Madagascar Female Labor Participation

Madagascar’s female labor force participation has remained remarkably high over the past 36 years, standing at 82.91 % in 2025, which places the country at the top of the global ranking. The indicator showed a modest decline from its all‑time peak of 84.11 % recorded in 2005, and the lowest point of 82.15 % in 2020, suggesting limited volatility despite economic shocks during that period. Compared with its nearest peers, Madagascar exceeds the participation rates of the Solomon Islands (82.34 %) and Nigeria (80.70 %), reflecting a relatively inclusive labor market for women in the Indian Ocean region. The slight downward drift since the mid‑2000s is offset by a gradual recovery after the 2020 trough, driven by sectoral shifts toward agriculture and informal services where women are traditionally over‑represented. Continued investment in vocational training and access to formal employment could sustain the current upward trajectory and potentially raise participation further in the coming decade.