2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND

SOCIAL SECURITY

202 1
LABOUR FORCE SURVEY
REPORT
i
 Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Zambia Statistics Agency
Government Complex, P.O. Box 32186
Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 31908
Lusaka - ZAMBIA
Lusaka - ZAMBIA
Tel: +260-211-225722
Tel: +260-211-251377/257603-5/253468/253908/250195
Fax: +260-211-225169
Fax: +260-211-253908
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mlss.gov.zm
Website: www.zamstats.gov.zm

ii
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY

ZAMBIA STATISTICS AGENCY

2021
LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

February, 2022

iii
 FOREWORD

This report presents the 2021 Labour Force Survey (LFS) annual results, arising from an analysis of a combined
dataset drawn from the quarterly 2021 LFSs. The primary objective of the LFS is to provide labour market
statistics for planning and policy formulation for development. Many Government documents such as the
National Development Plans (NDP), Ministerial Strategic Plans, Budget briefs, etc depend on the LFS data as
the main source for labour market statistics.

The Labour Force Survey report is enriched with social and demographic indicators such as employment to-
population ratio, labour force participation rate, unemployment rate and working conditions.

The use of labour market statistics and indicators is quite wide, as it enhances planning processes in
various aspects including employment creation, skills gap identification, training programmes, as well as
in determining the supply and demand of labour. Labour market statistics are critical in setting of global,
national and subnational goals and targets.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to all households in the country who rendered
their cooperation in providing responses to our data collectors during the implementation of the survey.

Further, I wish to thank the International Labour Organization (ILO), particularly the Lusaka Office for the
continuous support in providing capacity building among Labour statisticians and technical assistance during
the different phases in the implementation of the LFSs.

Our government partner, Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) and the provincial Zambia Statistics
Agency offices are appreciated for ensuring a successful implementation of the survey. I hope the results
contained in this report and the rich datasets upon which they are based will be effectively used by policy
makers, programme managers, researchers and other data users.

Mulenga J. J. Musepa
Interim Statistician General

February, 2022

iv
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

ACRONYMS
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange

CAPI Computer Assisted Personal Interviews

CRUPLF Combined Rate of Unemployed and Potential Labour Force

CSPro Census and Survey Processing System

CSA Census Supervisory Area

EA Enumeration Area

FISP Fertilizer Input Support Programme

ICLS International Conference of Labour Statisticians

ILO International Labour Organization

KILM Key Indicators of Labour Market

LFS Labour Force Survey

MLSS Ministry of Labour and Social Security

NDP National Development Plan

PACRA Patents and Companies Registration Agency

PLF Potential Labour Force

PPES Probability Proportional to Estimated Size

PSU Primary Sampling Units

PWAS Public Welfare Assistance Scheme

QLFS Quarterly Labour Force Survey

OVC Orphans and Vulnerable Children

SCT Social Cash Transfer

SFP School Feeding Programme

SPSS Statistical Package in Social Sciences

UN United Nations

WEP Women Empowerment Program

ZamStats Zambia Statistics Agency

ZRA Zambia Revenue Authority

v
Contents

FOREWORD iv
ACRONYMS v
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY viii
CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Methodology 1
1.2.1 Sample Design and Coverage 1
1.2.2 Sample Stratification and Allocation 1
1.2.4 Estimation Procedure 2
1.2.3 Sample Selection 2
1.2.5 Estimation Process 3
1.2.6 Data Collection 3
1.2.7 Data Processing 3

CHAPTER TWO: DEFINITION AND CONCEPTS 4

CHAPTER THREE: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS 6

3.1 Introduction 6
3.2 Population Size and Distribution 6
3.3 Relationship to Head of Household 9
3.4 Marital Status 9
3.5 Number of Households 11

CHAPTER FOUR: WORKING AGE POPULATION 12

4.1 Introduction 12
4.2 Working-Age Population by Rural/Urban and Sex. 13
4.3 Labour Force 15
4.4 Labour Force by Age Group 17
4.5 Labour Force Participation Rate (Activity Rate) 18

CHAPTER FIVE: EMPLOYMENT 20

5.3 Employed Population by Sex 20
5.4 Employed Population by Province 21
5.5 Employment-to-Population Ratio 22
5.6 Status in Employment 23
5.7 Institutional Sector 25
5.8 Highest Educational Attainment 26
5.9 Occupation 27
5.10 Industry 28
5.11 Type of Employment 31
5.12 Sector of Employment 32
5.13 Employed Population in the Agriculture and Non-Agriculture Sectors 33

vi
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

CHAPTER SIX: YOUTH EMPLOYMENT 36

6.1 Introduction 36
6.2 Youth Labour Force 36
6.3 Youth Employment 36
6.4 Youth Employment by Sector 38
6.5 Youth Status in Employment 39
6.6 Youth Employment by Industry 39
6.7 Youth Employment by Occupation 41
6.8 Youth Employment by Institutional Sector 42
6.9 Youth Employment by Highest Education Level Attained 43

CHAPTER SEVEN: INFORMAL ECONOMY 44

7.1 Introduction 44
7.2 Employment in Informal Economy 44
7.3 Employment in the Informal Economy 44
7.4 Employment within the Informal Economy by Industry 46

CHAPTER EIGHT: WORKING CONDITIONS 48

8.0 Introduction 48
8.1 Trade Union Density Membership 48
8.3 Trade Union Density Rate 49
Precarious Employment 51
Precarious Employment Rate 52
8.5 Youths in precarious employment 53
8.6 Youth Precarious Employment Rate 54
8.7 Weekly Hours of Work 55

CHAPTER NINE: OWN USE PRODUCTION WORK 57

9.1 Introduction 57
9.2 Own Use Production Work 57
9.3 Own Use Production by Type of Own Use 58
9.4 Youth Own Use Production Work 59
9.5 Youth Own Use Production by Type of Own Use 61

CHAPTER TEN: UNEMPLOYMENT 62

10.1 Introduction 62
10.2 Unemployed population 62
10.3 Unemployment rate 64
10.4 Youth Unemployed Population 66
10.5 Youths (15-24 Years) 66
10.6 Youths (15-35 Years) 67
10.7 Youth Unemployment Rate (15-35 years) 68
10.8 Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force (CRUPLF). 70
10.10 Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force 71

vii
 10.11 Youth Unemployed and Potential Labour Force 73
10.12 Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment and Potential Labour Force 73
10.13 Long-Term Unemployment 75
10.14 Long-Term Unemployed Population 75
10.15 Incidence of long-term unemployment rate 76
10. 16 Incidence of Youth (15-35 years) Long-Term Unemployment 78

CHAPTER ELEVEN: POPULATION OUTSIDE LABOUR FORCE 79

11.1 Introduction 79
11.2 Population Outside Labour Force 79
11.3: Population Outside Labour Force by Reason 82
11.4 Potential Labour Force 83
11.5 Composition of the Potential Labour Force 85
11.6 Youth Potential Labour Force 85
11.7 Discouraged Job Seekers 86
11.8 In Agriculture/Fishing for Family Use Job Seekers 88

CHAPTER TWELVE: NOT IN EMPLOYMENT OR EDUCATION AND TRAINING 90

12.1 Introduction 90
12.2 Proportion of Youth NEET 90
12.3 Number of Youth (15-35 years) NEET 91
12.4 Number of Youth (15-24) NEET 93

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: TIME-RELATED UNDEREMPLOYMENT 96

13.1 introduction 96
13.2 Time-Related Underemployment 96
13.3 Time-Related Underemployment by Occupation 97
13.4 Time-Related Underemployment Rate 98

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: AVERAGE MONTHLY EARNINGS FOR PAID EMPLOYEES, PAID INTERNS 99
AND APPRENTICES
14.1 Introduction 99
14.2 Average Monthly Earnings by Type of Employment 99
14.3 Average Monthly Earnings by Occupation 99
14.4 Average Monthly Earnings by Industry 101
14.5 Average Monthly Earnings by Province 102
14.6 Average Monthly Earnings by Highest Level of Education Completed 102

ANNEX I: KEY POPULATION INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE REPORT 104

viii
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

List of Tables

Highlights of the 2020 Labour Force Survey Results

Table 2.1: Selected Key Indicators of the Labour Market by Sex and Rural/Urban xiii
Table 1.1: Sample allocation by Province, 2021 2
Table 3.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021 6
Table 3.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population by Province and Sex, Zambia 2021 7
Table 3.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population by Relationship to Head of
Household, Zambia 2021 9
Table 3.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of Marital Status for the Population Aged 10 years
or Older by Sex, Zambia 2021 10
Table 3.5: Number and Percentage Distribution of Marital Status for the Population Aged 10 years
or Older by Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 11
Table 3.6: Number and Percentage Distribution of Households by Province and Rural/Urban,
Zambia 2021 11
Table 4.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of the working Age Population (15 years or older)
by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 13
Table 4.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Working-Age Population (15 years or older)
by Province and Sex, Zambia 2021 14
Table 4.3: Number and percentage Distribution of the Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021 15
Table 4.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Labour Force (15 years or older) by
Province and Sex, Zambia 2021 16
Table 4.5 Labour Force Participation Rate for population (Age 15 years or older) by Province and
Sex, Zambia 2021 19
Table 5.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021 20
Table 5.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population (15 years or older) by Age
Group, Rural/Urban, Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021 21
Table 5.3 Employment-to-Population Ratio by Sex and Province, Zambia 2021 22
Table 5.4: Percentage Distribution of the Employed population by Status in Employment and
Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 24
Table 5.5: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Institutional Sector, Rural/
Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 25
Table 5.6: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Educational
Attainment, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 26
Table 5.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population (15 years or older) by
Occupation, Rural/urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 28
Table 5.8: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population (15 years or older) by
Industry and Sex, Zambia 2021 30
Table 5.9: Number and Percentage Distribution of the employed population by Type of
employment, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 31
Table 5.10: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Industry and Type
of Employment (Formal/ Informal), Zambia 2021 32

ix
Table 5.11: Number and Percentage Distribution of the employed population by Sector of
Employment Rural Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 33
Table 5.12: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed population by Province, Agriculture
and Non-Agriculture Sectors, Zambia 2021 34
Table 5.14: Number and Percentage distribution of Employed Population by Type of Employment,
Agriculture and Non- Agriculture Sectors and Sex, Zambia 2021 35
Table 6.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Labour Force by Age Group and Rural/
Urban, Zambia 2021 36
Table 6.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Age Group and Sex,
Zambia 2021 37
Table 6.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Age Group and Rural/
Urban, Zambia 2021 38
Table 6.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Sector of Employment,
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 38
Table 6.5: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Status in Employment,
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 39
Table 6.6: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Industry, Rural/Urban,
Zambia 2021 40
Table 6.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Youth by Occupation, Rural/Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021 41
Table 6.8: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Institutional Sector,
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 42
Table 6.9: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Highest Level of
Education Attained, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 43
Table 7.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Sector of Economy
and Sex, Zambia 2021 44
Table 7.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population in the Informal Economy
by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 44
Table 8.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Trade Union Members by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021 48
Table 8.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population in Precarious Employment by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 51
Table 8.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youths in Precarious Employment by Rural/
Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 53
Table 8.4: Weekly Hours of Work by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 55
Table 8.5: Weekly Hours of Work by Sector of Employment and Sex, Zambia 2021 55
Table 8.6: Weekly Hours of Work by Industry and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 56
Table 9.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Own-use Production Work by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021 57
Table 9.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Own Use Production Work by Type of Own Use,
Rural/urban, Sex, Zambia 2021 58
Table 9.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Own Use Production Work by Rural/
urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 59
Table 10.1: Number and Percent Distribution of Unemployed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021 62

x
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Table 10.2: Number and percentage distribution of Unemployed Population by Province and Sex,
Zambia 2021 63
Table 10.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Youths (15-24 years) by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 66
Table 10.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Youths (15-35 years) by Sex
and Age Group, Zambia 2021 67
Table 10.5: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Population Plus the Potential
Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 70
Table 10.6: Number and Distribution of the Unemployed Youth and Youth Potential Labour Force
by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 73
Table 10.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of Long-Term Unemployed Population by Rural/
Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 75
Table 11.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population Outside the Labour Force by
Rural/urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 79
Table 11.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population Outside Labour Force by Reason
and Sex, Zambia 2021 82
Table 11.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021 83
Table 11.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Age Group and
Sex, Zambia 2021 84
Table 11.5: Composition of the Potential Labour Force Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 85
Table 11.6 Number and Percentage Distribution of the Youth (15-35years) Potential Labour Force
by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 85
Table 11.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Discouraged Job Seekers by Rural/Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021 86
Table 11.8: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Population in Agriculture/fishing for
Family Use Job Seekers by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 88
Table 12.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youths (15-35 years) Not in Employment,
Education or Training (NEET) by Sex, Zambia 2021 90
Table 12.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youths (15-35 years) Not in Employment,
Education or Training (NEET) by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 92
Table 12.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group and
Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 92
Table 12.4: Number and Percentage Distribution Youth (15-24) NEET by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021 93
Table 13.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Time-Related Underemployed Population by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 96
Table 13.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Time-Related Underemployed Population by
Occupation and Sex, Zambia 2021 97
Table 14.1: Distribution of Average Monthly Earnings by Sex, Sector of Employment and Rural/
Urban, Zambia 2021 99
Table 14.2: Distribution of Average Monthly Earnings by Type of Employment Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha) 99
Table 14.3: Average Monthly Earnings by Occupation, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
(Kwacha) 100
Table 14.4 Average Monthly Earnings by Industry, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha) 101

