Unemployment Rate Evolution in Ethiopia from 1994 to 2021

Ethiopia’s unemployment rate has fluctuated moderately since the 1990s, reflecting its agricultural economy and rural-based workforce. The rate remained low, around 3%, until a slight rise to 3.9% in 2021, reflecting urban migration and job market pressures. Ethiopia’s economic focus on infrastructure and industrial parks has created jobs, but rapid population growth and limited job diversity continue to challenge urban employment stability, especially as the economy seeks to transition to industry-based jobs.