Cameroon Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Cameroon's youth unemployment was 6.55% in 2025, ranked 37th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Cameroon's youth unemployment stood at 6.55% in 2025, a decline of +0.07pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.31% by 2026. Cameroon ranked 37th globally.
Cameroon's youth unemployment rate has shown significant fluctuations over the past 35 years, ranging from a high of 13.33% in 1993 to a low of 4.58% in 2007. The country's youth unemployment rate stood at 6.55% in 2025, ranking 37th globally. Compared to its peers, Cameroon's rate is relatively lower than that of the United Arab Emirates, which had a rate of 6.45% in 2025, but higher than Burkina Faso's 6.44%. Notably, the all-time peak occurred in 1993, during a period of economic stagnation, whereas the all-time trough occurred in 2007, following a period of economic growth driven by an increase in oil prices. As Cameroon continues to navigate its economic trajectory, a sustained decline in youth unemployment will require a focus on education and job training initiatives, as well as investments in sectors with high growth potential, such as the agricultural and technology sectors.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 6.03% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.17% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.55% | −0.07pp | #37 |
| 2024 | 6.62% | −0.00pp | #40 |
| 2023 | 6.62% | −0.05pp | #40 |
| 2022 | 6.67% | −0.56pp | #36 |
| 2021 | 7.23% | −0.15pp | #33 |
| 2020 | 7.37% | +0.79pp | #32 |
| 2019 | 6.59% | +0.08pp | #35 |
| 2018 | 6.50% | +0.10pp | #33 |
| 2017 | 6.41% | +0.11pp | #31 |
| 2016 | 6.30% | +0.07pp | #29 |
| 2015 | 6.23% | +0.03pp | #30 |
| 2014 | 6.20% | −0.04pp | #32 |
| 2013 | 6.24% | −0.04pp | #32 |
| 2012 | 6.27% | −0.04pp | #30 |
| 2011 | 6.31% | −0.01pp | #30 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Cameroon matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Cameroon's youth unemployment was 6.55% in 2025. Ranked 37th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year.
Cameroon's youth unemployment peaked at 13.33% in 1993.
The lowest youth unemployment in Cameroon was 4.58% in 2007.
Cameroon ranks 37th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Cameroon's youth unemployment is projected to reach 6.31% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Cameroon in 2025 was 6.55%. This ranks 37th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cameroon_youth-unemployment,
title = {Cameroon Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cameroon/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}