Economy, jobs and prices in Somali, Ethiopia: official figures
9.0% of Somali's labour force (people aged 10 and over working or looking for work) was unemployed in the 2024/25 National Integrated Household Survey, about 227,000 people; 7th highest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 9.6%). In the February 2021 Labour Market Survey the rate was 12.1% (Ethiopia: 8.0%).
How many young people in Somali are unemployed?
Among young people aged 15 to 35 in the labour force, 13.1% were unemployed in Somali in 2024/25, 5th highest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 12.9%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service · saved copyHow many people in Somali have a job?
52.4% of people of working age in Somali were in work in 2024/25 and 57.6% were in the labour force, 4th lowest of the 14 regions and city administrations for the share in work (Ethiopia: 61.3% and 67.8%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service · saved copyAre women in Somali more likely to be unemployed?
Unemployment in Somali was 12.6% for women and 6.5% for men in 2024/25 (Ethiopia: 12.8% and 7.2%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service · saved copyIs unemployment higher in the towns of Somali?
Unemployment is higher in towns: the urban unemployment rate in Somali was 15.1% in 2024/25, against 8.1% in rural areas (Ethiopia: 17.2% urban, 7.4% rural).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service · saved copyDo people in Somali have clean drinking water?
40% of people in Somali lived in households with at least a basic drinking water service (an improved source within a 30-minute round trip) in 2024-25, 3rd lowest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 57%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service (with ICF, The DHS Program) · saved copyHow many homes in Somali have a proper toilet?
22% of people in Somali had at least a basic sanitation service (an improved toilet not shared with other households), 4th lowest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 31%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service (with ICF, The DHS Program) · saved copyHow Somali compares with other regional states
Unemployment rate (labour force aged 10+) (2024/25)
Somali ranks 7 of 14, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Unemployment rate (labour force aged 10+) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Oromia | 10.5% |
| 5 | Amhara | 9.2% |
| 6 | Afar | 9.1% |
| 7 | Somali | 9.0% |
| 8 | Sidama | 8.5% |
| 9 | Central Ethiopia | 8.4% |
| 10 | Harari | 7.3% |
Youth unemployment rate (aged 15-35) (2024/25)
Somali ranks 5 of 14, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Youth unemployment rate (aged 15-35) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Dire Dawa | 17.7% |
| 3 | Tigray | 16.3% |
| 4 | Oromia | 14.4% |
| 5 | Somali | 13.1% |
| 6 | Amhara | 12.2% |
| 7 | Central Ethiopia | 11.7% |
| 8 | Sidama | 11.4% |
Household population with at least basic drinking water (2024-25)
Somali ranks 12 of 14, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Household population with at least basic drinking water |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Tigray | 54% |
| 9 | Sidama | 52% |
| 10 | South Ethiopia | 46% |
| 11 | Central Ethiopia | 42% |
| 12 | Somali | 40% |
| 13 | South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region | 38% |
| 14 | Afar | 30% |
More on Somali: overview · health · Ethiopia
Sources
- Ethiopian Statistical Service (with ICF, The DHS Program): Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2024-25, Summary Report: regional indicator table (water, sanitation, fertility, child mortality), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 11639969304a…)
- Ethiopian Statistical Service: National Integrated Household Survey 2024/25: Labour Force Key Findings (Appendix Summary Tables 1 and 3, Tables B1-B4), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 621e313a7446…)
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