic diversification and skill‑development initiatives continue, the youth unemployment rate is likely to remain low, but any slowdown in growth or external shocks could reverse the recent gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 1.61% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 1.63% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.65% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.68% | −0.02pp | #5 |
| 2024 | 1.70% | −0.00pp | #5 |
| 2023 | 1.70% | −0.01pp | #5 |
| 2022 | 1.71% | −0.07pp | #5 |
| 2021 | 1.77% | +0.08pp | #5 |
| 2020 | 1.69% | −0.06pp | #5 |
| 2019 | 1.75% | −0.24pp | #7 |
| 2018 | 1.99% | −0.23pp | #7 |
| 2017 | 2.23% | −0.23pp | #6 |
| 2016 | 2.46% | −0.23pp | #9 |
| 2015 | 2.68% | −0.25pp | #9 |
| 2014 | 2.93% | +0.22pp | #11 |
| 2013 | 2.71% | +0.17pp | #12 |
| 2012 | 2.54% | +0.13pp | #10 |
| 2011 | 2.41% | +0.11pp | #10 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burundi matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burundi's youth unemployment was 1.68% in 2025. Ranked 5th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Burundi's youth unemployment peaked at 3.90% in 2006.
The lowest youth unemployment in Burundi was 1.68% in 2025.
Burundi ranks 5th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Burundi's youth unemployment is projected to reach 1.65% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Burundi in 2025 was 1.68%. This ranks 5th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burundi_youth-unemployment,
title = {Burundi Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burundi/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}