Datasource:
Labour Force Survey
Period:
January, 2025 to December, 2025
Methodology:
From 2020 to 2024, Rwanda experienced an overall increase in Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for both females and males, with notable variations across areas of residence, age groups, and educational attainment levels.
At national level, the LFPR for females increased from 48.2% in 2020 to 55.6% in 2024, while the LFPR for males increased from 65.6% to 71.1% over the same period. Urban populations consistently exhibit higher labour force participation rates compared to those in rural areas.
In 2024, 64.8% of urban females and 79.5% of urban males were economically active. Comparatively, 51.9% of rural females and 67.4% of rural males were active in the labour market. In 2024, the labour force participation rate was high among individuals aged 25–34, reaching 71.1% for females and 88.7% for males.
The lowest participation was recorded among those aged 65 and above. The education level is highly correlated with labour force participation. In 2024, females with university qualifications had an LFPR of 85.2% compared to 54.7% of those with no formal education.
Similarly, males’ LFPR ranged from 72.0% (no education) to 90.4% (university degree). These trends reflect the critical role of education, age, and geographic location in shaping Rwanda’s labor force.