Rwanda Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Rwanda's unemployment rate was 11.36% in 2025, ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's unemployment rate stood at 11.36% in 2025, a rise of +0.03pp from 2024. Rwanda ranked 153rd globally.
Rwanda's unemployment rate has exhibited fluctuations over the past 35 years, with the rate ranging from a high of 15.78% in 2021 to a low of 10.76% in 2018. The country's unemployment rate has been steadily increasing since 2018, reaching a peak of 15.78% in 2021 before slightly easing to 11.36% in 2025, ranking 153 globally. This trend is comparable to that of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which also experienced a rise in unemployment rates, albeit from a lower base. Rwanda's unemployment rate is lower than Algeria's 11.63% but higher than New Caledonia's 11.17%. The country's ability to create jobs and stimulate economic growth will be crucial in reversing this trend and potentially rejoining the lower end of the global rankings. A significant improvement in Rwanda's business environment, increased investment in human capital, and diversification of the economy could help to alter the trajectory of unemployment rates and contribute to long-term economic stability.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11.36% | +0.03pp | #153 |
| 2024 | 11.33% | −1.02pp | #157 |
| 2023 | 12.35% | −2.73pp | #165 |
| 2022 | 15.08% | −0.69pp | #173 |
| 2021 | 15.78% | +3.95pp | #171 |
| 2020 | 11.83% | +0.59pp | #149 |
| 2019 | 11.24% | +0.48pp | #153 |
| 2018 | 10.76% | −1.12pp | #150 |
| 2017 | 11.88% | +0.09pp | #155 |
| 2016 | 11.79% | −0.04pp | #152 |
| 2015 | 11.83% | −0.01pp | #151 |
| 2014 | 11.84% | +0.07pp | #148 |
| 2013 | 11.77% | +0.10pp | #144 |
| 2012 | 11.67% | −0.09pp | #144 |
| 2011 | 11.76% | +0.12pp | #146 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's unemployment rate was 11.36% in 2025. Ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's unemployment rate peaked at 15.78% in 2021.
The lowest unemployment rate in Rwanda was 10.76% in 2018.
Rwanda ranks 153rd globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The unemployment rate of Rwanda in 2025 was 11.36%. This ranks 153rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_unemployment-rate,
title = {Rwanda Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}