Lesotho Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Lesotho's youth unemployment stood at 24.67% in 2025, a decline of +0.07pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 23.68% by 2026. Lesotho ranked 151st globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 22.61% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 23.14% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 23.68% | - | - |
| 2025 | 24.67% | −0.07pp | #151 |
| 2024 | 24.74% | +0.00pp | #152 |
| 2023 | 24.74% | −0.32pp | #152 |
| 2022 | 25.06% | −2.13pp | #150 |
| 2021 | 27.19% | −1.03pp | #148 |
| 2020 | 28.22% | +2.90pp | #145 |
| 2019 | 25.32% | +0.43pp | #145 |
| 2018 | 24.89% | +0.41pp | #143 |
| 2017 | 24.48% | +0.43pp | #140 |
| 2016 | 24.05% | +0.05pp | #136 |
| 2015 | 24.00% | +0.36pp | #135 |
| 2014 | 23.64% | +0.34pp | #130 |
| 2013 | 23.29% | +0.37pp | #129 |
| 2012 | 22.92% | −0.28pp | #128 |
| 2011 | 23.20% | +0.20pp | #137 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's youth unemployment was 24.67% in 2025. Ranked 151st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Lesotho's youth unemployment peaked at 28.22% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Lesotho was 21.58% in 1992.
Lesotho ranks 151st globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's youth unemployment is projected to reach 23.68% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Lesotho in 2025 was 24.67%. This ranks 151st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_youth-unemployment,
title = {Lesotho Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}