xi
List of Figures

Figure 3.1: Percentage Distribution of Population by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 6
Figure 3.2: Percentage Share of Population by Province, Zambia 2021 7
Figure 3.3: Percentage Distribution of Population by Age Group, Zambia 2021 8
Figure 3.4: Population Structure by Age Group and Sex, Zambia 2021 8
Figure 3.5: Percentage Distribution of Marital Status of Persons Aged 10 years or Older, Zambia
2021 10
Figure 4.1: Main Categories of the Working Age Population 12
Figure 4.2: Percentage Distribution of Working-Age Population (15 years or older) by Rural/Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021 13
Figure 4.3: Percentage Distribution of Working Age Population by Province, Zambia 2021 14
Figure 4.4: Percentage Distribution of the Labour Force by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 15
Figure 4.5: Percentage Share of the Labour force (15 years or older) by Province, Zambia 2021 16
Figure 4.6: Percentage Distribution of the Labour Force (15 years or order) by Rural/Urban and Age
Group, Zambia 2021 17
Figure 4.7: Percentage Distribution of the labour Force (15 years or order) by Sex and Age Group,
Zambia 2021 17
Figure 4.8: Labour Force Participation Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 18
Figure: 4.9: Labour Force Participation Rate by Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021 18
Figure: 4.10: Labour Force Participation Rate by Rural/Urban and Age Group, Zambia 2021 19
Figure 5.1 Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021 20
Figure 5.2: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Province, Zambia 2021 21
Figure 5.3: Employment-to-Population Ratio by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 22
Figure: 5.4 Employment-to-Population Ratio by Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021 23
Figure 5.6: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Status in Employment, Zambia
2021 23
Figure 5.7: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Status in Employment and Sex,
Zambia 2021 24
Figure 5.8: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Institutional Sector, Zambia 2021 25
Figure 5.9: Percentage Share of the Employed Population by Highest Educational Attainment,
Zambia 2021 26
Figure 5.10: Percentage Share of Employed Population by Occupation, Zambia 2021 27
Figure 5.11: Percentage Share of Employed Population by Industry, Zambia 2021 29
Figure 5.11: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Type of Employment, Zambia
2021 31
Figure 5.12: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Sector of Employment, Zambia
2021 33
Figure 5.13: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Agriculture and Non-Agriculture
Sectors, Zambia 2021 34
Figure 6.1: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Age Group, Zambia 2021 36

xii
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 6.2: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Province, Zambia 2021 37

Figure 6.3 Percentage Distribution of the Youth Employment by Sector, Zambia 2021 38
Figure 6.4: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Status in Employment, Zambia 2021 39
Figure 6.5: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Industry, Zambia 2021 40
Figure 6.6: Percentage Share of Youth Employment by Occupation, Zambia 2021 41
Figure 6.7: Percentage Share of Youth Employment by Institutional Sector, Zambia 2021 42
Figure 6.8: Percentage Share of Youth Employment by Highest Level of Education Attained, Zambia
2021 43
Figure 7.1: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population in the Informal Economy by Rural/
Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 45
Figure 7.2: Percentage distribution of Employed Population within the Informal Economy by
Province, Zambia 2021 45
Figure 7.3: Proportion of Employed Population in the Informal Economy by Province, Zambia 2021 46
Figure 7.4: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population in the Informal Economy by
Industry, Zambia 2021 46
Figure 7.5: Percentage distribution of Employed Population in the Informal Economy by Occupation,
Zambia 2021 47
Figure 8.1: Percentage Distribution of Union Members by Sex and Rural /Urban, Zambia 2021 48
Figure 8.2: Percentage Share of Trade Union Membership by Province, Zambia 2021 49
Figure 8.3: Trade Union Density Rate by Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 49
Figure 8.4: Trade Union Density Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 50
Figure 8.4: Trade Union Density Rate by Province, Zambia 2021 50
Figure 8.6: Percentage Distribution of Population in Precarious Employment by Sex and Rural/
Urban, Zambia 2021 51
Figure 8.8: Precarious Employment Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 52
Figure 8.7: Percentage Distribution of Population in Precarious Employment by Province, Zambia
2021 52
Figure 8.9: Precarious Employment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021 53
Figure 8: 11: Youth Precarious employment rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 54
Figure 8.10: Percentage Distribution of Youths in Precarious Employment by Sex and Rural/Urban,
Zambia 2021 54
Figure 8.12: Age-Specific Youth Precarious Employment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021 55
Figure 9.1: Percentage Distribution of Own Use Production Work by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia
2021 57
Figure 9.2: Percentage Distribution of Own use Production Work by Type of Own Use and Rural/
Urban, Zambia 2021 58
Figure 9.3: Percentage Distribution of Own use Production Work by Type of Own Use and Province,
Zambia 2021 59
Figure 9.5: Percentage Share of Youths in Own Use Production Work by Age Group, Zambia 2021 60
Figure 9.4: Percentage Distribution of Youth Own Use Production Work by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021 60
Figure 9.6: Percentage Distribution of Youths Own Use Production Work by Rural/urban, and Type
of Own Use Work, Zambia 2021 61

xiii
Figure 10.1: Percent Distribution of Unemployed Population by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 62
Figure 10.2: Percentage Distribution of Unemployed Persons by Highest Educational Attainment,
Zambia 2021 63
Figure 10.3: Unemployment Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 64
Figure 10.4: Age-Specific Unemployment Rate, Zambia 2021 64
Figure 10.5: Age-Specific Unemployment Rate by Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 65
Figure 10.6: Age-Specific Unemployment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021 65
Figure 10.7: Percentage share of Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021 66
Figure 10.8: Percentage Distribution of Unemployed Youths (15-24 years) by Sex and Rural/Urban,
Zambia 2021 67
Figure 10.10: Youth Unemployment Rate by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 68
Figure 10.9: Percent Distribution of Unemployed Youths (15-35 years) by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021 68
Figure 10.11: Age-Specific Youth Unemployment Rate, Zambia 2021 69
Figure 10.12: Age-Specific Youth Unemployment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021 69
Figure 10.13: Youth Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021 70
Figure 10.14: Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Population Plus the Potential Labour
Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 71
Figure 10.15: Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021 71
Figure 10.16: Combined Rate of Unemployment and the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and
Age Group, Zambia 2021 72
Figure: 10.17 Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Age Group and Sex,
Zambia 2021 72
Figure10.18 Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Youth and Youth Potential Labour Force by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 73
Figure 10.20: Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment Plus Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban
and Age Group, Zambia 2021 74
Figure 10.19: Youth Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021 74
Figure 10.21: Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Age Group and
Sex, Zambia 2021 75
Figure 10.23: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 76
Figure 10.22: Percentage Distribution of Long-Term Unemployed Population by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021 76
Figure 10.24: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment by Highest Education Attained, Zambia 2021 77
Figure 10.25: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment by Province, Zambia 2021 77
Figure 10.26: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment for Youths by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021 78
Figure 10.27: Incidence of Long-Term Youth Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021 78
Figure 11.1: Percentage Distribution of the Population outside Labour Force by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021 79
Figure 11.2: Percentage Share of the Population outside the Labour Force by Province, Zambia 2021 80

xiv
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 11.3: Percentage Distribution of Population outside the Labour Force by Province and Sex,
Zambia 2021 80
Figure 11.4: Percentage Distribution of Population Outside the Labour Force by Rural/urban and
Province, Zambia 2021 81
Figure 11.5: Percentage Share of Population Outside Labour Force by Age Group, Zambia 2021 81
Figure 11.6: Percentage Distribution of Population Outside Labour Force by Reason, Zambia 2021 82
Figure 11.7: Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021 83
Figure 11.8: Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Age Group,
Zambia 2021 84
Figure 11.9: Percentage Distribution of Youths in the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021 85
Figure 11.10: Percentage Share of Youths in the Potential Labour Force by Age Group, Zambia 2021 86
Figure 11.11: Percentage Distribution of the Discouraged Job Seekers by Sex and Rural/Urban,
Zambia 2021 87
Figure 11.12: Percentage Share of the Discouraged Job Seekers by Province, Zambia 2021 87
Figure 11.13: Percentage Distribution of the Population in Agriculture/Fishing for Family Use Job
Seekers by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 88
Figure 11.14: Percentage Share of the in agriculture/fishing for family use Job Seekers by Province,
Zambia 2021 89
Figure 11.15: Percentage Share of the Population in Agriculture/Fishing for Family Use Job Seekers
by Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021 89
Figure 12.1: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group, Zambia 2021 91
Figure 12.2: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group and Sex, Zambia
2021 91
Figure 12.3: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia
2021 92
Figure 12.4: Percentage Distribution of the Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Province, Zambia 2021 93
Figure 12.5: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-24) NEET by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021 94
Figure 12.6: Percentage Share of Youth (15-24) NEET by Age Group, Zambia 2021 94
Figure 12.7: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-24) NEET by Province, Zambia 2021 95
Figure 13.1: Percentage Distribution of Time-Related Underemployed Population by Sex and Rural/
Urban, Zambia 2021 96
Figure 13.2 Percentage Share of Time-Related Underemployed Population by Occupation, Zambia
2021 97
Figure 13.4: Time-Related Underemployment Rate by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 98
Figure 14.1: Average Monthly Earnings by Occupation, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha) 100
Figure 14.2: Average Monthly Earnings by Industry, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha) 101
Figure 14.3: Average Monthly Earnings by Province, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha) 102
Figure 14.4: Average Monthly Earnings by Highest Level of Education Completed, Zambia 2021
(Kwacha) 103

xv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The 2021 Labour Force Survey (LFS) covered a total of 470 Enumeration Areas across the ten provinces of
Zambia. The survey estimated a total population of 18,400,556 with 56.4 percent of the population residing in
rural areas and 43.6 percent residing in urban areas. Survey results further indicate that female population
accounted for 50.5 percent compared to the male population at 49.5 percent.

The working age population (15 years or older) was estimated at 10,049,191 in 2021. The labour force increased
to 3,615,507 in 2020 and Youth labour force was estimated at 2,033,232.

The population outside the labour force was 6,433,68 in 2021. Of this population, 1,558,753 was the estimated
potential labour force.

The employed population was estimated at 3,164,748. About a third of the employed population worked in
registered firms and institutions (i.e. formal sector), representing an absolute total of 936,941. Employed
population in the informal and household sectors were 1,373,657 and 854,151, respectively.

In 2021, 26.8 percent of the employed population had a social security cover on their jobs (formally employed).
The number of informally employed population was estimated at 2,316,336.

The employment to population ratio was 31.5 percent. The male and female employment to population ratio
was 39.0 percent and 24.3 percent, respectively. The unemployed population was estimated 450,759. Of the
total unemployed population, 38.7 percent were in rural areas and 61.3 percent were in urban areas.

The unemployment rate was estimated at 12.5 percent. The male unemployment rate was estimated at 11.4
percent and that of females was 14.1 percent.

The youth unemployment rate was estimated at 17.4 percent. The male youth unemployment rate was lower
for males at 14.9 percent compared to that of females at 21.2 percent.

The combined rate of unemployment and the potential labour force was estimated at 38.8 percent. It was
higher for females at 45.6 percent and 33.5 percent for males.

A total of 179,988 workers worked for less than 40 hours per week and were willing to work for additional
hours giving a time related underemployment rate of 5.7 percent.

The estimated average weekly hours of work was 41.3 hours, with rural areas reporting lower average work
hours of 34.5 hours compared to 44.7 hours in urban areas. Males had higher average weekly hours worked
than females at 43.2 hours and 38.4 hours, respectively.

The population that was involved in own use production work was 4,175,358 of which, 76.3 percent was in rural
areas and 23.7 percent in urban areas. Of the total population involved in own use production work, 1,727,616
was involved in the production of goods while 2,447,742 was involved in service provision.

