Gabon Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Gabon's labor force participation was 51.06% in 2025, ranked 156th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Gabon's labor force participation stood at 51.06% in 2025, a decline of +0.26pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 52.24% by 2026. Gabon ranked 156th globally.
Gabon's labor force participation rate has risen modestly over the 36‑year series, moving from 48.52 % in 1990 to 51.06 % in 2025, which places the country at rank 156 globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after a trough of 47.88 % in 2020, reaching an all‑time peak of 51.58 % in 2022 before settling slightly lower the following year. This pattern mirrors the modest gains observed in peer economies such as Romania, which records a participation rate of 51.33 %, and Eswatini at 51.19 %, suggesting that regional labor market dynamics and demographic shifts are influencing similar outcomes. The persistence of a participation rate above 50 % indicates a gradual expansion of the active workforce, yet the modest magnitude of change points to structural constraints such as limited formal employment opportunities and gender disparities in labor market access. Continued investment in education, vocational training, and policies that promote female labor force entry could sustain the current upward trend and push the rate beyond the recent peak.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 53.20% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.72% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 52.24% | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.06% | −0.26pp | #156 |
| 2024 | 51.32% | −0.19pp | #155 |
| 2023 | 51.50% | −0.08pp | #156 |
| 2022 | 51.58% | +3.06pp | #156 |
| 2021 | 48.52% | +0.64pp | #159 |
| 2020 | 47.88% | −3.54pp | #161 |
| 2019 | 51.42% | +0.14pp | #155 |
| 2018 | 51.28% | +0.24pp | #154 |
| 2017 | 51.04% | +0.28pp | #156 |
| 2016 | 50.76% | +0.29pp | #158 |
| 2015 | 50.48% | +0.28pp | #158 |
| 2014 | 50.20% | +0.29pp | #158 |
| 2013 | 49.90% | +0.29pp | #158 |
| 2012 | 49.62% | +0.29pp | #158 |
| 2011 | 49.33% | +0.25pp | #158 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Gabon matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Gabon's labor force participation was 51.06% in 2025. Ranked 156th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Gabon's labor force participation peaked at 51.58% in 2022.
The lowest labor force participation in Gabon was 47.88% in 2020.
Gabon ranks 156th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Gabon's labor force participation is projected to reach 52.24% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Gabon in 2025 was 51.06%. This ranks 156th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_gabon_labor-force-participation,
title = {Gabon Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/gabon/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}