West Africa's unemployment varies, with stability in Cape Verde, instability elsewhere

  • Cabo Verde maintained relatively stable unemployment rates, averaging around 13% from 1991 to 2015.
  • Nigeria's unemployment rate climbed to 5.742% in 2020, marking an increase compared to previous years.
  • Burkina Faso saw a sharp rise in unemployment, reaching 5.389% in 2022, the highest in its recorded history.
  • Niger experienced extreme unemployment fluctuations, with a peak of 3.1% in 2005 and a drastic drop to 0.316% in 2011.
  • Ghana experienced its highest unemployment rate of 10.456% in 2000.

West Africa reveals a mixed picture of unemployment stability and instability. Ghana, once grappling with double-digit unemployment peaking at 10.456% in 2000, has shown signs of stabilisation, with rates hovering around 3% in recent years. Meanwhile, Nigeria, the region's largest economy, has seen a steady climb in unemployment, reaching 5.742% in 2020, driven by structural challenges and external pressures. Burkina Faso stands out with a sharp surge in unemployment, hitting a record 5.389% in 2022. In contrast, Cabo Verde has maintained remarkable stability, with unemployment averaging 13% from 1991 to 2015.

Source:

World Bank

Period:

1990-2022
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