Zambia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Zambia's youth unemployment was 10.47% in 2025, ranked 75th globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Zambia's youth unemployment stood at 10.47% in 2025, a rise of +0.37pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 10.70% by 2026. Zambia ranked 75th globally.
Zambia’s youth unemployment rate has fallen sharply from an early‑1990s high of 33.63 % in 1991 to a 2025 level of 10.47 %, placing the country 75th in the World Bank ranking. The all‑time peak of 34.74 % occurred in 1993, after which a gradual decline set in, reaching an all‑time trough of 8.51 % in 2017 before a modest rise to the current figure. Over the 35‑year series, the downward trajectory outpaces many peers; for example, Ireland’s 2025 youth unemployment stands at 10.49 % and Poland’s at 10.70 %, both marginally above Zambia’s rate. The sustained reduction reflects expanded secondary education and targeted labour‑market programmes, yet the recent uptick suggests vulnerability to macro‑economic shocks. Continued investment in vocational training and private‑sector job creation will be crucial to maintain the downward trend and push the rate below the current level.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11.20% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 10.95% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 10.70% | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.47% | +0.37pp | #75 |
| 2024 | 10.10% | +0.06pp | #71 |
| 2023 | 10.04% | +0.19pp | #70 |
| 2022 | 9.85% | +0.48pp | #63 |
| 2021 | 9.36% | −1.68pp | #51 |
| 2020 | 11.04% | +0.69pp | #60 |
| 2019 | 10.35% | +1.60pp | #75 |
| 2018 | 8.75% | +0.23pp | #59 |
| 2017 | 8.51% | −1.99pp | #53 |
| 2016 | 10.51% | −1.86pp | #66 |
| 2015 | 12.36% | −1.64pp | #81 |
| 2014 | 14.00% | −1.71pp | #88 |
| 2013 | 15.71% | −1.45pp | #95 |
| 2012 | 17.16% | −6.06pp | #103 |
| 2011 | 23.22% | −5.95pp | #138 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's youth unemployment was 10.47% in 2025. Ranked 75th globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from the previous year.
Zambia's youth unemployment peaked at 34.74% in 1993.
The lowest youth unemployment in Zambia was 8.51% in 2017.
Zambia ranks 75th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 10.70% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Zambia in 2025 was 10.47%. This ranks 75th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Zambia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}