Tanzania Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Tanzania's youth literacy rate was 87.54% in 2025, ranked 56th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1988–2025.
Overview
Tanzania's youth literacy rate stood at 87.54% in 2025, a rise of +0.47pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 87.54% by 2025. Tanzania ranked 56th globally.
Tanzania's youth literacy rate has shown a gradual improvement over the years, with a notable increase from 81.75% in 1988 to 88.81% in 2014, its all-time peak. However, the rate declined to 78.40% in 2002, its lowest point, before resuming its upward trajectory. As of 2025, the youth literacy rate stands at 87.54%, ranking the country 56th globally. This rate is higher than that of Zambia, a peer country, but lower than that of Namibia, which ranks higher at 91.86%. The improvement in Tanzania's youth literacy rate is a positive sign, but it lags behind that of Trinidad and Tobago, which boasts a literacy rate of 91.70%. Continued investment in education and a sustained focus on improving educational outcomes will be crucial to further enhance Tanzania's youth literacy rate and close the gap with its peer countries.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 87.54% | - | - |
| 2025 | 87.54% | +0.47pp | #56 |
| 2022 | 87.07% | −0.48pp | #48 |
| 2020 | 87.55% | +1.79pp | #37 |
| 2015 | 85.76% | −3.05pp | #36 |
| 2014 | 88.81% | +2.87pp | #36 |
| 2012 | 85.94% | +7.54pp | #40 |
| 2002 | 78.40% | −3.35pp | #20 |
| 1988 | 81.75% | – | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tanzania matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tanzania's youth literacy rate was 87.54% in 2025. Ranked 56th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Tanzania's youth literacy rate peaked at 88.81% in 2014.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Tanzania was 78.40% in 2002.
Tanzania ranks 56th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tanzania's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 87.54% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Tanzania in 2025 was 87.54%. This ranks 56th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tanzania_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Tanzania Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tanzania/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}