Lesotho Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Lesotho's services employment was 36.09% in 2025, ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's services employment stood at 36.09% in 2025, a rise of +0.32% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36.35% by 2026. Lesotho ranked 22nd globally.
Lesotho’s share of employment in services has fallen markedly over the 35‑year series, slipping from an early‑1990s level of 47.56 % to 36.09 % in 2025, which places the kingdom at rank 22 globally. The sector reached its all‑time high of 48.19 % in 1996, shortly after the end of the Cold War, before a gradual decline accelerated in the 2010s and culminated in a trough of 34.94 % in 2021, the lowest point recorded. By contrast, peer economies such as Zambia (35.19 %) and Myanmar (36.89 %) exhibit similar service‑employment shares, suggesting a regional pattern of limited structural shift toward services. The persistent contraction reflects weak diversification, continued reliance on agriculture and mining, and modest growth in tourism and finance. If Lesotho can expand higher‑value service industries, improve skills training, and attract foreign direct investment, the downward trajectory may reverse and the services share could begin to climb in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 36.91% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 36.63% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 36.35% | - | - |
| 2025 | 36.09% | +0.32% | #22 |
| 2024 | 35.77% | +0.28% | #22 |
| 2023 | 35.49% | +0.25% | #24 |
| 2022 | 35.24% | +0.29% | #26 |
| 2021 | 34.94% | −0.29% | #26 |
| 2020 | 35.23% | −0.56% | #26 |
| 2019 | 35.79% | −0.41% | #25 |
| 2018 | 36.20% | −0.33% | #27 |
| 2017 | 36.53% | −0.27% | #29 |
| 2016 | 36.80% | −0.59% | #31 |
| 2015 | 37.39% | −0.59% | #35 |
| 2014 | 37.98% | −0.42% | #35 |
| 2013 | 38.40% | −0.46% | #38 |
| 2012 | 38.86% | −0.73% | #41 |
| 2011 | 39.59% | −0.65% | #45 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's services employment was 36.09% in 2025. Ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's services employment peaked at 48.19% in 1996.
The lowest services employment in Lesotho was 34.94% in 2021.
Lesotho ranks 22nd globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's services employment is projected to reach 36.35% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Lesotho in 2025 was 36.09%. This ranks 22nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_services-employment,
title = {Lesotho Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}