Mauritania’s unemployment rate increased to 13.12% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 12.29% during the same period in 2024, according to the Central Bank’s annual report for 2025. The report also showed a decline in the employment rate, which fell to 43.45% from 44.37% a year earlier, with the services sector remaining the largest source of employment in the country.
Mauritania’s population was estimated at 5.18 million in 2025, with people of working age (14 to 64 years) accounting for 56.68% of the population. Young people aged 14 to 35 represented 36.92% of the total population, with an average age of 31 years.
The report highlighted significant gender and age disparities in the labor market. The employment rate among men stood at 60.20%, compared with 30.21% for women, while female unemployment reached 21.29%.
Youth unemployment remained high at 22.17% among those aged 14 to 35, compared with a national average of 13.12%. Urban employment declined to 43.15% in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 46.60% a year earlier, while rural employment increased from 41.31% to 43.87%.
The trade and services sector accounted for 51.50% of total employment, although its share declined from 62.27% in 2024. Meanwhile, the secondary sector’s contribution rose to 24.03%, driven by growth in agri-food and manufacturing industries, while agriculture, livestock and fisheries accounted for 24.47% of employment.
The Government’s 2025–2030 strategy aims to boost job creation through investment in human capital, entrepreneurship development, economic transformation and improved labour market systems through digitalisation and better data management.
