Mali Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Mali's labor force participation was 67.04% in 2025, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Mali's labor force participation stood at 67.04% in 2025, a decline of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 67.23% by 2026. Mali ranked 43rd globally.
Mali’s labor force participation rate has slipped from a 1990 level of 70.34% to 67.04% in 2025, placing the country 43rd globally. The indicator peaked at 70.62% in 2014 before falling to a trough of 65.92% in 2020, reflecting a gradual disengagement of working‑age adults amid persistent structural challenges in agriculture and informal employment. Over the 36‑year series, the downward trend contrasts with the relatively stable participation of peers such as Côte d’Ivoire, which records 67.09% in the same year, and Timor‑Leste at 66.98%. The decline is partly attributable to demographic shifts, limited job creation, and periodic security disruptions that constrain labor market entry, especially for women. If policy reforms succeed in expanding productive sectors, improving vocational training, and enhancing security, Mali could arrest the current slide and possibly restore participation levels nearer to the 2014 peak.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 67.32% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 67.27% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 67.23% | - | - |
| 2025 | 67.04% | −0.14pp | #43 |
| 2024 | 67.17% | −0.03pp | #43 |
| 2023 | 67.21% | −0.03pp | #46 |
| 2022 | 67.24% | +0.47pp | #39 |
| 2021 | 66.77% | +0.85pp | #38 |
| 2020 | 65.92% | −1.48pp | #46 |
| 2019 | 67.39% | −0.89pp | #43 |
| 2018 | 68.28% | −0.88pp | #37 |
| 2017 | 69.16% | −0.71pp | #34 |
| 2016 | 69.87% | −0.70pp | #33 |
| 2015 | 70.56% | −0.06pp | #29 |
| 2014 | 70.62% | +0.02pp | #29 |
| 2013 | 70.60% | +0.06pp | #31 |
| 2012 | 70.54% | +0.07pp | #33 |
| 2011 | 70.46% | +0.05pp | #33 |
Analysis
Mali's labor force participation was 67.04% in 2025, a decline of −0.14pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 67.23% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mali's labor force participation was 67.04% in 2025. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Mali's labor force participation peaked at 70.62% in 2014.
The lowest labor force participation in Mali was 65.92% in 2020.
Mali ranks 43rd globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mali's labor force participation is projected to reach 67.23% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Mali in 2025 was 67.04%. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mali_labor-force-participation,
title = {Mali Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mali/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}