Eritrea Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Eritrea's youth unemployment was 10.24% in 2025, ranked 74th globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Eritrea's youth unemployment stood at 10.24% in 2025, a rise of +0.19pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 9.80% by 2026. Eritrea ranked 74th globally.
Eritrea’s youth unemployment rate stood at 10.24 % in 2025, placing the country 74th in the global ranking and marginally above the all‑time trough of 9.37 % recorded in 1991. The indicator rose to its peak of 11.10 % in 2020 before easing over the subsequent five years, suggesting a modest but persistent reduction in joblessness among young people. Compared with peer nations of similar rank, Eritrea’s rate is close to Bulgaria’s 10.15 % and Zambia’s 10.47 %, indicating that its performance aligns with a broader group of economies facing comparable labour‑market constraints. The 35‑year coverage shows a relatively narrow band of variation, implying that structural factors such as limited formal sector growth and demographic pressures have kept youth unemployment relatively stable. Continued investment in vocational training, private‑sector development and policies that stimulate entry‑level employment could further lower the rate, steering the trend downward in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 9.48% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 9.64% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 9.80% | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.24% | +0.19pp | #74 |
| 2024 | 10.06% | +0.09pp | #70 |
| 2023 | 9.97% | −0.22pp | #68 |
| 2022 | 10.19% | −0.79pp | #71 |
| 2021 | 10.98% | −0.12pp | #67 |
| 2020 | 11.10% | +1.26pp | #63 |
| 2019 | 9.85% | +0.04pp | #70 |
| 2018 | 9.80% | −0.19pp | #72 |
| 2017 | 9.99% | −0.01pp | #71 |
| 2016 | 10.00% | −0.04pp | #61 |
| 2015 | 10.03% | +0.14pp | #63 |
| 2014 | 9.90% | −0.05pp | #66 |
| 2013 | 9.95% | −0.16pp | #69 |
| 2012 | 10.10% | −0.22pp | #71 |
| 2011 | 10.33% | −0.14pp | #74 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eritrea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Eritrea's youth unemployment was 10.24% in 2025. Ranked 74th globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
Eritrea's youth unemployment peaked at 11.10% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Eritrea was 9.37% in 1991.
Eritrea ranks 74th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Eritrea's youth unemployment is projected to reach 9.80% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Eritrea in 2025 was 10.24%. This ranks 74th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eritrea_youth-unemployment,
title = {Eritrea Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eritrea/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}