Economy, jobs and prices in South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region, Ethiopia: official figures
4.4% of South West Ethiopia's labour force (people aged 10 and over working or looking for work) was unemployed in the 2024/25 National Integrated Household Survey, about 83,000 people; 2nd lowest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 9.6%).
How many young people in South West Ethiopia are unemployed?
Among young people aged 15 to 35 in the labour force, 6.1% were unemployed in South West Ethiopia in 2024/25, 2nd lowest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 12.9%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service · saved copyHow many people in South West Ethiopia have a job?
73.5% of people of working age in South West Ethiopia were in work in 2024/25 and 76.9% were in the labour force, the highest of the 14 regions and city administrations for the share in work (Ethiopia: 61.3% and 67.8%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service · saved copyIs unemployment higher in the towns of South West Ethiopia?
Unemployment is higher in towns: the urban unemployment rate in South West Ethiopia was 9.6% in 2024/25, against 3.5% in rural areas (Ethiopia: 17.2% urban, 7.4% rural).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service · saved copyDo people in South West Ethiopia have clean drinking water?
38% of people in South West Ethiopia lived in households with at least a basic drinking water service (an improved source within a 30-minute round trip) in 2024-25, 2nd lowest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 57%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service (with ICF, The DHS Program) · saved copyHow many homes in South West Ethiopia have a proper toilet?
42% of people in South West Ethiopia had at least a basic sanitation service (an improved toilet not shared with other households), 2nd highest of the 14 regions and city administrations (Ethiopia: 31%).
Source: Ethiopian Statistical Service (with ICF, The DHS Program) · saved copyHow South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region compares with other regional states
Unemployment rate (labour force aged 10+) (2024/25)
South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region ranks 13 of 14, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Unemployment rate (labour force aged 10+) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Sidama | 8.5% |
| 9 | Central Ethiopia | 8.4% |
| 10 | Harari | 7.3% |
| 11 | Gambella | 6.3% |
| 12 | South Ethiopia | 5.6% |
| 13 | South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region | 4.4% |
| 14 | Benishangul-Gumuz | 4.1% |
Youth unemployment rate (aged 15-35) (2024/25)
South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region ranks 13 of 14, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Youth unemployment rate (aged 15-35) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Sidama | 11.4% |
| 9 | Afar | 10.5% |
| 10 | Harari | 8.7% |
| 11 | Gambella | 8.0% |
| 12 | South Ethiopia | 7.6% |
| 13 | South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region | 6.1% |
| 14 | Benishangul-Gumuz | 5.6% |
Household population with at least basic drinking water (2024-25)
South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region ranks 13 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 South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region: 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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