Zambia Industry Employment
Employment in industry SL.IND.EMPL.ZS
Zambia's industry employment was 10.28% in 2025, ranked 23rd globally. This represents a 2.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Zambia's industry employment stood at 10.28% in 2025, a rise of +0.27% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 10.17% by 2026. Zambia ranked 23rd globally.
Zambia’s share of its labour force employed in industry rose from 7.25 percent in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 10.28 percent in 2025, ranking it 23rd globally among 35‑year series. The sector’s lowest point occurred in 2000 at 4.87 percent, after which a gradual recovery accelerated in the 2010s and culminated in the 2025 level that surpasses peers such as Vanuatu (10.05 percent) and approaches Macao SAR, China (10.99 percent). The post‑2000 expansion reflects sustained investment in mining, manufacturing and construction, supported by government incentives and rising global commodity prices. Nevertheless, the industry’s contribution remains modest compared with the services sector, and vulnerability to external demand shocks persists. Continued diversification of industrial output, improvements in infrastructure and skill development will be crucial to maintain the upward trajectory and reduce dependence on commodity cycles.
Data & projection
| Year | Industry Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 10.27% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 10.22% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 10.17% | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.28% | +0.27% | #23 |
| 2024 | 10.01% | +0.09% | #21 |
| 2023 | 9.92% | +0.20% | #22 |
| 2022 | 9.72% | −0.45% | #21 |
| 2021 | 10.18% | +1.51% | #21 |
| 2020 | 8.67% | −0.42% | #15 |
| 2019 | 9.09% | −0.85% | #17 |
| 2018 | 9.95% | +0.19% | #21 |
| 2017 | 9.75% | +0.00% | #22 |
| 2016 | 9.75% | +0.01% | #22 |
| 2015 | 9.74% | +0.41% | #23 |
| 2014 | 9.33% | +0.45% | #20 |
| 2013 | 8.88% | +0.43% | #18 |
| 2012 | 8.45% | +0.59% | #17 |
| 2011 | 7.86% | +0.41% | #15 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw industry employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's industry employment was 10.28% in 2025. Ranked 23rd globally. This represents a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
Zambia's industry employment peaked at 10.28% in 2025.
The lowest industry employment in Zambia was 4.87% in 2000.
Zambia ranks 23rd globally in industry employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.IND.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's industry employment is projected to reach 10.17% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The industry employment of Zambia in 2025 was 10.28%. This ranks 23rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_industry-employment,
title = {Zambia Industry Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/industry-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}