Rwanda Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Rwanda's labor force participation was 63.68% in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's labor force participation stood at 63.68% in 2025, a rise of +0.16pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66.14% by 2026. Rwanda ranked 76th globally.
Rwanda's labor force participation rate has experienced fluctuations over the past 36 years, with a notable all-time peak of 63.76% in 1995, followed by a decline to an all-time trough of 58.20% in 2021. The latest available data indicates a labor force participation rate of 63.68%, ranking Rwanda 76th globally. When compared to its peer countries, Rwanda's rate is closest to Malta's 63.98% and Haiti's 63.93%. The country's labor force participation rate has shown a recent recovery, with a significant increase of 5.48 percentage points from its trough in 2021, indicating a positive trend. This upward momentum suggests that Rwanda may continue to improve its labor force participation rate, potentially driven by investments in education and job creation initiatives. However, a decline in economic growth or an increase in unemployment rates could alter this trajectory, underscoring the need for sustained economic policies to support labor market participation.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 69.01% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 67.58% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 66.14% | - | - |
| 2025 | 63.68% | +0.16pp | #76 |
| 2024 | 63.52% | −0.14pp | #78 |
| 2023 | 63.66% | +3.50pp | #79 |
| 2022 | 60.16% | +1.97pp | #103 |
| 2021 | 58.20% | −4.46pp | #115 |
| 2020 | 62.66% | +4.21pp | #70 |
| 2019 | 58.45% | −1.93pp | #121 |
| 2018 | 60.38% | −0.08pp | #101 |
| 2017 | 60.46% | −0.09pp | #97 |
| 2016 | 60.56% | −0.08pp | #98 |
| 2015 | 60.64% | −0.07pp | #96 |
| 2014 | 60.71% | −0.07pp | #97 |
| 2013 | 60.78% | −0.07pp | #96 |
| 2012 | 60.85% | −0.07pp | #96 |
| 2011 | 60.93% | −0.07pp | #93 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. 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
Rwanda's labor force participation was 63.68% in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's labor force participation peaked at 63.76% in 1995.
The lowest labor force participation in Rwanda was 58.20% in 2021.
Rwanda ranks 76th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's labor force participation is projected to reach 66.14% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Rwanda in 2025 was 63.68%. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_labor-force-participation,
title = {Rwanda Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}