Rwanda Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Rwanda's youth unemployment was 16.41% in 2025, ranked 116th globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's youth unemployment stood at 16.41% in 2025, a decline of +0.15pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.49% by 2026. Rwanda ranked 116th globally.
Rwanda's youth unemployment rate has experienced a relatively stable period, with fluctuations over the past 35 years. The rate has hovered around 16%, with the latest figure standing at 16.41% in 2025, ranking the country #116 globally. Notably, this rate has remained relatively consistent since 1991, mirroring the all-time high of 16.41% recorded in that year. However, the country did experience a peak of 23.31% in 2021, a year that saw a significant increase in unemployment rates globally. Conversely, the trough of 14.43% was reached in 1997, a year that saw a period of relative economic stability in the region. Compared to its European peers, Rwanda's youth unemployment rate is comparable to that of the European Union, which stands at 16.20%. A shift in education and training policies, as well as investments in vocational training programs, could potentially alter the trajectory of Rwanda's youth unemployment rate and bring it in line with the rates of more developed economies.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 9.60% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 11.55% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 13.49% | - | - |
| 2025 | 16.41% | −0.15pp | #116 |
| 2024 | 16.56% | −1.62pp | #118 |
| 2023 | 18.17% | −4.03pp | #129 |
| 2022 | 22.20% | −1.11pp | #139 |
| 2021 | 23.31% | +7.37pp | #135 |
| 2020 | 15.95% | −0.11pp | #99 |
| 2019 | 16.05% | −0.21pp | #112 |
| 2018 | 16.26% | −0.47pp | #110 |
| 2017 | 16.73% | +0.14pp | #110 |
| 2016 | 16.60% | −0.00pp | #105 |
| 2015 | 16.60% | +0.05pp | #107 |
| 2014 | 16.55% | +0.13pp | #102 |
| 2013 | 16.42% | +0.17pp | #99 |
| 2012 | 16.25% | −0.04pp | #98 |
| 2011 | 16.29% | +0.19pp | #95 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's youth unemployment was 16.41% in 2025. Ranked 116th globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from the previous year.
Rwanda's youth unemployment peaked at 23.31% in 2021.
The lowest youth unemployment in Rwanda was 14.43% in 1997.
Rwanda ranks 116th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's youth unemployment is projected to reach 13.49% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Rwanda in 2025 was 16.41%. This ranks 116th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_youth-unemployment,
title = {Rwanda Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}