The average monthly earnings for paid employees were estimated at K4,125, with males earning more at K4,
344 than females at K3,921. Managers earned the highest at K9,809 while the skilled agricultural, forestry and
fisheries workers earned the lowest at K2,073.

xvi
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Highlights of the 2020 Labour Force Survey Results

Table 2.1: Selected Key Indicators of the Labour Market by Sex and Rural/Urban
Item Total Male Female Rural Urban
Population 17,400,556 9,107,546 9,293,010 10,373,392 8,027,164
Working Age Population 15yrs or older 10,049,191 4,909,030 5,140,161 5,303,886 4,745,305
Labour force 3,615,507 2,161,123 1,454,385 1,240,469 2,375,038
Youth (LF) 2,033,232 1,232,010 801,222 742,003 1,291,229
Employed (Market production activities) 3,164,748 1,915,743 1,249,006 1,065,821 2,098,928
Youth Employed (Market production activities) 1,680,358 1,048,651 631,707 610,003 1,070,355
Formal/Informal Sector
Formal sector 936,941 653,048 283,293 1,065,821 2,098,928
Informal sector 1,373,657 855,788 517,869 513,760 859,897
Household 854,151 406,576 447,575 370,560 483,591
Type of Employment
Formal Employment 848,413 548,557 263,856 148,190 700,222
Informal Employment 2,316,336 1,331,893 984,443 917,630 1,398,706
Agriculture/Non-Agriculture Sector
Agriculture 747,036 477,746 269,291 569,430 187,607
Non agriculture 2,417,712 1,437,997 979,715 506,391 1,911,321
Unemployed 450,759 245,380 205,379 174,648 276,110
Youth Unemployment 352,874 183,359 169,515 132,000 220,874
Not in the Labour Force
Potential Labour Force 1,558,753 718,389 840,363 935,947 622,806
Youth Potential Labour Force 1,098,970 503,624 595,346 628,882 470,089
Outside the Labour Force 6,433,684 2,747,907 3,685,776 4,063,417 2,370,267
Rates
Employment to Population Ratio 31.5 39.0 24.3 20.1 44.2
Labour Force Participation Rate 36.0 44.0 28.3 23.4 50.1
Unemployment Rate 12.5 11.4 14.1 14.1 11.6
Youth Unemployment Rate 17.4 14.9 21.2 17.8 17.1
Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force (CRUPLF)
CRUPLF 38.8 33.5 45.6 51.0 30.0
Youth CRUPLF 46.4 39.6 54.8 55.5 39.2

xvii
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY

1. Background

The Labour Force Survey is a household-based sample survey conducted by the Zambia Statistics Agency in
collaboration with Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The LFS collects data on the labour market activities
from eligible individuals in selected households.

The major objective of the LFS is to measure the size of the labour force by its characteristics such as age, sex,
industry, sector of employment, education, etc.).

This report presents the key findings of the 2021 LFS based on the annual data set, arising from combining the
2021 quarterly datasets. It will, among other things, outline the methodology used, Key indicators of Labour
Market (KILM) which include: labour force participation rate, employment-to-population ratio, employment,
unemployment rate, time-related underemployment rate, working condition- related indicators and income.

While quarterly labour statistics serve as early warning indication for the changing economic conditions,
seasonal variations by sectors as well as validation of the growth of informal and formal jobs, annual labour
statistics provide a snapshot indication of the labour market situation for a particular point in time.

1.2 Methodology

1.2.1 Sample Design and Coverage

The sample design applied on the 2021 LFS is the Split-Panel Design. The design involves the selection of a
master sample of enumeration areas (EAs) or non-institutionalised private households in rural and urban
areas across the whole country. Four non-overlapping probability samples of EAs, forming a panel are selected
from the master sample. One panel is to be surveyed in each quarter. The sample is divided into 4 cycles, each
of which is to be surveyed within 3 months of a given quarter. The quarterly sample gives estimates that are
only reliable at national and rural/urban while the combined sample is to give estimates at provincial levels
and other domains.

1.2.2 Sample Stratification and Allocation

The sampling frame for the 2021 QLFS was one developed from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing.
The frame provides details of the province, districts, constituency and ward (i.e. names and codes), as well as
number of households and population for each EA. For the purposes of undertaking the survey, the number
of households and population are used for selecting EAs. The EA is the Primary Sampling Unit (PSU) for this
survey. The 2010 sampling frame had a total of 27,499 EAs from which 520 EAs were selected for the 2021
Labour Force Survey.

In order to have equal precision in the estimates in all the domains and at the same time take into account
variation in the sizes of the domains, the survey adopted the Square Root sample allocation method. The
allocated samples were multiples of four to facilitate for the rolling of equal samples during each of the four
cycles.

1
 1.2.3 Sample Selection

The QLFS employed a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design whereby 520 EAs as shown in Table 1.1
below, were selected with Probability Proportional to Estimated Size (PPES) in the first stage using the number
of households as the measure of size. In the second stage, 20 households were selected from an updated list
of households in a sampled enumeration area systematic random sampling (SRS).

Table 1.1: Sample allocation by Province, 2021

Number of Households Per
Province Number of EAs Per Quarter Number of EAs Per Years
Year
Central 12 48 960
Copperbelt 20 80 1,600
Eastern 12 48 960
Luapula 10 40 800
Lusaka 22 88 1,760
Muchinga 10 40 800
Northern 12 48 960
North Western 10 40 800
Southern 12 48 960
Western 10 40 800
Total 130 520 10,400

1.2.4 Estimation Procedure

Due to the disproportional allocation of the sample to the different strata (i.e. provinces), sampling weights are
required to ensure actual representativeness of the sample at national and sub-national levels. The product of
the inverses of the probabilities of selecting the EAs in the first-stage and of selecting the households in the
second stage are the weights for individuals in the dataset. The probability of selecting an EA was calculated
as follows:

Where:
= the first selection probability of EAs
= the number of EAs selected in stratum h
= the size of the ith EA in stratum h
= the total size of stratum h

The selection probability of the household is calculated as follows:

Where:

= the second selection probability of households

= the number of households selected from the ith EA of stratum h
= the total number of households listed in an EA

Therefore, the EA specific sample weight was calculated as follows:

Post-Stratification Adjustment

The base weights for the 2021 QLFS were adjusted so that the population obtained was comparable to ZamStats
projected mid-year population for 2021.

2
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Therefore, the final weight was obtained and applied accordingly.

1.2.5 Estimation Process

In order to correct for differential representation, all estimates from the QLFS data are weighted expressions.
Therefore, if yhij is an observation on variable Y for the jth household in ith EA of the hth stratum, then the
estimated total for the hth stratum is expressed as follows:

Where:
= the estimated total for the hth stratum
i = 1 to ah: the number of selected clustered in the stratum
j = 1 to nh: the number of sample household in the stratum
The national estimate is obtained using the following estimator:

Where:
= the national total estimate
K=1 to 10 is the total number of strata (10 provinces)

1.2.6 Data Collection

Data collection for the QLFS 2021 was done during the first two weeks of the last month of the quarter. A well-
structured electronic questionnaire configured on tablets (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing - CAPI)
was used to collect information from respondents through face-to-face interview process.
A total of 66 enumerators were hired to collect the data countrywide.

1.2.7 Data Processing

Raw data is captured in CSPro format which was later exported to SPSS files for editing purposes and analysis.

3
CHAPTER TWO
DEFINITION AND CONCEPTS
This section presents concepts and definitions used in the report.

Population is the total number of persons of both sexes 0 years of age or older in a given territory/state at a
specified point in time.

Working-age population is the number of population above a specified minimum age in a given territory/state
at a specified point in time. In Zambia, the minimum age for working-age population is set at 15 years.

Labour force refers to population of working-age who are either employed or unemployed at a given point in
time.

Labour force participation rate is a ratio of the labour force to the working-age population expressed as a
percentage. It measures the country’s working-age population that engages actively in the labour market,
either by working or looking and available for work relative to the population of the working-age.

Employed population is the number of persons who have a paid job either in cash, in kind or both; are in self-
employment or are in contributing family work (either currently at work or not). Workers who have a paid job
and are on leave, as well as those in self-employment but are absent from work during the reference period
due to various reasons such as inadequate raw materials, labour dispute, absence of business opportunities,
etc., are considered employed.

Employment-to-population ratio (also known as employment rate) is a ratio of the employed population to the
working-age population expressed as a percentage.

Formal sector (in the national context) refers to production units that are registered with any tax or a licensing
authority. Legally, registration of production units is a primary responsibility for PACRA, ZRA and local
authorities.

Informal sector refers to production units that are not registered with any tax or a licensing authority. Often
production units in the informal sector are characterized by lack of books of accounts, low investment levels,
meager workforce, and high likelihood of falling out of business.

Household sector refers to all households as producers of goods and services.

Formal employment is the type of employment in which employees are entitled to social security coverage and
contract in addition to annual paid leave, or any such entitlement and any legal registration for own account
workers/employers.

Informal employment is the type of employment characterized by lack of an entitlement to annual paid leave
and absence of social security. This type of employment could be found in both the formal sector and informal
sector production units.

Formal sector employment is the employment, whether formal or informal, in a registered production unit.

Informal sector employment is the employment, whether formal or informal, in unregistered production unit.

4
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Unemployed population refers to all persons in the labour force who are completely jobless and are available
and actively looking for work during a given reference period.

Unemployment rate is the ratio of the unemployed population to the total population in the labour force
expressed as a percentage.

Youth unemployment refers to proportion of unemployed youth aged 15 to 35 years in the labour force who are
without work but available and seeking employment.

Youth unemployment rate is the number of unemployed youth aged 15 to 35 years expressed as a percentage
of the youth labour force.

Time-related underemployment relates to the number of employed population whose hours of work in the
reference period are insufficient in relation to a more desirable employment situation in which the person is
willing and available to engage.

Time-related underemployment rate is the ratio of the underemployed population to the total employed
population expressed as a percentage.

Potential labour force is defined as all persons of working age who during the short reference period were
neither in employment nor in unemployment and:
(a) carried out activities to “seek employment”, were not “currently available” but would become available
within a short subsequent period established in the light of national circumstances or
(b) did not carry out activities to “seek employment”, but wanted employment and were “currently
available”.
Combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force is the summation of the unemployed and the
potential labour force populations expressed as a percentage.

Long-term unemployment refers to persons that have been unemployed continuously for one year or more.

Precarious work is the type of work, often for paid employees, whose contract of employment is of relatively
short duration or contract that can be terminated at short notice.

5
CHAPTER THREE
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 Introduction

This chapter provides information on demographic characteristics of the population. Variables presented
include population size, distribution, marital status, relationship to the head of the household and distribution
of households.

Demographic information is important in every survey undertaking as it provides a basis for the analysis of
population characteristics and their relationship with other determinants of population change. Specifically,
demographic information allows us to determine the thresholds for defining the working-age population as
well as the labour force.

3.2 Population Size and Distribution

Table 3.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population by sex in rural and urban areas. In
2021, the population was estimated at 18,400,556 of which 56.4 percent were in rural areas and 43.6 percent
were in urban areas.

Table 3.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 18,400,556 100.0 9,107,546 9,293,010
Rural 10,373,392 56.4 5,139,855 5,233,537
Urban 8,027,164 43.6 3,967,691 4,059,473

Figure 3.1 shows the percentage distribution of the population by sex and rural/urban. At national level there
were more females than males at 50.5 percent and 49.5 percent, respectively. This pattern of more females
than males was observed in both rural and urban areas.
Figure 3.1: Percentage Distribution of Population by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 3.1: Percentage Distribution of Population by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

50.5 50.5 50.6

49.5 49.5 49.4

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

6
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Table 3.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population by province and sex. All provinces
had more females than males except for North Western Province which had more males than females at 50.1
percent and 49.9 percent, respectively.

Table 3.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population by Province and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Province
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 18,400,556 9,107,546 49.5 9,293,010 50.5
Central 1,785,144 885,303 49.6 899,841 50.4
Copperbelt 2,737,042 1,365,357 49.9 1,371,686 50.1
Eastern 2,098,942 1,039,996 49.5 1,058,945 50.5
Luapula 1,309,809 644,185 49.2 665,624 50.8
Lusaka 3,478,847 1,716,769 49.3 1,762,077 50.7
Muchinga 1,143,376 562,782 49.2 580,594 50.8
Northern 1,569,832 779,798 49.7 790,034 50.3
North Western 979,698 490,464 50.1 489,234 49.9
Southern 2,198,166 1,090,928 49.6 1,107,238 50.4
Western 1,099,701 531,964 48.4 567,737 51.6

Figure 3.2 shows the percentage share of the population by province. Lusaka Province had the highest share
at 18.9 percent, followed by Copperbelt Province with 14.9 percent. The lowest percentage share was recorded
in North Western Province at 5.3 percent.
Figure 3.2: Percentage Share of Population by Province, Zambia 2021
Figure 3.2: Percentage Share of Population by Province, Zambia 2021
Lusaka 18.9

Copperbelt 14.9

Southern 11.9

Eastern 11.4

Central 9.7

Northern 8.5

Luapula 7.1

Muchinga 6.2

Western 6.0

North Western 5.3

7
Figure 3.3 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population by age group. Results show that
the age group 0-4 years had the highest proportion of the population at 17.4 percent while the age group 75-
79 years had the lowest at 0.5 percent.

Figure
Figure 3.3: 3.3: Percentage
Percentage Distribution ofDistribution
Population by of
AgePopulation by2021
Group, Zambia Age Group, Zambia 2021
80+ 0.6
75-79 0.5
70-74 0.7
65-69 0.9
60-64 1.3
55-59 1.8
50-54 2.3
45-49 3.3
40-44 4.1
35-39 5.1
30-34 6.1
25-29 8.0
20-24 9.3
15-19 10.7
10-14 13.0
05-09 15.0
00-04 17.4

Figure 3.4 shows the population structure by age group and sex. Zambia has a young population as shown by
the wider base of the population pyramid. The pyramid contracts as the age increases indicating that there
were more people in the younger age groups than in older age groups.

