Mozambique Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Mozambique's labor force participation was 78.71% in 2025, ranked 10th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Mozambique's labor force participation stood at 78.71% in 2025, a decline of +0.07pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 79.01% by 2026. Mozambique ranked 10th globally.
Mozambique’s labor force participation rate has fallen steadily from an early‑record 84.08% in 1990 to a 2025 level of 78.71%, ranking tenth globally and edging just below Niger’s 79.74% and Bolivia’s 78.63%. The all‑time peak of 86.03% was reached in 2003, after which a gradual decline set in, reaching a trough of 78.07% in 2021 before the modest rebound to the current figure. Over the 36‑year coverage period, the persistent downward trajectory reflects structural shifts such as urban migration, aging of the agricultural workforce and limited formal sector absorption. Compared with peers like Uganda (80.03%) the Mozambican rate remains lower, suggesting that continued investment in vocational training and job‑creating industries will be crucial to halt the decline and potentially lift participation above the recent trough.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 79.26% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 79.13% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 79.01% | - | - |
| 2025 | 78.71% | −0.07pp | #10 |
| 2024 | 78.78% | −0.03pp | #10 |
| 2023 | 78.81% | −0.01pp | #10 |
| 2022 | 78.82% | +0.74pp | #11 |
| 2021 | 78.07% | −0.08pp | #10 |
| 2020 | 78.15% | −0.77pp | #10 |
| 2019 | 78.92% | −0.03pp | #10 |
| 2018 | 78.95% | −0.03pp | #10 |
| 2017 | 78.98% | −0.04pp | #10 |
| 2016 | 79.02% | −0.03pp | #10 |
| 2015 | 79.05% | −0.67pp | #10 |
| 2014 | 79.72% | −0.65pp | #8 |
| 2013 | 80.37% | −0.63pp | #8 |
| 2012 | 81.01% | −0.62pp | #8 |
| 2011 | 81.63% | −0.60pp | #7 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mozambique matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Mozambique's labor force participation was 78.71% in 2025. Ranked 10th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Mozambique's labor force participation peaked at 86.03% in 2003.
The lowest labor force participation in Mozambique was 78.07% in 2021.
Mozambique ranks 10th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mozambique's labor force participation is projected to reach 79.01% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Mozambique in 2025 was 78.71%. This ranks 10th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mozambique_labor-force-participation,
title = {Mozambique Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mozambique/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}