Madagascar Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Madagascar's youth unemployment was 5.25% in 2025, ranked 27th globally. This represents a 3.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Madagascar's youth unemployment stood at 5.25% in 2025, a decline of +0.21pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.03% by 2026. Madagascar ranked 27th globally.
Madagascar’s youth unemployment rate fell to 5.25 % in 2025, placing the country 27th in the world and below peers such as Bolivia (5.01 %) and Nigeria (5.34 %). The indicator has been recorded for 35 years, descending from an early‑year level of 8.69 % in 1991 and reaching an all‑time peak of 8.83 % in 1993, a period marked by structural adjustments and limited private‑sector growth. A pronounced trough of 1.01 % occurred in 2012, coinciding with a brief surge in agricultural employment and targeted youth training programmes. Since that low, the rate has risen steadily, reflecting slower job creation amid demographic pressure from a growing young population and modest industrial diversification. Continued investment in vocational education and the expansion of small‑enterprise credit could reverse the upward trajectory, potentially returning the youth unemployment rate toward the low levels observed in the early 2010s.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 4.68% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 4.86% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.03% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.25% | −0.21pp | #27 |
| 2024 | 5.46% | +0.03pp | #29 |
| 2023 | 5.43% | −0.15pp | #32 |
| 2022 | 5.58% | −0.47pp | #27 |
| 2021 | 6.06% | +0.18pp | #28 |
| 2020 | 5.87% | +1.39pp | #25 |
| 2019 | 4.49% | +0.30pp | #24 |
| 2018 | 4.18% | +0.31pp | #18 |
| 2017 | 3.88% | +0.30pp | #14 |
| 2016 | 3.58% | +0.28pp | #14 |
| 2015 | 3.31% | +0.77pp | #11 |
| 2014 | 2.54% | +0.76pp | #10 |
| 2013 | 1.78% | +0.77pp | #7 |
| 2012 | 1.01% | −2.21pp | #2 |
| 2011 | 3.22% | −1.56pp | #15 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Madagascar matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2016. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Madagascar's youth unemployment was 5.25% in 2025. Ranked 27th globally. This represents a 3.9% decrease from the previous year.
Madagascar's youth unemployment peaked at 8.83% in 1993.
The lowest youth unemployment in Madagascar was 1.01% in 2012.
Madagascar ranks 27th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Madagascar's youth unemployment is projected to reach 5.03% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Madagascar in 2025 was 5.25%. This ranks 27th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_madagascar_youth-unemployment,
title = {Madagascar Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/madagascar/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}