Figure
Figure 3.4: 3.4: Population
Population Structure
Structure by Age bySex,
Group and AgeZambia
Group and Sex, Zambia 2021
2021

80+

70-74

60-64

50-54

40-44

30-34

20-24

10-14

00-04
20% 15% 10% 05% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Female Male

8
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

3.3 Relationship to Head of Household

Information on the relationship to the head of the household was collected for all usual members of the
household. The head of household is defined as a usual member of the household that all members considers
as head and makes most of the day-to-day decisions regarding the running of the household.

Table 3.3 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population by relationship to the head of
household. Biological children to the head of household accounted for 48.1 percent of the total population.

The head of household constituted the second highest proportion at 20.9 percent, while the lowest proportion
of relationship to the head of the household was father/mother-in-law, grandparent and Uncle/aunt at 0.1
percent each.

Table 3.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population by Relationship to Head of Household, Zambia 2021
Relationship to Head Total Percent
Total 18,400,556 100.0
Head 3,852,777 20.9
Spouse (husband/wife) 2,389,213 13.0
Son/daughter 8,856,199 48.1
Step child 268,435 1.5
Brother/sister 313,621 1.7
Brother/sister in law 161,333 0.9
Grandchild 1,559,680 8.5
Nephew/niece 641,583 3.5
Cousin 64,957 0.4
Parent 56,142 0.3
Father/mother in law 18,198 0.1
Uncle/aunt 26,768 0.1
Grandparent 14,802 0.1
Son/daughter in law 33,803 0.2
Other relative 87,794 0.5
Non relative 55,252 0.3

3.4 Marital Status

This refers to the categorization of the population in relation to whether an individual is married, never married,
separated, divorced, widowed or cohabiting.

Figure 3.5 shows the percentage distribution of Marital Status of population aged 10 years or older. Of the total
population 10 years or older, the never married accounted for the highest proportion at 48.3 percent while
those that were cohabiting had the lowest at 0.1 percent.

9
 Figure 3.5: Percentage Distribution of Marital Status of Persons Aged 10 years
orPercentage
Figure 3.5: Older, Zambia 2021
Distribution of Marital Status of Persons Aged 10 years or Older, Zambia 2021

Never married 48.3

Monogamously married 39.2

Widowed 4.7

Divorced 3.9

Polygamously married 2.1

Seperated 1.7

Cohabiting 0.1

Table 3.4 shows the number and percentage distribution of marital status of population aged 10 years or older
by sex. Results show that males accounted for 51.1 percent of the monogamously married while females
accounted for 48.9 percent. There were more females who were polygamously married, separated, divorced
and widowed than males.

Table 3.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of Marital Status for the Population Aged 10 years or Older by Sex,
Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Marital Status
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 12,444,165 6,109,547 49.1 6,334,618 50.9
Never married 6,007,001 3,248,271 54.1 2,758,730 45.9
Cohabiting 18,307 7,720 42.2 10,587 57.8
Monogamously married 4,883,085 2,495,125 51.1 2,387,960 48.9
Polygamously married 259,910 97,218 37.4 162,692 62.6
Separated 214,366 70,957 33.1 143,408 66.9
Divorced 482,483 112,748 23.4 369,735 76.6
Widowed 579,014 77,508 13.4 501,506 86.6

Table 3.5 shows the number and percentage distribution of marital status of population aged 10 years or older
by rural/urban. Results show that rural areas accounted for 56.1 percent of the monogamously married while
urban areas accounted for 43.9 percent. There were more polygamous marriages in rural areas than urban
areas at 89.0 percent and 11.0 percent, respectively.

10
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Table 3.5: Number and Percentage Distribution of Marital Status for the Population Aged 10 years or Older by Rural/
Urban, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Marital Status
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 12,444,165 6,788,796 54.6 5,655,369 45.4
Never married 6,007,001 3,161,349 52.6 2,845,652 47.4
Cohabiting 18,307 7,373 40.3 10,934 59.7
Monogamously married 4,883,085 2,737,380 56.1 2,145,704 43.9
Polygamously married 259,910 231,340 89.0 28,570 11.0
Separated 214,366 92,720 43.3 121,645 56.7
Divorced 482,483 246,988 51.2 235,495 48.8
Widowed 579,014 311,645 53.8 267,369 46.2

3.5 Number of Households

Table 3.6 shows the number and percentage distribution of households by province and rural/urban. The
estimated number of households were 3,852,777 of which 54.8 percent of the households were in rural areas
while 45.2 percent were in urban areas. All the provinces had more households in the rural areas than in urban
areas except for Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces which had more households in urban areas at 85.9 percent
and 84.9 percent, respectively.

Table 3.6: Number and Percentage Distribution of Households by Province and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Province
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 3,852,777 2,111,858 54.8 1,740,919 45.2
Central 321,621 238,994 74.3 82,626 25.7
Copperbelt 599,265 90,559 15.1 508,705 84.9
Eastern 554,928 479,408 86.4 75,520 13.6
Luapula 248,896 186,841 75.1 62,055 24.9
Lusaka 794,957 112,010 14.1 682,947 85.9
Muchinga 219,222 157,177 71.7 62,045 28.3
Northern 270,530 217,440 80.4 53,090 19.6
North Western 208,833 133,415 63.9 75,418 36.1
Southern 412,008 300,204 72.9 111,805 27.1
Western 222,518 195,809 88.0 26,709 12.0

11
CHAPTER FOUR
WORKING AGE POPULATION
4.1 Introduction

This chapter presents information on the working age population and how it is categorised in the analysis of
labour market indicators. The working-age population refers to all persons above a specified minimum age
which varies from country to country.

In Zambia, the minimum working-age is 15 years. From the working age population two main categories are
derived mainly the Labour force and population outside the Labour force.

4.2 Categorisation of the Working Age Population (15 years or older)

Figure 4.1 shows the main categories of the Working Age Population. In 2021, the working-age population was
10,049,191 of which 3,615,507 persons were in the Labour Force and 6,433,684 were Outside Labour Force.

Figure 4.1: Main Categories of the Working Age Population

Working Age Population

10,049,191

Outside the Labour

Labour Force
Force
3,615,507
6,433,684

Potential Labour Force School/Training/Studies

Discouraged Job
Employed Unemployed Seekers 1,459,223
1,558,753
3,164,748 450,759 782,909

Family Responsibility
Time Related
Unemployed 1,104,489
179,988

Illness/Injury
164,911

Other
735,639

12
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

4.2 Working-Age Population by Rural/Urban and Sex.

Table 4.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of the working age population by rural/urban and
sex. The working-age population was 10,049,191 of which 52.8 percent were in rural areas and 47.2 percent
were in urban areas.

Table 4.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of the working Age Population (15 years or older) by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 10,049,191 100.0 4,909,030 5,140,161
Rural 5,303,886 52.8 2,594,505 2,709,381
Urban 4,745,305 47.2 2,314,525 2,430,780

Figure 4.2 shows the percentage distribution of working-age population (15 years or older) by rural/urban
and sex. At national level, females accounted for a higher percentage of the working-age population at 51.1
percent compared to males at 48.9 percent. Results by region showed a same pattern as at national level were
females had a higher percentage of the working-age population than males. In rural areas, males accounted
for 48.9 percent while females accounted for 51.1 percent. In urban areas, males and females accounted for
48.8 percent and4.2:
Figure 51.2 Percentage
percent, respectively.
Distribution of Working-Age Population (15 years or
older) by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 4.2: Percentage Distribution of Working-Age Population (15 years or older) by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

51.1 51.1 51.2

48.9 49.9 49.8

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

13
Figure: 4.3 shows the percentage share of the working age population by province. Lusaka province had the
highest percentage share of the working age population at 21.4 percent followed by Copperbelt province at
15.9 percent. Muchinga province had the least share of the working age population at 5.1 percent.
Figure 4.3: Percentage Distribution of Working Age Population by Province,
Zambia
Figure 4.3: 2021
Percentage Distribution of Working Age Population by Province, Zambia 2021

Lusaka 21.4

Copperbelt 15.9

Southern 11.6

Eastern 11.3

Central 9.2

Northern 7.8

Western 6.3

Luapula 6.2

North Western 5.3

Muchinga 5.1

Table 4.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of the working age population by province and sex.
All the provinces had more females than males in the working age population except for Southern province.

Table 4.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Working-Age Population (15 years or older) by Province and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Province
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 10,049,191 4,909,030 48.9 5,140,161 51.1
Central 920,379 443,390 48.2 476,989 51.8
Copperbelt 1,593,475 784,814 49.3 808,662 50.7
Eastern 1,133,200 564,917 49.9 568,283 50.1
Luapula 620,496 292,374 47.1 328,122 52.9
Lusaka 2,155,315 1,058,783 49.1 1,096,532 50.9
Muchinga 511,745 236,666 46.2 275,079 53.8
Northern 779,082 378,413 48.6 400,669 51.4
North Western 535,943 265,905 49.6 270,038 50.4
Southern 1,165,091 582,973 50.0 582,118 50.0
Western 634,465 300,797 47.4 333,669 52.6

14
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

4.3 Labour Force

The labour force constitutes two components, the employed and the unemployed population. These are people
who have a paid job; are running a business (i.e., farm or non-farm) or are contributing family workers within
a specified short reference period (i.e., in a day or one week), plus those who are not in employment but are
actively seeking paid work and/or business opportunities and are available for paid work and/or business
opportunities.

Table 4.3 shows number and percentage distribution of the labour force by rural/urban and sex. The labour
force was 3,615,507 of which 34.3 percent were in rural areas while 65.7 percent were in urban areas.

Table 4.3: Number and percentage Distribution of the Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 3,615,507 100.0 2,161,123 1,454,385
Rural 1,240,469 34.3 763,478 476,991
Urban 2,375,038 65.7 1,397,644 977,394

Figure 4.4 shows the percentage distribution of the labour force by sex and rural/urban. At national level,
the percentage of males in the labour force was higher than that of females at 59.8 percent and 40.2 percent,
respectively. The same pattern of having more males than females was observed in both rural and urban
areas. Figure 4.4: Percentage Distribution of the Labour Force by Sex and Rural/Urban,
Zambia 2021
Figure 4.4: Percentage Distribution of the Labour Force by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

40.2 38.5 41.2

59.8 61.5 58.8

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

15
Figure 4.5 shows the percentage share of the labour force by province. Lusaka had the highest percentage
share of the labour force at 31.9 percent, followed by Copperbelt Province at 19.2 percent. Muchinga Province
had the least percent share of the labour force at 4.3 percent.
Figure 4.5: Percentage Share of the Labour force (15 years or older) by Province,
Zambia
Figure 4.5: 2021Share of the Labour force (15 years or older) by Province, Zambia 2021
Percentage

Lusaka 31.9
Copperbelt 19.2
Central 10.4
Southern 9.6
Eastern 5.6
Northern 5.0
North Western 5.0
Western 4.8
Luapula 4.4

Table 4.4 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population in labour force by province and sex.
In all provinces, the males accounted for higher percentages of population in the labour force compared to
the females. In Luapula Province, males accounted for 63.7 percent while females accounted for 36.3 percent.

Table 4.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Labour Force (15 years or older) by Province and Sex, Zambia
2021
Total Male Female
Province
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 3,615,507 2,161,123 59.8 1,454,385 40.2
Central 374,765 213,309 56.9 161,456 43.1
Copperbelt 693,873 426,121 61.4 267,752 38.6
Eastern 202,847 126,802 62.5 76,045 37.5
Luapula 158,834 101,232 63.7 57,602 36.3
Lusaka 1,151,752 680,666 59.1 471,086 40.9
Muchinga 156,495 91,660 58.6 64,835 41.4
Northern 179,409 103,743 57.8 75,666 42.2
North Western 179,131 111,996 62.5 67,135 37.5
Southern 345,919 215,211 62.2 130,707 37.8
Western 172,482 90,383 52.4 82,100 47.6

16
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

4.4 Labour Force by Age Group

Figure 4.6 shows the percentage distribution of the labour force by rural/urban and age group. Results showed
that in the age group 15-19 years, urban areas accounted for 3.6 percent of the population in the labour force
while rural areas accounted for 9.3 percent. In the age group 30-34 years, urban areas accounted for 17.1
percent while rural areas accounted for 12.5 percent.
Figure 4.6: Percentage Distribution of the Labour Force (15 years or order) by Rural/Urban and
Age
Figure 4.6: Group, Zambia
Percentage 2021 of the Labour Force (15 years or order) by Rural/Urban and Age Group, Zambia 2021
Distribution

18.2
16.7 18.2 17.1
15.9

12.5
11.7 11.8
11.2
10.2
9.3 9.1
8.1

5.5
5.3
3.6 3.3
3.4 2.7 2.2 2.3
1.7

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+
Rural Urban

Figure 4.7 shows the percentage distribution of the labour force by sex and age group. In the age group 15-
Figure
19, males 4.7: Percentage
accounted Distribution
for 5.4 percent offorce
of the labour the labour Force accounted
while females (15 years for
or order) by Sex
5.9 percent. Results also
showed and
that Age Group,
the age groupZambia 2021
25-29 had a higher proportion of males than females at 19.2 percent and 16.8
percent, respectively.

