Zimbabwe Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Zimbabwe's youth unemployment was 15.55% in 2025, ranked 109th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's youth unemployment stood at 15.55% in 2025, a rise of +0.12pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 15.44% by 2026. Zimbabwe ranked 109th globally.
Zimbabwe’s youth unemployment rate stood at 15.55 % in 2025, ranking it 109th worldwide, and it remains well above the all‑time trough of 6.95 % recorded in 2014. The indicator rose sharply after that low point, reaching an all‑time peak of 16.98 % in 2022 before easing modestly to the current level. Over the 35‑year coverage period, the rate has more than doubled from the earliest figure of 10.63 % in 1991, reflecting persistent structural constraints in the labour market for young people. Zimbabwe’s performance is comparable to peer economies such as Kenya (15.25 %) and the Maldives (15.69 %), suggesting that regional dynamics and similar demographic pressures are at play. Continued investment in skills development, entrepreneurship support and formal sector expansion will be crucial to reverse the upward trajectory and bring youth unemployment down in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 15.26% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 15.35% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 15.44% | - | - |
| 2025 | 15.55% | +0.12pp | #109 |
| 2024 | 15.43% | +0.10pp | #109 |
| 2023 | 15.33% | −1.65pp | #109 |
| 2022 | 16.98% | +1.78pp | #115 |
| 2021 | 15.21% | +0.97pp | #95 |
| 2020 | 14.24% | +2.53pp | #85 |
| 2019 | 11.72% | +1.03pp | #89 |
| 2018 | 10.69% | +0.86pp | #79 |
| 2017 | 9.83% | +0.88pp | #69 |
| 2016 | 8.95% | +0.93pp | #54 |
| 2015 | 8.02% | +1.07pp | #42 |
| 2014 | 6.95% | −0.66pp | #38 |
| 2013 | 7.61% | −0.56pp | #41 |
| 2012 | 8.17% | −0.79pp | #46 |
| 2011 | 8.96% | −0.13pp | #57 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's youth unemployment was 15.55% in 2025. Ranked 109th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's youth unemployment peaked at 16.98% in 2022.
The lowest youth unemployment in Zimbabwe was 6.95% in 2014.
Zimbabwe ranks 109th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's youth unemployment is projected to reach 15.44% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 15.55%. This ranks 109th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_youth-unemployment,
title = {Zimbabwe Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}