Central African Republic Industry Employment

Industry employment in the Central African Republic has fallen steadily over the 35‑year series, declining from its all‑time peak of 17.72 percent of the labor force in 1991 to a trough of 13.39 percent in 2025, placing the country 33rd globally. The downward trajectory reflects persistent structural constraints, limited manufacturing capacity and recurrent political instability that have hindered the sector’s ability to absorb workers. By contrast, peer economies such as the Netherlands register a slightly higher share at 13.76 percent, while Singapore reaches 14.00 percent, underscoring the gap between the Central African Republic and more diversified industrial bases. The persistent loss of industrial jobs suggests that without significant investment in infrastructure, vocational training and policy reforms aimed at attracting private‑sector participation, the share of workers in industry is likely to remain low, although targeted development initiatives could stabilise or modestly reverse the decline.