Gabon: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Gabon?

Gabon's unemployment rate was 20.2% of the labour force in 2025, according to the modelled International Labour Organization estimate published by the World Bank. Youth unemployment, for ages 15 to 24, was 36.3%.

The ILO estimates are produced by a model that fills gaps between national surveys, so they change little from year to year. The latest national figure shown on the Directorate General of Statistics site is 14.8%, from the 2005 household survey (EGEP). The two numbers are not directly comparable, because they come from different methods and years.

Official sources: World Bank: Unemployment, total (modeled ILO estimate), Gabon · Directorate General of Statistics

What is the minimum wage in Gabon?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2024, is 150,000 XAF a month (about $247). It has not changed since 2012.

What is the unemployment rate in Gabon?

20.2%: that is the unemployment rate in Gabon for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 21.3% in 2020 and the low 16.9% in 2005. It is 4th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 5.2%. World rank, highest first: 5th of 174.

What is the youth unemployment rate in Gabon?

36.3%: that is unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Gabon for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 39.7% in 2020 and the low 32.2% in 2005. It is 6th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 8.8%. World rank, highest first: 12th of 174.

How many people in Gabon are working or looking for work?

51.1%: that is the labour force participation rate in Gabon for 2025, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 47.9% (2020) to 51.6% (2022). It is 41st highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 64.3%. Worldwide: 150th of 174.

What share of women in Gabon are in the labour force?

In 2025, the labour force participation rate for women in Gabon was 41.6%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 38.7% (2005) to 42.0% (2019). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 57.3%; Gabon is 41st highest of 45. Worldwide: 137th of 174.

What is the employment rate in Gabon?

The ILO puts the employment to population ratio in Gabon at 40.8% in 2025. The peak was 41.1% in 2023 and the low 37.7% in 2020. It is 40th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 58.8%. Worldwide: 154th of 174.

How many workers in Gabon are self-employed or family workers?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Gabon was 29.8% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 67.6%; Gabon is 40th highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 90th of 174.

What share of jobs in Gabon are salaried?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are paid employees in Gabon was 67.6% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 29.0%; Gabon is 6th highest of 45. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 85th highest.