Malawi: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Malawi?

Malawi's unemployment rate was 5.1% in 2025, according to the ILO modelled estimate published by the World Bank. For young people aged 15 to 24, the modelled rate was 6.9%.

These are model-based estimates from the International Labour Organization, not a direct survey result for 2025. The unemployment rate counts only people without any work who are looking for a job, so it does not capture people who farm or work only a few hours. No recent labour force survey results were found on the National Statistical Office site, checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Unemployment rate (ILO modelled), Malawi · World Bank: Youth unemployment rate (ILO modelled), Malawi

How much is the minimum wage in Malawi?

In 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Malawi was 90,000 MWK a month, according to the ILO. That is the highest since at least 2012.

What is the unemployment rate in Malawi?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Malawi was 5.1% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 5.7%; its low point was 2009, at 4.7%. It is 24th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 5.2%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 88th highest.

How many young people in Malawi are unemployed?

The ILO puts unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Malawi at 6.9% in 2025. The peak was 7.8% in 2020 and the low 6.5% in 2009. It is 26th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 8.8%. World rank, highest first: 133rd of 174.

What is the labour force participation rate in Malawi?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in Malawi was 62.6% in 2025. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 25th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 64.3%. Worldwide: 84th of 174.

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

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 58.2%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 57.3%; Malawi is 22nd highest of 45. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 58th highest.

What is the employment rate in Malawi?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 59.4%. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 76.8%; its low point was 2021, at 59.4%. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 58.8%, and Malawi placed 22nd highest of 45. Worldwide: 77th of 174.

How common is self-employment in Malawi?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Malawi at 59.9% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 67.6%; Malawi is 30th highest of 45. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 40th highest.

How many people in Malawi are employees?

38.7%: that is the share of workers who are paid employees in Malawi for 2025, according to the ILO. No year since 2005 has been higher. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 29.0%; Malawi is 16th highest of 45. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 132nd highest.