Figure 4.7: Percentage Distribution of the labour Force (15 years or order) by Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021
19.2
16.8
15.315.9 15.7
13.8 13.3
12.8 11.1
11.5 8.7

5.4 8.8 5.8

4.8
5.9 3.2
3.5 2.2 2.0 1.8
2.6

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 64+
Male Female

17
4.5 Labour Force Participation Rate (Activity Rate)

Labour force participation rate measures the proportion of the labour force in relation to the working-age
population. It is a ratio of the labour force to the working-age population expressed as a percentage.

Figure 4.8 shows the labour force participation rate by sex and rural/urban. The overall labour force
participation rate was 36.0 percent. Males had a higher participation rate at 44.0 percent compared to females
at 28.3 percent. The urban participation was higher than that of the rural at 50.1 percent and 23.4 percent,
respectively. The pattern of higher participation rate for males than females was observed in both rural and
urban areas.
Figure 4.8: Labour Force Participation Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 4.8: Labour Force Participation Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
60.4

50.1
44.0
40.2
36.0
28.3 29.4
23.4
17.6

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

Figure 4.9 shows age-specific labour force participation rate by sex. The labour force participation rate for
males in the age group 25-29 years was 57.4 percent while that of females was 32.6 percent. In the age group
30-34 years, males accounted for 63.2 percent while females accounted for 38.5 percent.

Figure:
Figure: 4.9: Labour4.9: Labour
Force Force Rate
Participation Participation Rate
by Sex and Age by Sex
Group, and2021
Zambia Age Group, Zambia 2021
65.9 64.8
63.2
61.0
57.4 57.0

44.8 43.8 43.4 44.2

41.8
38.5
35.0 34.2
32.6 31.3
29.1
21.4 19.7
11.8 10.2
8.7

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+
Male Female

18
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 4.10 shows age-specific labour force participation rate in rural and urban areas. The age-specific
labour force participation rate in urban areas was higher than that of rural areas in all the age groups. In
urban areas, the participation rate was highest in the age group 35-39 at 75.4 percent. The age group 40-44
had the highest participation rate in rural areas at 34.4 percent.
Figure: 4.10: Labour Force Participation Rate by Rural/Urban and Age Group,
Figure: 4.10: Labour
Zambia Force Participation Rate by Rural/Urban and Age Group, Zambia 2021
2021
75.4 74.6
72.9
66.9 67.2
57.6 59.7
53.2

34.9 34.4
31.3 30.2 31.2 32.0
29.1
25.6
22.4 21.9 22.8

10.2 8.9
10.3

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+
Rural Urban

Table 4.5 shows the labour force participation rate for population aged 15 years or older by province and sex.
Lusaka province had the highest participation rate at 53.4 percent followed by Copperbelt province at 43.5
percent. Eastern Province had the lowest labour force participation rate at 17.9 percent. In all the provinces
the participation rate for males was higher than that of females.

Table 4.5 Labour Force Participation Rate for population (Age 15 years or older) by Province and Sex, Zambia 2021
Province Both Sexes Male Female
Total 36.0 44.0 28.3
Central 40.7 48.1 33.8
Copperbelt 43.5 54.3 33.1
Eastern 17.9 22.4 13.4
Luapula 25.6 34.6 17.6
Lusaka 53.4 64.3 43.0
Muchinga 30.6 38.7 23.6
Northern 23.0 27.4 18.9
North Western 33.4 42.1 24.9
Southern 29.7 36.9 22.5
Western 27.2 30.0 24.6

19
CHAPTER FIVE
EMPLOYMENT
5.1 Introduction

This section presents information on the characteristics of employed population. The employed population
comprises all persons of working age who in the short reference period were either in paid employment, self-
employment or contributing family workers.

5.2 Employed Population

Table 5.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of employed population by rural/urban and sex.
Results showed that that employed population was 3,164,748, of which 66.3 percent were in the urban areas
and 33.7 percent were in rural areas.

Table 5.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Rural/Urban Both Sexes Male Female
Number Percent Number Number
Total 3,164,748 100 1,915,743 1,249,006
Rural 1,065,821 33.7 656,465 409,356
Urban 2,098,928 66.3 1,259,278 839,650

5.3 Employed Population by Sex

Figure 5.1 shows the percentage distribution of the employed population by rural/urban and sex. At national
level, there were more employed males than females at 60.5 percent and 39.5 percent, respectively. The same
Figure
pattern was 5.1 Percentage
observed in both the Distribution of areas.
rural and urban the Employed Population by Rural/Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 5.1 Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

60.5 61.6 60.0

39.5 38.4 40.0

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

20
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

5.4 Employed Population by Province

Figure 5.2 shows the percentage distribution of the employed population by province. Lusaka province had
the highest share of the employed population at 33.1 percent followed by Copperbelt province at 19.3 percent.
Luapula province had the lowest share at 3.9 percent.
Figure 5.2: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Province, Zambia
2021
Figure 5.2: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Province, Zambia 2021

Lusaka 33.1

Copperbelt 19.3

Central 10.4

Southern 9.4

Eastern 5.6

Northern 5.2

Western 5.0

North Western 4.1

Muchinga 4.0

Luapula 3.9

Table 5.2 shows the percentage distribution of employed population (15 years or older) by rural/urban, sex and
age group. In all the age groups there were more employed males than females at national level, rural and
urban areas. At national level the age group with the biggest difference between males and females was 25-29
years with 65.3 percent and 34.7 percent, respectively.

Table 5.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population (15 years or older) by Age Group, Rural/
Urban, Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Age Group Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 60.5 39.5 1,065,821 61.6 38.4 2,098,928 60.0 40.0
15-19 154,489 60.3 39.7 95,082 59.8 40.2 59,407 61.2 38.8
20-24 362,205 63.9 36.1 163,171 67.0 33.0 199,035 61.4 38.6
25-29 545,975 65.3 34.7 188,792 65.4 34.6 357,183 65.2 34.8
30-34 503,749 59.8 40.2 129,848 59.6 40.4 373,902 59.8 40.2
35-39 472,692 56.4 43.6 121,654 58.1 41.9 351,039 55.9 44.1
40-44 385,953 58.7 41.3 119,834 59.0 41.0 266,119 58.5 41.5
45-49 293,886 58.6 41.4 91,061 57.7 42.3 202,824 59.0 41.0
50-54 183,222 64.0 36.0 62,001 62.2 37.8 121,222 64.9 35.1
55-59 115,908 57.3 42.7 37,833 65.7 34.3 78,075 53.2 46.8
60-64 79,928 54.5 45.5 29,548 55.5 44.5 50,380 53.9 46.1
65-69 42,870 64.0 36.0 17,938 63.3 36.7 24,932 64.5 35.5
70-74 11,275 61.6 38.4 4,233 31.4 68.6 7,042 79.8 20.2
75-79 7,399 55.5 44.5 3,018 73.7 26.3 4,381 43.0 57.0
80+ 5,197 52.6 47.4 1,809 40.2 59.8 3,388 59.2 40.8

21
5.5 Employment-to-Population Ratio

The employment-to-population ratio is defined as the proportion of a country’s working-age population that is
employed. A high ratio means that a large proportion of a country’s population is employed, while a low ratio
means that a large share of the population is not involved directly in market-related activities, because they
are either unemployed or (more likely) out of the labour force altogether.

Figure 5.3 shows the employment-to-population ratio by rural/urban and sex. The overall employment-to-
population ratio was 31.5 percent with males at 39.0 percent and females at 24.3 percent. The ratio for urban
areas was higher at than that of rural areas at 44.2 percent and 20.1 percent, respectively.
Figure 5.3: Employment-to-Population Ratio by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021
Figure 5.3: Employment-to-Population Ratio by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

54.4

44.2
39.0
34.5
31.5

24.3 25.3
20.1
15.1

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

Table 5.3 shows the employment-to-population ratio by province and sex. The province with the highest
employment-to-population ratio was Lusaka at 48.6 percent while Eastern had the lowest at 15.6 percent. In
all the provinces the employment to population ratio was higher for males than females.

Table 5.3 Employment-to-Population Ratio by Sex and Province, Zambia 2021

Province Both Sexes Male Female
Total 31.5 39.0 24.3
Central 35.9 42.3 29.9
Copperbelt 38.3 49.0 27.9
Eastern 15.6 19.5 11.7
Luapula 19.8 27.4 13.1
Lusaka 48.6 60.0 37.5
Muchinga 25.0 30.3 20.4
Northern 21.0 25.1 17.1
North Western 24.2 30.3 18.1
Southern 25.6 32.1 19.2
Western 25.0 28.0 22.3

22
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 5.4 shows the employment-to-population ratio by sex and age group. Across all age groups the
employment to population ratio was higher for males than females. Among males and females, the employment
to population ratio was highest in the age group 40-44 years at 61.2 percent and 41.8 percent, respectively.
Figure: 5.4 Employment-to-Population Ratio by Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021
Figure: 5.4 Employment-to-Population Ratio by Sex and Age Group, Zambia 2021

61.0 61.2
57.7 55.9
53.7
50.0 51.4
49.4 48.7
44.9 43.3
40.6 41.8 41.1 41.8
37.1 37.9 36.1
35.9
33.8 32.2 32.7
30.2
27.2 28.1 26.9
25.3
21.1
18.5
9.4 15.1
12.6 11.3 4.0
7.8 9.2 8.9 4.6
6.2 6.4 5.3
7.0

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80+
Both Sexes Male Female

5.6 Status in Employment

Figure 5.6 shows the percentage share of the employed population by status in employment. In 2021, majority
employed persons were working as employees accounting for 42.2 percent. The own account workers (self-
employed) accounted for 38.8 percent of the total employed population. The paid interns accounted for 0.2
percent. Persons employed as casual workers and domestic workers accounted for 2.5 percent and 1.7
percent, respectively.
Figure 5.6: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Status in
Em
Figure 5.6: ploymentDistribution
Percentage , Zambia 2of
02the
1 Employed Population by Status in Employment, Zambia 2021
Working for someone else for pay 42.2
An own-account worker (Not employing any
38.8
employee)
An employer (employing one or more employees) 6.7

Helping without pay in a household business 6.3

Casual employee 2.5

Domestic paid worker 1.7

Working as a paid apprentice 1.6

Working as a paid intern 0.2

23
Figure 5.7 shows the percentage distribution of the employed population by status in employment and sex.
In all the status of employment categories, there were more males than females except among contributing
family workers and domestic paid workers where females accounted for 63.6 percent and 64.8 percent,
respectively. The paid interns had the biggest difference between males and females at 78.9 percent and 21.1
percent,Figure
respectively.
5.7: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Status in
Employment and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 5.7: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Status in Employment and Sex, Zambia 2021

78.9 75.2 71.8 71.6

63.6 64.8
59.8
50.6
40.2 49.4 36.4 35.2
24.8 28.2 28.4
21.1

Working as a Casual An empoyer( Working for Working as a An own- Working Domestic paid
paid intern employee employing someone else paid account without pay worker
one or more for pay apprentice worker ( not in a
employees) employing household
any business
employee)
Male Female

Table 5.4 shows the percentage distribution of the employed population by status in employment and rural/
urban. Analysis by rural and urban shows that in all statuses of employment there were more population
employed in urban than rural areas except the contributing family workers category which had more employed
population working in the rural areas at 72.9 percent.

Table 5.4: Percentage Distribution of the Employed population by Status in Employment and Rural/Urban, Zambia
2021
Total Rural Urban
Status in Employment
Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 33.7 66.3
Working for someone else for pay 1,336,753 24.1 75.9
Working as a paid apprentice 49,426 21.9 78.1
Working as a paid intern 5,555 42.7 57.3
An employer (employing one or more employees) 210,489 25.3 74.7
An own-account worker (not employing any employee) 1,227,004 40.3 59.7
Helping without pay in a household business 200,811 72.9 27.1
Domestic paid worker 54,326 19.9 80.1
Casual employee 80,385 32.1 67.9

24
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

5.7 Institutional Sector

Figure 5.8 shows in percentage distribution of the employed population by institutional sector. In 2021, the
majority of the employed population were working in the private business/farms at 58.8 percent while those
working Finigthe
ureEmbassy/International
5.8: Percentage Distriorganization
bution of thewere
Empinlothe
yedminority
Populatatio0.1
n bypercent.
Institutional Sector,
Zambia 2021
Figure 5.8: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Institutional Sector, Zambia 2021

Private Business / Farms 58.8

Household 26.1

Cental government 8.5

Local government 2.6

Parastatal /State-Owned firm 2.0

Faith-Based organisation 0.8

NGO 0.6

Producers cooperative 0.5

Embassy international org 0.1

Table 5.5 shows the percentage distribution of the employed population by institutional sector, rural/urban
and sex. In 2021, all the institutional sectors had more males than females except the Household sector which
had more females than males, at 52.5 percent, and 47.5 percent, respectively.

