Congo, Democratic Republic of Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Congo, Democratic Republic of's youth unemployment was 7.85% in 2025, ranked 47th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's youth unemployment stood at 7.85% in 2025, a decline of +0.10pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.37% by 2026. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 47th globally.
Youth unemployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen modestly from 5.36 % in 1991 to 7.85 % in 2025, placing the country 47th globally. The indicator peaked at 9.60 % in 2020, a spike that coincided with the pandemic‑related economic slowdown, before retreating to the current level. The lowest recorded rate was 4.93 % in 2005, reflecting a period of relatively robust growth in the mining sector. Compared with peers of similar rank, Congo’s 2025 figure is marginally higher than El Salvador’s 7.81 % and slightly below Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of’s 7.90 %, suggesting that regional labor market dynamics are broadly comparable. Persistent structural challenges, such as limited formal job creation and a large informal economy, keep youth unemployment elevated. If policies that expand vocational training and attract diversified investment take hold, the upward trajectory could moderate, allowing the rate to drift toward the earlier trough levels.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 6.81% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 7.09% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.37% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.85% | −0.10pp | #47 |
| 2024 | 7.95% | −0.06pp | #47 |
| 2023 | 8.01% | −0.09pp | #50 |
| 2022 | 8.10% | −1.08pp | #50 |
| 2021 | 9.18% | −0.42pp | #49 |
| 2020 | 9.60% | +1.39pp | #46 |
| 2019 | 8.21% | −0.09pp | #51 |
| 2018 | 8.30% | −0.03pp | #52 |
| 2017 | 8.33% | +0.06pp | #49 |
| 2016 | 8.28% | +0.06pp | #47 |
| 2015 | 8.22% | −0.05pp | #45 |
| 2014 | 8.28% | −0.10pp | #47 |
| 2013 | 8.38% | −0.08pp | #48 |
| 2012 | 8.46% | +0.45pp | #54 |
| 2011 | 8.00% | +0.51pp | #43 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's youth unemployment was 7.85% in 2025. Ranked 47th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's youth unemployment peaked at 9.60% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Congo, Democratic Republic of was 4.93% in 2005.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 47th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's youth unemployment is projected to reach 7.37% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was 7.85%. This ranks 47th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_youth-unemployment,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}