The 2025 Employment Survey, released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), indicates that the unemployment rate in Angola fell to 28.3% in 2025, down from 30.4% recorded in 2024. Despite this improvement, the labor market continues to face significant structural challenges, Lusa reported.
According to the report, the employed population increased by 9.6%, reflecting a positive trend in labor absorption over the period under review. This growth demonstrates some dynamism in the market, though insufficient to fully meet the needs of the labor force.
However, informality remains dominant. About 78.8% of workers are part of the informal economy, highlighting the fragility of formal employment in the country.
In rural areas, the situation is even more concerning. According to INE, the informality rate reaches approximately 95%, revealing significant disparities between urban and rural areas in access to formal and stable employment.
Youth unemployment remains the primary challenge. The rate stands at 51.8% among young people aged 15 to 24, reflecting persistent difficulties in integrating this age group into the labor market.
By sector, the primary sector accounts for about 46% of the workforce, followed by the tertiary sector, at 44.8%. Meanwhile, the manufacturing, construction, energy, and water sectors account for only 9.2%, indicating a lack of economic diversification.
The data also show that the average age of the unemployed is 25.9 years. The majority are women, who account for 53.2% of the total, highlighting this group’s greater vulnerability in accessing employment.
The 2025 results were calculated based on the first three quarters of 2025. According to the report, methodological changes introduced in the fourth quarter limited direct comparability with previous periods.
