Congo, Democratic Republic of Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Congo, Democratic Republic of's labor force participation was 64.31% in 2025, ranked 71st globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's labor force participation stood at 64.31% in 2025, a decline of +0.11pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.64% by 2026. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 71st globally.
Congo, Democratic Republic of’s labor force participation rate has fallen from an early‑1990 level of 72.19 % to a 2025 value of 64.31 %, placing the country 71st globally. The all‑time peak of 72.58 % was recorded in 2005, after which participation gradually declined, reaching a trough of 63.44 % in 2020 before modestly rebounding. Over the 36‑year coverage period, the downward trend reflects structural shifts such as urban migration, a growing informal sector and limited formal job creation, which have dampened labour market attachment. The 2025 rate is virtually identical to that of Georgia (64.31 %) and closely matches Albania (64.26 %), underscoring a convergence with other lower‑middle‑income economies facing similar demographic and occupational challenges. Continued investment in skills development, formal sector expansion and inclusive labour policies could arrest the decline and foster a gradual rise in participation in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 64.93% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 64.79% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 64.64% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.31% | −0.11pp | #71 |
| 2024 | 64.41% | +0.02pp | #71 |
| 2023 | 64.40% | +0.03pp | #70 |
| 2022 | 64.36% | +0.74pp | #67 |
| 2021 | 63.62% | +0.18pp | #66 |
| 2020 | 63.44% | −0.86pp | #62 |
| 2019 | 64.30% | −0.22pp | #69 |
| 2018 | 64.52% | −0.24pp | #66 |
| 2017 | 64.76% | −0.27pp | #64 |
| 2016 | 65.03% | −0.27pp | #62 |
| 2015 | 65.29% | −0.24pp | #61 |
| 2014 | 65.53% | −0.25pp | #60 |
| 2013 | 65.78% | −0.25pp | #56 |
| 2012 | 66.03% | −0.98pp | #55 |
| 2011 | 67.01% | −0.97pp | #49 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's labor force participation was 64.31% in 2025. Ranked 71st globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's labor force participation peaked at 72.58% in 2005.
The lowest labor force participation in Congo, Democratic Republic of was 63.44% in 2020.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 71st globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's labor force participation is projected to reach 64.64% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was 64.31%. This ranks 71st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_labor-force-participation,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}