Back to the Zambian Scorecard

Zambia’s Unemployment Rate

#129 of 178 in the Unemployment Rate progress rankings

The Unemployment Rate quantifies the share of the labor force that remains without work while actively searching for jobs. It highlights economic challenges and the health of labor markets, serving as a key sign of employment conditions (lower is better)

Latest (2024)
6.0 %
Year-over-year
+0.1 %
Change since start (1991→2024)
-12.9 %

Key insights

  • From 1991 to 2024, Unemployment Rate changed by -12.9 %.
  • Most recent year-over-year change (2023→2024): +0.1 %.
  • Lowest level: 4.5 % in 2017.
  • Highest level: 19.7 % in 1993.

Unemployment Rate Chart (1991–2024)

*Average based on available data from 193 UN member countries

Unemployment Rate Table (1991–2024)

Unemployment Rate — Zambia
Year Unemployment Rate
1991 18.9 %
1992 19.5 %
1993 19.7 %
1994 18.6 %
1995 16.8 %
1996 15.3 %
1997 13.3 %
1998 12.0 %
1999 12.5 %
2000 12.9 %
2001 13.4 %
2002 14.1 %
2003 14.7 %
2004 15.3 %
2005 15.9 %
2006 13.2 %
2007 10.6 %
2008 7.9 %
2009 10.6 %
2010 13.2 %
2011 10.5 %
2012 7.9 %
2013 7.3 %
2014 6.6 %
2015 5.9 %
2016 5.2 %
2017 4.5 %
2018 5.0 %
2019 5.5 %
2020 6.0 %
2021 5.2 %
2022 6.0 %
2023 5.9 %
2024 6.0 %

Source: World Bank

As an Amazon Associate, World Scorecard earns from qualifying purchases. These popular, highly rated books cover global issues — from economic development and governance to education, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.