Tanzania Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Tanzania's labor force participation was 83.72% in 2025, ranked 4th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Tanzania's labor force participation stood at 83.72% in 2025, a decline of +0.03pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 83.73% by 2026. Tanzania ranked 4th globally.
Tanzania’s labor force participation rate stands at 83.72 % in 2025, placing the country fourth worldwide according to World Bank data. The indicator has trended downward since its all‑time peak of 88.35 % in 2006, falling to a trough of 82.84 % in 2020 before modestly recovering over the past five years. Over the 36‑year series, participation remains higher than Nigeria’s 82.52 % and Cambodia’s 82.39 % but lags behind Madagascar’s 85.50 % and the Solomon Islands’ 84.30 %, underscoring a middle‑range performance among comparable economies. The decline from the 2006 high reflects structural shifts such as urban migration, rising school enrolment, and the expansion of informal sector work, while the recent rebound aligns with post‑pandemic labour market adjustments and targeted employment programmes. Continued investment in skills development and formal job creation will be critical to sustain the upward momentum and prevent a return to the 2020 trough.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 83.72% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 83.72% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 83.73% | - | - |
| 2025 | 83.72% | −0.03pp | #4 |
| 2024 | 83.75% | −0.02pp | #4 |
| 2023 | 83.77% | −0.00pp | #4 |
| 2022 | 83.77% | +0.04pp | #4 |
| 2021 | 83.73% | +0.90pp | #4 |
| 2020 | 82.84% | −0.97pp | #4 |
| 2019 | 83.81% | −0.02pp | #4 |
| 2018 | 83.83% | −0.03pp | #4 |
| 2017 | 83.86% | −0.03pp | #4 |
| 2016 | 83.89% | −0.04pp | #4 |
| 2015 | 83.94% | −0.03pp | #4 |
| 2014 | 83.97% | −0.61pp | #4 |
| 2013 | 84.58% | −0.59pp | #3 |
| 2012 | 85.17% | −0.57pp | #3 |
| 2011 | 85.75% | −0.56pp | #3 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tanzania matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2012. 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
Tanzania's labor force participation was 83.72% in 2025. Ranked 4th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Tanzania's labor force participation peaked at 88.35% in 2006.
The lowest labor force participation in Tanzania was 82.84% in 2020.
Tanzania ranks 4th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tanzania's labor force participation is projected to reach 83.73% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Tanzania in 2025 was 83.72%. This ranks 4th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tanzania_labor-force-participation,
title = {Tanzania Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tanzania/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}