Employment
The employment-to-population ratio (EPR) increased to 57.2 % in February 2026 (Q1), up from 56 % in February 2025 (Q1). This increase was observed across both sexes, with a gain of 1 percentage point among females and 1.4 percentage points among males.
In February 2026 (Q1), the EPR remained higher among males (64.4%) than females (50.8 %).
Unemployment
In February 2026(Q1), the unemployment rate was 11 % indicating roughly one unemployed person for every nine persons in the labour force. This rate remained stable as compared to the same quarter in 2025.
The unemployment rate was higher among females (12.8 %) compared to males (9.4 %) and youth experience a higher unemployment rate (13.4 %) compared to adults (9.4 %).
Labour underutilization
The unemployment rate alone does not fully reflect unmet employment needs. A more complete assessment requires consideration of other components such as time-related underemployment and potential labour force.
The labour underutilization rate stood at 55.9 % in February 2026 (Q1). This rate was higher among females (62.3 %) than among males (49.2 %) and was almost equal among youth (56.1 %) and adults (55.8 %).