Table 5.5: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Institutional Sector, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021
Total Rural Urban
Both Both Both
Institutional Sector Male Female Male Female Male Female
Sexes Sexes Sexes
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 60.5 39.5 1,065,821 61.6 38.4 2,098,928 60.0 40.0
Central Government 268,039 59.2 40.8 82,848 64.6 35.4 185,191 56.9 43.1
Local Government 81,139 56.5 43.5 13,057 44.1 55.9 68,082 58.8 41.2
Parastatal/State-owned firm 64,325 79.1 20.9 15,765 84.5 15.5 48,560 77.3 22.7
Embassy/International org. 2,242 64.0 36.0 528 100.0 - 1,714 53.0 47.0
NGO 18,339 73.0 27.0 4,457 95.2 4.8 13,882 65.8 34.2
Faith-Based organisation 26,555 66.8 33.2 9,143 62.3 37.7 17,412 69.3 30.7
Private Business / Farms 1,862,365 65.8 34.2 569,179 64.2 35.8 1,293,186 66.6 33.4
Producers cooperative 15,761 59.6 40.4 4,656 44.9 55.1 11,105 65.7 34.3
Household 825,984 47.5 52.5 366,188 56.3 43.7 459,796 40.5 59.5

25
5.8 Highest Educational Attainment

Figure 5.9 shows trends in percentage share of the employed population by educational attainment. In 2021,
employed population who attained secondary school (grade 8-12) had the highest percentage share at 56.4
percent while those with nursery education as the highest level attained had the lowest share of the employed
population at 0.1 percent.
Figure 5.9: Percentage Share of the Employed Population by Highest Educational
Figure 5.9:
AtPercentage
tainment, Share
Zambofia the
202Employed
1 Population by Highest Educational Attainment, Zambia 2021

Grade8-12 56.4

Grade 1-7 30.8

Certificate or Diploma 9.5

Bachelors degree 2.5

Masters degree or Higher 0.7

None / Nursery 0.1

Table 5.6 shows the percentage distribution of the employed population by educational attainment and rural/
urban. In all the levels of education attainment, there were more males than females that were employed in
all education levels. In rural areas, only those with no education/ nursery had more females at 61.6 percent
compared to males at 38.4 percent, while in urban areas the employed population with primary education had
more females than males at 53.2 percent and 46.8 percent, respectively.

Table 5.6: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Educational Attainment, Rural/Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Education Level
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Attainment
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 61.3 38.7 1,045,419 62.7 37.3 2,119,330 60.7 39.3
None/Nursery 2,166 56.0 44.0 1,547 38.4 61.6 619 100.0 -
Grade 1-7 974,689 52.1 47.9 492,042 57.3 42.7 482,647 46.8 53.2
Grade 8-12 1,785,696 66.5 33.5 473,927 68.2 31.8 1,311,769 65.9 34.1
Certificate/Diploma 301,416 60.1 39.9 62,002 64.0 36.0 239,413 59.0 41.0
Bachelors' degree 78,891 58.5 41.5 14,051 56.2 43.8 64,840 59.0 41.0
Masters' degree or
21,891 82.3 17.7 1,850 100.0 - 20,041 80.6 19.4
higher

26
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

5.9 Occupation

Occupation is a person’s principal task or job in his/ her workplace. The ISCO-08 categorizes workers into
ten major groups as follows:

• Managers
• Professionals
• Technicians and associate professionals
• Clerical support workers
• Service and sales workers
• Skilled agricultural, forestry and fisheries workers
• Craft and related trades workers
• Plant and machine operators and assemblers
• Elementary occupations
• Other occupations

Figure 5.10 shows the percentage share of the employed population by occupation. Results showed that the
service and sales workers occupation group accounted for the highest share at 29.8 percent, followed by the
elementary occupation group at 17.1 percent. The Clerical support workers represented the least share at
1.6 percent.
Figure 5.10: Percentage Share of Employed Population by Occupation, Zambia 2021
Figure 5.10: Percentage Share of Employed Population by Occupation, Zambia 2021

Service and sales workers 29.8

Elementary occupations 17.1
Skilled agriculture and forestry workers 14.6
Craft and trade related workers 10.5
Professionals 8.2
Managers 6.1
Plant and machine operators and assemblers 5.6
Technician and associated professionals 5.0
Other 1.6
Clerical support workers 1.6

Table 5.7 shows the percentage distribution of employed population by occupation, rural/urban and sex. In all
the occupations, the male employed population accounted for a higher percent compared to females except
in the Service and Sales Workers which had more females than males at 57.5 percent and 42.5 percent,
respectively. The same pattern was observed in rural and urban areas in all occupations except in the Service
and Sales Workers.

27
Table 5.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population (15 years or older) by Occupation, Rural/
urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Both Both Both
Occupation Male Female Male Female Male Female
Sexes Sexes Sexes
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 60.5 39.5 1,065,821 61.6 38.4 2,098,928 60.0 40.0
Managers 193,010 56.7 43.3 36,235 67.5 32.5 156,775 54.2 45.8
Professionals 258,542 55.9 44.1 69,158 59.5 40.5 189,384 54.5 45.5
Technician and
Associated 157,005 60.1 39.9 20,677 50.1 49.9 136,328 61.6 38.4
professionals
Clerical support
50,887 57.9 42.1 5,986 53.5 46.5 44,902 58.5 41.5
workers
Service and sales
942,434 42.5 57.5 213,647 43.4 56.6 728,787 42.2 57.8
workers
Skilled agriculture
and forestry 461,392 63.2 36.8 366,923 63.3 36.7 94,468 63.0 37.0
workers
Craft and related
332,357 85.3 14.7 92,871 78.2 21.8 239,486 88.1 11.9
trade workers
Plant and machine
operators and 177,785 95.8 4.2 28,147 99.3 0.7 149,638 95.1 4.9
assemblers
Elementary
539,957 66.2 33.8 199,506 66.3 33.7 340,451 66.2 33.8
occupations
Other 51,381 66.7 33.3 32,672 59.4 40.6 18,709 79.4 20.6

5.10 Industry

The classification of employed population by industry is important in the analysis of the labour market of
any given country. The broad structure of the ISIC revision 4 was used to classify the employed population in
Zambia as follows:

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing

• Mining and quarrying
• Manufacturing
• Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
• Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
• Construction
• Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
• Transportation and storage
• Accommodation and food service activities
• Information and communication
• Financial and insurance activities
• Real estate activities
• Professional, scientific and technical activities
• Administrative and support service activities
• Public administration and defense; compulsory social security
• Education

28
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

• Human health and social work activities

• Arts, entertainment and recreation
• Other service activities
• Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods and services producing activities of
households for own use
• Activities of extraterritorial organizations and bodies

Figure 5.11 shows the percentage share of the employed population by industry. The industry with the highest
share of employed population was the Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at
25.0 percent followed by the Agriculture, Forestry and fishing at 23.6 percent. The Electricity, gas, steam and
air conditioning industry had the lowest percentage share at 0.3 percent.
Figure 5.11: Percentage Share of Employed Population by Industry, Zambia 2021
Figure 5.11: Percentage Share of Employed Population by Industry, Zambia 2021

Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles 25.0
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 23.6
Manufacturing 10.5
Administrative and support service activities 5.8
Construction 5.3
Education 4.9
Transport and storage 4.4
Other service activities 3.7
Activities of households as employees 3.5
Accomodation and food service activities 2.4
Mining and quarrying 2.1
Public administration and defence; compulsory social 2.0
Human health social work activities 2.0
Professional, scientific and technical activities 1.1
Financial and insurance services 1.1
Information and Communication 0.6
Real estate 0.5
Arts, entertainment and recreation 0.5
Activities of extrateritorial organisation 0.4
Water supply; Sewaragewaster management and remedition activities 0.4
Electricity, gas steam and air conditioning 0.3

Table 5.8 shows the number and percentage distribution of employed population by industry and sex. In
all the industries the proportion of males was higher than that of females except in Wholesale and retail,
Accommodation and food service activities, Human health and social work activities, Activities of households
as employers, and Other service activities which had more females than males.

29
Table 5.8: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population (15 years or older) by Industry and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Industry Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 60.5 39.5 1,065,821 61.6 38.4 2,098,928 60.0 40.0
Agriculture, forestry and
747,036 64.0 36.0 559,430 64.0 36.0 187,607 63.8 36.2
fishing
Mining and quarrying 66,478 90.4 9.6 6,398 84.8 15.2 60,079 91.0 9.0
Manufacturing 330,933 74.6 25.4 81,867 57.5 42.5 249,065 80.2 19.8
Electricity, gas, steam
8,121 91.7 8.3 634 100.0 - 7,487 91.0 9.0
and air conditioning
Water supply; sewerage
waste management and 11,555 85.0 15.0 1,743 100.0 - 9,812 82.3 17.7
remediation activities
Construction 166,331 96.6 3.4 42,737 95.9 4.1 123,595 96.8 3.2
Wholesale and retail
trade; repair of
791,873 43.6 56.4 178,863 42.0 58.0 613,009 44.0 56.0
motor vehicles and
motorcycles
Transport and storage 140,674 96.2 3.8 23,926 100.0 - 116,748 95.4 4.6
Accommodation and
76,665 28.2 71.8 12,017 29.9 70.1 64,648 27.9 72.1
Food service activities
Information and
19,215 76.8 23.2 769 100.0 - 18,446 75.8 24.2
communication
Financial and insurance
33,841 55.2 44.8 3,405 88.8 11.2 30,436 51.4 48.6
services
Real estate 16,481 35.0 65.0 509 100.0 - 15,971 32.9 67.1
Professional, scientific
35,574 59.2 40.8 3,714 31.2 68.8 31,860 62.4 37.6
and technical activities
Administrative and
support service 183,035 69.4 30.6 32,327 67.4 32.6 150,707 69.8 30.2
activities
Public administration
and defence;
63,879 70.8 29.2 13,449 66.3 33.7 50,429 72.1 27.9
compulsory social
security
Education 153,493 51.6 48.4 52,667 63.5 36.5 100,827 45.3 54.7
Human health social
61,769 44.4 55.6 15,718 55.7 44.3 46,051 40.5 59.5
work activities
Arts, entertainment and
16,173 77.9 22.1 1,441 87.7 12.3 14,732 76.9 23.1
recreation
Other service activities 116,140 49.1 50.9 15,331 72.3 27.7 100,808 45.5 54.5
Activities of households
111,903 32.4 67.6 18,039 46.4 53.6 93,863 29.7 70.3
as employers;
Activities of
extraterritorial 13,582 46.1 53.9 834 100.0 - 12,748 42.5 57.5
organisations

30
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

5.11 Type of Employment

Employment can either be formal or informal. Formal employment is the type of employment in which
employees are entitled to social security coverage and contract in addition to annual paid leave, or any such
entitlement and any legal registration for own account workers/employers whereas informal employment
relates to employment in which the job holder is not entitled to any social security.

Figure 5.11 shows the percentage distribution of employed population by type of employment. In 2021, formal
employment was estimated at 26.8 percent while informal employment was at 73.2 percent.
Figure 5.11: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Type of
EmPercentage
Figure 5.11: ployment,Distribution
Zambia 20of 21the Employed Population by Type of Employment, Zambia 2021

73.2

26.8

Formal Employment Informal Employment

Table 5.9 shows the number and percentage distribution of the employed population by type of employment,
rural/urban and sex. Among the formally employed population, males accounted for 68.9 percent while
females accounted for 31.1 percent. The informally employed population had 57.5 percent male and 42.5
percent female.

Table 5.9: Number and Percentage Distribution of the employed population by Type of employment, Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Both Both Both
Type of Employment Male Female Male Female Male Female
Sexes Sexes Sexes
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 60.5 39.5 1,065,821 61.6 38.4 2,098,928 60.0 40.0
Formal Employment 848,413 68.9 31.1 148,190 70.6 29.4 700,222 68.5 31.5
Informal Employment 2,316,336 57.5 42.5 917,630 60.1 39.9 1,398,706 55.7 44.3

31
Table 5.10 shows the number and percentage distribution of the employed population by industry and type of
employment. The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry had a higher proportion of informally employed
persons than the formal employed persons at 89.2 and 10.8 percent, respectively. Similarly, Wholesale and
retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles industry had a higher proportion of informally employed
persons at 84.9 percent. The Public administration and defence; compulsory social security and Education
industries, accounted for a higher proportion of the formally employed persons than the informally employed
at 84.7 percent and 84.6 percent, respectively.

Table 5.10: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Industry and Type of Employment
(Formal/ Informal), Zambia 2021
Total Formal Employment Informal Employment
Industry
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 3,164,748 848,413 26.8 2,316,336 73.2
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 747,036 80,796 10.8 666,240 89.2
Mining and quarrying 66,478 53,518 80.5 12,960 19.5
Manufacturing 330,933 84,878 25.6 246,055 74.4
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 8,121 4,247 52.3 3,874 47.7
Water supply; sewerage waste management and remediation activities 11,555 7,278 63.0 4,277 37.0
Construction 166,331 21,106 12.7 145,226 87.3
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles 791,873 119,924 15.1 671,948 84.9
Transport and storage 140,674 30,203 21.5 110,471 78.5
Accommodation and Food service activities 76,665 20,742 27.1 55,922 72.9
Information and communication 19,215 11,372 59.2 7,843 40.8
Financial and insurance services 33,841 18,170 53.7 15,671 46.3
Real estate 16,481 1,833 11.1 14,647 88.9
Professional, scientific and technical activities 35,574 28,727 80.8 6,847 19.2
Administrative and support service activities 183,035 92,835 50.7 90,199 49.3
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 63,879 54,133 84.7 9,745 15.3
Education 153,493 129,852 84.6 23,641 15.4
Human health social work activities 61,769 47,134 76.3 14,635 23.7
Arts, entertainment and recreation 16,173 7,781 48.1 8,391 51.9
Other service activities 116,140 22,459 19.3 93,680 80.7
Activities of households as employers; 111,903 9,413 8.4 102,490 91.6
Activities of extraterritorial organisations 13,582 2,010 14.8 11,572 85.2

5.12 Sector of Employment

The labour market has three sectors of employment namely the formal, informal and household sectors.
Formal sector employment relates to a totality of jobs in establishments or enterprises that are registered with
a licensing authority. Informal sector employment relates to all jobs in unregistered enterprises. Employment
in households refers to all jobs carried out for households.

