Sierra Leone Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Sierra Leone's youth unemployment was 3.72% in 2025, ranked 15th globally. This represents a 6.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Sierra Leone's youth unemployment stood at 3.72% in 2025, a rise of +0.23pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.51% by 2026. Sierra Leone ranked 15th globally.
Sierra Leone's youth unemployment rate has demonstrated a notable decline over the past three and a half decades, reflecting improvements in the country's labor market. Between 1991 and 2025, the rate decreased from 7.66% to 3.72%, a drop of 3.94 percentage points. The all-time peak of 9.44% in 2014 stands in stark contrast to the all-time trough of 3.48% in 2023, indicating a considerable shift towards a more favorable labor market. This trajectory is comparable to that of Timor-Leste, which shares a similar youth unemployment rate of 3.72% in 2025. The decline in youth unemployment is a positive development, as it suggests that Sierra Leone's economy is creating more opportunities for young people. However, a potential reversal in this trend could be triggered by a decline in economic growth or an increase in labor market entry, which could outpace job creation.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 3.43% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 3.47% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 3.51% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.72% | +0.23pp | #15 |
| 2024 | 3.49% | +0.01pp | #14 |
| 2023 | 3.48% | −0.03pp | #14 |
| 2022 | 3.51% | −0.39pp | #16 |
| 2021 | 3.90% | −0.18pp | #15 |
| 2020 | 4.08% | +0.50pp | #14 |
| 2019 | 3.58% | +0.01pp | #14 |
| 2018 | 3.57% | −1.51pp | #13 |
| 2017 | 5.09% | −1.62pp | #22 |
| 2016 | 6.71% | −1.43pp | #33 |
| 2015 | 8.14% | −1.31pp | #44 |
| 2014 | 9.44% | +0.71pp | #60 |
| 2013 | 8.74% | +0.29pp | #50 |
| 2012 | 8.44% | +0.28pp | #52 |
| 2011 | 8.16% | +0.36pp | #45 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sierra Leone matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sierra Leone's youth unemployment was 3.72% in 2025. Ranked 15th globally. This represents a 6.5% increase from the previous year.
Sierra Leone's youth unemployment peaked at 9.44% in 2014.
The lowest youth unemployment in Sierra Leone was 3.48% in 2023.
Sierra Leone ranks 15th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sierra Leone's youth unemployment is projected to reach 3.51% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Sierra Leone in 2025 was 3.72%. This ranks 15th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sierra-leone_youth-unemployment,
title = {Sierra Leone Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sierra-leone/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}