Eswatini Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Eswatini's youth unemployment was 54.33% in 2025, ranked 179th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Eswatini's youth unemployment stood at 54.33% in 2025, a decline of +0.04pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 52.98% by 2026. Eswatini ranked 179th globally.
Eswatini’s youth unemployment rate has risen sharply over the 35‑year series, climbing from a trough of 40.99 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 58.61 % in 2020 before easing to 54.33 % in 2025, placing the country 179th globally. The upward trajectory mirrors regional labour market stress, with South Africa reporting a higher rate of 59.93 % and Botswana a lower 46.00 % in the same period. The post‑2020 decline coincides with modest macro‑policy adjustments and targeted skills programmes, yet the rate remains well above the regional average and far exceeds the 1990s baseline. Structural constraints such as limited formal sector absorption and a high dependence on agriculture continue to impede progress. If policy reforms accelerate the expansion of vocational training and private‑sector job creation, the downward momentum observed since 2020 could be reinforced, potentially narrowing the gap with neighbouring economies.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 51.22% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.10% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 52.98% | - | - |
| 2025 | 54.33% | −0.04pp | #179 |
| 2024 | 54.37% | +0.13pp | #179 |
| 2023 | 54.24% | −4.24pp | #181 |
| 2022 | 58.47% | +1.81pp | #183 |
| 2021 | 56.67% | −1.94pp | #184 |
| 2020 | 58.61% | +7.41pp | #184 |
| 2019 | 51.20% | +1.27pp | #184 |
| 2018 | 49.93% | +1.56pp | #183 |
| 2017 | 48.37% | +1.39pp | #183 |
| 2016 | 46.97% | −1.38pp | #180 |
| 2015 | 48.35% | −0.96pp | #181 |
| 2014 | 49.31% | −1.15pp | #179 |
| 2013 | 50.46% | −1.22pp | #178 |
| 2012 | 51.69% | −1.56pp | #181 |
| 2011 | 53.25% | −1.29pp | #183 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eswatini matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Eswatini's youth unemployment was 54.33% in 2025. Ranked 179th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Eswatini's youth unemployment peaked at 58.61% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Eswatini was 40.99% in 1991.
Eswatini ranks 179th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Eswatini's youth unemployment is projected to reach 52.98% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Eswatini in 2025 was 54.33%. This ranks 179th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eswatini_youth-unemployment,
title = {Eswatini Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eswatini/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}