Figure 5.12 shows the percentage distribution of employed population by sector of employment. The proportion
of the informal sector was higher than that of the formal and household sectors at 43.3 percent, 29.6 percent
and 27.0 percent, respectively.

32
 Figure 5.12: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Popula2021
tion bLABOUR
y SectoFORCE
r of SURVEY REPORT
Employment, Zambia 2021
Figure 5.12: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population by Sector of Employment, Zambia 2021

43.4

29.6
27.0

Formal Sector Informal Sector Household Sector

Table 5.11 shows the number and percentage distribution of the employed population 15 years or older by
sector of employment, rural/urban and sex. The proportion of males was higher in formal and informal sectors
at 69.7 percent and 62.3 percent, respectively. Of the employed population in the household sector, females
accounted for 52.4 percent and males accounted for 47.6 percent. In urban areas, the proportion of males was
higher in the formal and informal sectors at 70.0 percent and 62.0 percent apart from household sector, where
females accounted for 59.1 while males accounted for 40.9 percent. In rural areas the proportions of males
were higher than that of females in all sectors of employment.

Table 5.11: Number and Percentage Distribution of the employed population by Sector of Employment Rural Urban
and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Sector of Both Both Both
Male Female Male Female Male Female
Employment Sexes Sexes Sexes
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 3,164,748 60.5 39.5 1,065,821 61.6 38.4 2,098,928 60.0 40.0
Formal 936,941 69.7 30.3 181,501 68.3 31.7 755,440 70.0 30.0
Informal 1,373,657 62.3 37.7 513,760 62.9 37.1 859,897 62.0 38.0
Household 854,151 47.6 52.4 370,560 56.5 43.5 483,591 40.9 59.1

5.13 Employed Population in the Agriculture and Non-Agriculture Sectors

Figure 5.13 shows the percentage distribution of employed population by agriculture and non-agriculture
sectors. The non-agriculture sector accounted for 76.4 percent of the employed population while the agriculture
sectors accounted for 23.6 percent.

33
 Figure 5.13: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Agriculture and Non-
Agriculture Sectors, Zambia 2021
Figure 5.13: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Agriculture and Non-Agriculture Sectors, Zambia 2021

76.4

23.6

Agriculture Non- Agriculture

Table 5.12 shows the number and percentage distribution of employed population in agriculture and non-
agriculture sectors by province. In Lusaka province, the proportion of employed population in the agriculture
sector was lower than in the non-agriculture sector at 9.8 percent and 90.2 percent, respectively. Of the
employed population in Northern Province, 52.7 percent were employed in the agriculture sector while 47.3
percent were employed in the non-agriculture sector.

Table 5.12: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed population by Province, Agriculture and Non-Agriculture
Sectors, Zambia 2021
Total Employed
Agriculture Non Agriculture
Province Persons
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 3,164,748 747,036 23.6 2,417,712 76.4
Central 330,441 129,470 39.2 200,972 60.8
Copperbelt 609,739 78,558 12.9 531,181 87.1
Eastern 176,660 36,395 20.6 140,266 79.4
Luapula 123,121 50,329 40.9 72,792 59.1
Lusaka 1,046,699 102,107 9.8 944,592 90.2
Muchinga 127,793 41,840 32.7 85,953 67.3
Northern 163,469 86,152 52.7 77,317 47.3
North Western 129,439 22,199 17.2 107,239 82.8
Southern 298,758 136,171 45.6 162,587 54.4
Western 158,629 63,815 40.2 94,814 59.8

34
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Table 5.14 shows the number and percentage distribution of employed population by type of employment,
agriculture and non-agriculture sectors. Employment formalization stands at 10.8 percent in the Agriculture
sector compared to 31.7 percent in the Non-Agriculture sector.

Table 5.14: Number and Percentage distribution of Employed Population by Type of Employment, Agriculture and
Non- Agriculture Sectors and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Employed
Agriculture Non-Agriculture
Type of Employment Persons
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 3,164,748 747,036 100 2,417,712 100
Formal Employment 848,413 80,796 10.8 767,616 31.7
Informal Employment 2,316,336 666,240 89.2 1,650,096 68.3

35
CHAPTER SIX
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
6.1 Introduction

This chapter provides information on youth employment. According to the National Youth Policy, a youth is a
person aged 15 - 35 years old. Therefore, the analysis of this section was based on the age group 15 - 35 years
old.

6.2 Youth Labour Force

Table 6.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth labour force by age group, sex, and rural/
urban. The Youth Labour Force was estimated at 2,033,232. Age group 30-35 years had the highest percentage
of the youth in the labour force at 33.9 percent while age group 15-19 years had the lowest at 10.0 percent.

Table 6.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Labour Force by Age Group and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Age Group
Number Percent Number Number
Total 2,033,232 100.0 742,003 1,291,229
15-19 202,339 10.0 115,858 86,481
20-24 483,984 23.8 207,271 276,713
25-29 658,056 32.4 225,583 432,474
30-35 688,853 33.9 193,292 495,561

6.3 Youth Employment

Figure 6.1 shows the percentage distribution of youth employment by age group. The age group 30-35 years
had the highest percentage of employed youths at 36.8 percent while the age group 15-19 years had the lowest
at 9.2 percent.
Figure 6.1: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Age Group, Zambia 2021
Figure 6.1: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Age Group, Zambia 2021

30-35 36.8

25-29 32.5

20-24 21.6

15-19 9.2

36
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 6.2 shows the percentage distribution of youth employment by province. Results show that Lusaka
province had the highest share of employed youths at 33.1 percent while Luapula Province had the lowest
share at 3.9 percent.

Figure 6.2:
FigPercentage
ure 6.2: PDistribution
ercentage D ofisYouth
tribuEmployment
tion of Youtby
h Province,
EmploymZambia
ent by2021
Province, Zambia 2021
Lusaka 33.1

Copperbelt 19.3

Central 10.4

Southern 9.4

Eastern 5.6

Northern 5.2

Western 5.0

North Western 4.1

Muchinga 4.0

Luapula 3.9

Table 6.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of employed youth by age group and sex. There were
1,680,358 youths in employment of which males accounted for 62.4 percent and females 37.6 percent. There
were more males in employment than females across all age groups.

Table 6.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Age Group and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Age group
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 1,680,358 1,048,651 62.4 631,707 37.6
15-19 154,489 93,211 60.3 61,278 39.7
20-24 362,205 231,421 63.9 130,785 36.1
25-29 545,975 356,255 65.3 189,720 34.7
30-35 617,689 367,764 59.5 249,924 40.5

Table 6.3 shows number and percentage distribution of employed youth by age group and rural/urban. Of the
total employed youths, 36.3 percent were in rural areas while 63.7 percent were in urban areas. The age group
15-19 years had more employed youths residing in rural areas at 61.5 percent than in urban areas at 38.5
percent. In the rest of the age groups, there were more employed youths in urban areas as compared to rural
areas.

37
Table 6.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Age Group and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Age group
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 1,680,358 610,003 36.3 1,070,355 63.7
15-19 154,489 95,082 61.5 59,407 38.5
20-24 362,205 163,171 45.0 199,035 55.0
25-29 545,975 188,792 34.6 357,183 65.4
30-35 617,689 162,958 26.4 454,730 73.6

6.4 Youth Employment by Sector

Figure 6.3 shows the percentage distribution of youth employment by sector. Results show that 43.2 percent
of the youths were employed in the informal sector while 30.3 percent were employed in the formal sector and
26.5 percent were employed in the household sector.
Figure 6.3 Percentage Distribution of the Youth Employment by Sector, Zambia 2021
Figure 6.3 Percentage Distribution of the Youth Employment by Sector, Zambia 2021

43.2

30.3
26.5

Informal Sector Formal Sector Household Sector

Table 6.4 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth employment by sector of employment, rural/
urban and sex. Of the total employed youths, 62.4 percent were male and 37.6 percent were female. In the
formal sector, 68.2 percent were male and 31.8 percent were female while in the informal sector, the males
and females accounted for 65.4 percent and 34.6 percent, respectively. The household sector had 49.4 percent
and 50.6 percent for males and females, respectively.

Table 6.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Sector of Employment, Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Sector of Both Both Both
Male Female Male Female Male Female
Employment Sexes Sexes Sexes
Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent Number Percent Percent
Total 1,680,358 62.4 37.6 610,003 63.0 37.0 1,070,355 62.1 37.9
Formal Sector 509,168 68.2 31.8 86,573 65.8 34.2 422,596 68.7 31.3
Informal Sector 725,211 65.4 34.6 311,596 65.0 35.0 413,615 65.7 34.3
Household Sector 445,979 50.9 49.1 211,834 59.0 41.0 234,144 43.6 56.4

38
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

6.5 Youth Status in Employment

Figure 6.4 shows the percentage distribution of youth employment by status in employment. Results show
that those working for someone else for pay accounted for the highest share at 46.1 percent while paid interns
accounted for the lowest share at 0.2 percent.
Figure 6.4: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Status in Employment,
ZaPercentage
Figure 6.4: mbia 2021Distribution of Youth Employment by Status in Employment, Zambia 2021

Working for someone else for pay 46.1

An own-account worker (not employing any
33.4
employees)

Helping without pay in a household business 8.4

An employer ( employing one or more employees) 5.1

Casual employee 3.1

Domestic paid worker 2.1

Working as a paid apprentice 1.6

Working as a paid intern 0.2

Table 6.5 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth employment by status in employment, rural/
urban and sex. Of the employed youths, there were more males than females in all status in employment
categories except in the category of the Helping without pay in a household business and domestic paid workers.

Table 6.5: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Status in Employment, Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Both
Status in Employment Male Female Male Female Male Female
Sexes
Number Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
Total 1,680,358 62.4 37.6 63.0 37.0 62.1 37.9
Paid Employees 774,752 72.5 27.5 75.5 24.5 71.5 28.5
Working as a paid apprentice 27,484 69.6 30.4 62.6 37.4 72.2 27.8
Working as a paid intern 2,780 72.7 27.3 100.0 0.0 47.8 52.2
An employer (employing one or more employees) 85,188 68.8 31.2 74.5 25.5 66.8 33.2
An own-account worker (not employing any employee) 560,536 52.9 47.1 60.1 39.9 47.0 53.0
Helping without pay in a household business 141,451 40.0 60.0 42.9 57.1 31.2 68.8
Domestic paid worker 35,730 36.3 63.7 37.6 62.4 36.1 63.9
Casual employee 52,437 77.6 22.4 77.8 22.2 77.5 22.5

6.6 Youth Employment by Industry

Figure 6.5 shows the percentage distribution of youth employment by industry. The highest percentage of
the employed youths were in the Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and the Agriculture,
Forestry and Fishing industries at 25.6 and 25.0 percent. The Real Estate industry had the lowest share of
employed youths at 0.2 percent.

39
 Figure 6.5: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Industry, Zambia 2021
Figure 6.5: Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Industry, Zambia 2021
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles 25.6
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 25.0
Manufacturing 9.8
Construction 5.1
Transport and storage 5.1
Administrative and support service activities 4.9
Other service activities 4.3
Activities of households as employees 3.9
Education 3.9
Accomodation and food service activities 2.5
Mining and quarrying 2.0
Human health social work activities 1.7
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 1.6
Finanncial and insurance services 1.3
Professional, scientific and technical activities 0.9
Arts, entertainment and recreation 0.6
Information and Communication 0.6
Water supply; seweragewaster management and and remedition activities 0.4
Activities of extraterritorial organisation 0.4
Electricity, gas, steam and air condtioning 0.3
Real Estate 0.2

Table 6.6 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth employment by industry, rural/urban. In all
the industries, there were more employed youths in urban areas than in rural areas except in the Agriculture,
forestry and fishing industry.

