Zambia Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Zambia's services employment was 35.19% in 2025, ranked 21st globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Zambia's services employment stood at 35.19% in 2025, a rise of +0.53% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36.08% by 2026. Zambia ranked 21st globally.
Zambia’s services sector employment share has risen sharply from 18.16 % in 1991 to 35.19 % in 2025, positioning the country at 21st place globally and marking an all‑time peak in the most recent year. The ascent followed a pronounced trough of 16.81 % in 2005, after which the share expanded by more than 18 percentage points over two decades, reflecting structural shifts toward tourism, telecommunications and financial services. This trajectory outpaces that of regional peers such as Zimbabwe, whose services employment stood at 34.16 % in 2025, and aligns closely with Equatorial Guinea’s 34.75 % share, suggesting a broader Southern African move away from primary‑sector dependence. The sustained rise is underpinned by urbanisation, investment in digital infrastructure and policy reforms aimed at liberalising service markets. Continued diversification and improvements in education and skill development will be crucial to maintain the upward momentum, while any reversal in global demand or fiscal constraints could temper future growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 37.44% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 36.76% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 36.08% | - | - |
| 2025 | 35.19% | +0.53% | #21 |
| 2024 | 34.66% | +0.56% | #20 |
| 2023 | 34.11% | −0.10% | #21 |
| 2022 | 34.21% | +2.20% | #21 |
| 2021 | 32.01% | −0.20% | #21 |
| 2020 | 32.22% | −1.33% | #20 |
| 2019 | 33.54% | +3.26% | #19 |
| 2018 | 30.28% | +0.90% | #15 |
| 2017 | 29.38% | +0.22% | #16 |
| 2016 | 29.16% | +0.21% | #16 |
| 2015 | 28.95% | +0.30% | #15 |
| 2014 | 28.65% | +0.15% | #16 |
| 2013 | 28.50% | −0.06% | #16 |
| 2012 | 28.56% | +3.33% | #17 |
| 2011 | 25.22% | +2.85% | #13 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's services employment was 35.19% in 2025. Ranked 21st globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
Zambia's services employment peaked at 35.19% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Zambia was 16.81% in 2005.
Zambia ranks 21st globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's services employment is projected to reach 36.08% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Zambia in 2025 was 35.19%. This ranks 21st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_services-employment,
title = {Zambia Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}