Lesotho Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Lesotho's youth unemployment was 24.67% in 2025, ranked 151st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
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.
Lesotho’s youth unemployment rate stood at 24.67 % in 2025, placing the country 151st in the world and marginally above Romania’s 24.54 % and Spain’s 24.75 % rates. Over the 35‑year series, the indicator has risen from an early low of 21.58 % in 1992 to an all‑time peak of 28.22 % in 2020, before easing to the current level that remains above the 1991 figure of 21.64 %. The post‑2020 decline suggests some labour‑market adjustments, yet the rate remains well above the regional average and signals persistent structural constraints for young workers. Continued demographic pressure, limited formal sector growth and the need for skills‑aligned education will shape future outcomes; policy measures that expand vocational training and stimulate private‑sector job creation could reverse the upward trajectory and bring the rate closer to the trough experienced in the early 1990s.
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}
}