São Tomé and Príncipe: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in São Tomé and Príncipe?

No recent official unemployment or wage figures for São Tomé and Príncipe were found on the websites of the National Statistics Institute and the Central Bank, checked on 15 October 2026. The institute's employment page holds business statistics from 2006 and 2007 only.

The 2024 census report covers the working-age population and emigration but not unemployment. Treat any current unemployment rate quoted for the country as an estimate, not an official count.

Official sources: National Statistics Institute: employment statistics (in Portuguese) · National Statistics Institute · Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe

What is São Tomé and Príncipe's unemployment rate?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in São Tomé and Príncipe was 9.1% in 2025. The peak was 16.6% in 2006 and the low 8.7% in 2018. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 5.2%, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 14th highest of 45. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 37th highest.

How many young people in São Tomé and Príncipe are unemployed?

In 2025, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in São Tomé and Príncipe was 8.8%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 23.5%; its low point was 2018, at 8.3%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 8.8%; São Tomé and Príncipe is 22nd highest of 45. Worldwide: 119th of 174.

What share of people in São Tomé and Príncipe are in the labour force?

In 2025, the labour force participation rate in São Tomé and Príncipe was 23.3%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 23.1% (2020) to 24.0% (2009). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 64.3%; São Tomé and Príncipe is 45th highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 174th of 174.

How many women in São Tomé and Príncipe are working or looking for work?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate for women in São Tomé and Príncipe was 22.7% in 2025. The peak was 23.2% in 2019 and the low 22.6% in 2020. It is 44th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 57.3%. World rank, highest first: 162nd of 174.

What is the employment rate in São Tomé and Príncipe?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in São Tomé and Príncipe was 21.2%, according to the ILO. The peak was 21.8% in 2017 and the low 20.0% in 2006. It is 45th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 58.8%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 174th highest.

What is vulnerable employment in São Tomé and Príncipe?

35.0%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in São Tomé and Príncipe for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 38.8% in 2005 and the low 34.3% in 2019. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 67.6%, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 36th highest of 45. Worldwide: 75th of 174.

How many people in São Tomé and Príncipe are employees?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are paid employees in São Tomé and Príncipe was 56.0% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 51.9% (2005) to 56.6% (2019). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 29.0%, and São Tomé and Príncipe placed 11th highest of 45. Worldwide: 108th of 174.