Table 6.6: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Industry, Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Total
Industry Total Rural Urban
Number Percent Percent
Total 1,680,358 36.3 63.7
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 419,253 79.6 20.4
Mining and quarrying 33,130 8.1 91.9
Manufacturing 164,729 27.6 72.4
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 4,279 11.8 88.2
Water supply; sewerage waste management and remediation activities 7,071 - 100.0
Construction 85,900 29.1 70.9
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles 430,663 25.0 75.0
Transport and storage 85,775 22.2 77.8
Accommodation and Food service activities 41,417 12.4 87.6
Information and communication 9,496 2.9 97.1
Financial and insurance services 21,228 13.1 86.9
Real estate 4,145 12.3 87.7
Professional, scientific and technical activities 15,041 8.1 91.9
Administrative and support service activities 81,824 18.1 81.9
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 27,094 15.5 84.5
Education 65,178 31.5 68.5
Human health social work activities 28,820 23.4 76.6
Arts, entertainment and recreation 10,369 8.9 91.1
Other service activities 72,935 8.8 91.2
Activities of households as employers; 66,006 18.1 81.9
Activities of extraterritorial organisations 6,003 2.8 97.2

40
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

6.7 Youth Employment by Occupation

Figure 6.6 shows percentage share of youth employment by occupation. Results show that 30.7 percent of
youths were employed as Services and Sales workers. Those employed as Managers accounted for 5.6 percent.
Clerical support workers occupation accounted for the second lowest share at 1.5 percent.
Figure 6.6: Percentage Share of Youth Employment by Occupation, Zambia 2021
Figure 6.6: Percentage Share of Youth Employment by Occupation, Zambia 2021

Service and sales workers 30.7

Elementary occupations 19.7

Skilled agriculture and forestry workers 14.5

Craft and related trade workers 9.9

Professionals 7.1

Plant and machine operators and assemblers 5.7

Managers 5.6

Technician and Associated professionals 4.1

Clerical support workers 1.5

Other 1.4

Table 6.7 shows number and percentage distribution of employed youths by occupation in rural/ urban and sex.
In all the occupations, males had a higher proportion of employed youths except those employed as Service
and Sales workers. Of the youths employed in the Plant and Machine Operators, and Assemblers occupation,
males accounted for over 90 percent across all the categories.

Table 6.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Youth by Occupation, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021
Total Rural Urban
Both
Occupation Male Female Male Female Male Female
Sexes
Number Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
Total 1,680,358 62.4 37.6 63.0 37.0 62.1 37.9
Managers 93,647 55.2 44.8 70.1 29.9 51.5 48.5
Professionals 119,386 54.6 45.4 57.4 42.6 53.8 46.2
Technicians and Associate Professionals 68,300 62.1 37.9 32.6 67.4 66.2 33.8
Clerical Support Workers 25,125 52.4 47.6 77.1 22.9 49.1 50.9
Service and Sales Workers 515,183 44.8 55.2 45.4 54.6 44.5 55.5
Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Workers 243,826 65.1 34.9 64.1 35.9 70.2 29.8
Craft and Related Trades Workers 165,828 87.3 12.7 77.0 23.0 91.9 8.1
Plant and Machine Operators, and Assemblers 95,381 97.2 2.8 98.9 1.1 96.8 3.2
Elementary Occupations 330,899 70.5 29.5 69.2 30.8 71.5 28.5
Other 22,783 70.3 29.7 66.9 33.1 75.6 24.4

41
6.8 Youth Employment by Institutional Sector

Figure 6.7 shows the percentage share of youth employment by institutional sector. The Private business/
farms had the highest share of youth employment at 61.0 percent while the Faith based organisations. NGOs,
Producers’ Cooperatives, and Embassies/International sectors all accounted for less than 1.0 percent.
Figure 6.7: Percentage Share of Youth Employment by Institutional Sector, Zambia
20Percentage
Figure 6.7: 21 Share of Youth Employment by Institutional Sector, Zambia 2021

Private business / Farm 61.0

Households 26.5

Central Government 6.3

Local Government 2.8

Parastatal / State-owned firm 1.4

Faith-based organisations 0.8

NGOs 0.5

Producers cooperatives 0.5

Embassy / International organisation 0.1

Table 6.8 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth employment by institutional sector rural/
urban and sex. At national level, there were more male than female youths employed in all institutional sectors.

Table 6.8: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Institutional Sector, Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Institutional Sector Both Sexes Male Female Male Female Male Female
Number Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
Total 1,680,358 62.4 37.6 63.0 37.0 62.1 37.9
Central Government 106,504 59.4 40.6 64.6 35.4 57.3 42.7
Local Government 46,909 52.6 47.4 36.6 63.4 56.5 43.5
Parasternal/State-owned firm 23,590 81.5 18.5 81.2 18.8 81.6 18.4
Embassy/International org. 1,325 100.0 0.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 0.0
NGO 8,517 76.5 23.5 100.0 0.0 65.1 34.9
Faith-Based organisation 14,268 76.8 23.2 53.0 47.0 96.0 4.0
Private Business / Farms 1,025,227 67.3 32.7 65.7 34.3 68.2 31.8
Producers’ cooperative 8,039 65.1 34.9 32.2 67.8 75.5 24.5
Household 445,979 50.9 49.1 59.0 41.0 43.6 56.4

42
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

6.9 Youth Employment by Highest Education Level Attained

Figure 6.8 shows the percentage share of youth employment by highest level of education attained. The
employed youths whose highest level of education attained was Secondary (Grade 8-12) had the highest
percentage share at 59.6 percent while those with None/Nursery had the lowest share of the employed youths
at 0.1 percent.
Figure 6.8: Percentage Share of Youth Employment by Highest Level of Education
AtPercentage
Figure 6.8: tained, Zam bia 2of0Youth
Share 21 Employment by Highest Level of Education Attained, Zambia 2021

Secondary ( Grade 8-12) 59.6

Primary (Grade 1-7) 26.4

Diploma/ Certificate 8.4

Not stated 3.4

Bachelors degree 0.8

Masters degree or higher 0.2

None / Nursery 0.1

Table 6.9 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth employment by highest level of education
attained, rural/urban and sex. Across all levels of education, male youths accounted for the highest proportion
of employed youths than females.

Table 6.9: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Employment by Highest Level of Education Attained, Rural/
Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Highest Education Level
Both Sexes Male Female Male Female Male Female
Attained
Number Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent
Total 1,680,358 62.4 37.6 63.0 37.0 62.1 37.9
None/Nursery 1,511 39.4 60.6 0.0 100.0 100.0 0.0
Primary (Grade 1-7) 443,918 56.6 43.4 59.1 40.9 53.5 46.5
Secondary (Grade 8-12) 1,001,746 65.8 34.2 67.1 32.9 65.2 34.8
Certificate/Diploma 141,476 61.4 38.6 67.5 32.5 60.0 40.0
Bachelors' degree 30,413 59.0 41.0 57.0 43.0 59.3 40.7
Masters' degree or higher 3,733 52.8 47.2 0.0 0.0 52.8 47.2
Not stated 57,561 53.4 46.6 53.1 46.9 53.7 46.3

43
CHAPTER SEVEN
INFORMAL ECONOMY
7.1 Introduction

This chapter presents statistics on the informal economy in Zambia. The term “Informal Economy” refers
to all economic activities by workers and economic units that are – in law or in practice – not covered or
insufficiently covered by formal arrangements. This implies workers who are employed in the informal sector
and those in informal employment.

7.2 Employment in Informal Economy

Table 7.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of employed population by sector of the economy and
Sex. In 2021 there were 3,164,748 employed persons of which 65.0 percent were in the informal economy while
35.0 percent were in the formal economy.

Table 7.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population by Sector of Economy and Sex, Zambia 2021
Sector Both Sex Percent Male Female
Total 3,164,748 100 1,915,743 1,249,006
Formal economy 1,108,429 35.0 771,862 336,567
Informal economy 2,056,320 65.0 1,143,881 912,439

7.3 Employment in the Informal Economy

Table 7.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of employed population in the informal economy by
sex and rural/urban areas. Of the total employed population in the informal economy, 41.9 percent were in
rural areas while 58.1 percent were in the urban areas.

Table 7.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Employed Population in the Informal Economy by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Rural/Urban Both Sexes Percent Male Female
Total 2,056,320 100.0 1,143,881 912,439
Rural 862,012 41.9 513,366 348,646
Urban 1,194,308 58.1 630,515 563,793

Figure 7.1 shows the percentage distribution of employed population in the informal economy by rural/urban
and sex. Results show that of the total employed population in the informal economy, 55.6 percent were males
while 44.4 percent were females. In rural areas, 59.6 percent of the employed population in informal economy
were males and 40.4 percent were females. In urban areas 52.8 percent were males and 47.2 percent were
females.

44
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT
Figure 7.1: Percentage Distribution of Employed Population in the Informal Economy by
RuPercentage
Figure 7.1: ral/Urban aDistribution
nd Sex, ZamofbiEmployed
a 2021 Population in the Informal Economy by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021

59.6
55.6
52.8
47.2
44.4
40.4

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

Figure 7.2 shows the percentage distribution of employed population in the informal economy by province.
Lusaka Province had the highest share at 27.5 percent followed by Copperbelt Province at 17.5 percent.
Muchinga Province had the lowest share at 4.3 percent.
Figure 7.2: Percentage distribution of Employed Population within the Informal
EcPercentage
Figure 7.2: onomy by distribution
Province, Zofambia 202Population
Employed 1 within the Informal Economy by Province, Zambia 2021

Muchinga 4.3

North Western 4.6

Luapula 5.0

Eastern 5.7

Western 6.3

Northern 6.6

Southern 9.8

Central 12.7

Copperbelt 17.5

Lusaka 27.5

45
Figure 7.3 shows the proportion of employed population in the informal economy by province. This proportion is
derived from the total employed population within the province. Northern Province had the highest proportion
of employed population in the informal economy at 82.9 percent. Lusaka Province had the lowest proportion
of employed population in the informal economy at 54.1 percent.
Figure 7.3: Proportion of Employed Population in the Informal Economy by Province,
ZaProportion
Figure 7.3: mbia 202of1 Employed Population in the Informal Economy by Province, Zambia 2021

Lusaka 54.1
Copperbelt 59.0
Total 65.0
Eastern 66.9
Southern 67.5
Muchinga 69.5
North Western 73.0
Central 79.0
Western 81.1
Luapula 82.8
Northern 82.9

7.4 Employment within the Informal Economy by Industry

Figure 7.4 shows the percentage distribution of employed population in the informal economy by industry.
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Industry had the highest percentage share at 30.8 percent followed by
Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles Industry at 30.0 percent. The Electricity,
gas, steam and air conditioning industry had the lowest percentage share at 0.02 percent.
Figure 7.4: Percentage Distribution of the Employed Population in the Informal
EcPercentage
Figure 7.4: onomy by Distribution
Industry, Zof
amthe
biaEmployed
2021 Population in the Informal Economy by Industry, Zambia 2021
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 0.0
Water supply; seweragewaster management and remediation activities 0.1
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 0.1
Professional, scientific and technical activities 0.2
Information and Communication 0.3
Arts, entertainment and recreation 0.4
Human health social work activities 0.4
Mining and quarrying 0.4
Financial and insurance services 0.5
Education 0.5
Activities of extraterritotial organisation 0.5
Real estates 0.7
Accomodation and food service activities 2.3
Administrative and support service activities
Transport and storage 3.8
Other service activities 4.1
Activities of households as employees 4.9
Construction 6.7
Manufacturing 9.8
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles 30.0
Agriculture, Forestry and fishing 30.8

46
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 7.5 shows the percentage distribution of employed population in the informal economy by occupation.
Of the total population employed in the informal economy 31.7 percent were Service and sales workers. The
clerical workers occupation had the lowest percent share at 0.7 percent.
Figure 7.5: Percentage distribution of Employed Population in the Informal Economy
byPercentage
Figure 7.5: Occupatiodistribution
n, Zambiaof20Employed
21 Population in the Informal Economy by Occupation, Zambia 2021

Clerical support workers 0.7

Other 1.2

Professionals 2.0

Technicain and associated professionals 2.7

Plant machine operators and assemblers 3.8

Managers 4.9

Craft and related trade workers 12.8

Elementary occupation 18.5

Skilled agriculture and forestry workers 21.7

Service and sales workers 31.7

47
CHAPTER EIGHT
WORKING CONDITIONS
8.0 Introduction

Working conditions are at the core of paid employment, with a variety bearing on worker’s welfare. They cover
a broad range of aspects including working time and remuneration, as well as physical conditions affecting
workers.

This chapter presents information for some indicators on working conditions. They include trade union
membership, precarious employment, excessive hours of work, women representation in employment at
management level and collective bargaining.

8.1 Trade Union Density Membership

Table 8.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of trade union membership by rural/urban and sex.
There were 314,235 trade union members in the labour market, of which 21.1 percent were in rural areas
while 78.9 percent were in urban areas.

Table 8.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Trade Union Members by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 314,235 100.0 207,227 107,008
Rural 66,198 21.1 44,883 21,315
Urban 248,037 78.9 162,344 85,693

Figure 8.1 shows the percentage distribution of union members by sex and rural/urban. In 2021, there were
more males
Figuthat
re 8.belonged
1: Percentotaagetrade
Distrunion
ibutioatn 65.9
of Upercent
nion Mecompared
mbers bytoSefemales
x and Rat
ura34.1
l /Upercent.
rban, In both rural
and urban areas, the
Zambia 2021 percentage of females was lower than that of males.

Figure 8.1: Percentage Distribution of Union Members by Sex and Rural /Urban, Zambia 2021
65.9 67.8
65.5

34.1 34.5
32.2

Total Rural Urban

48
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 8.2 shows percentage share of trade union membership by province. Lusaka Province had the highest
percentage of Trade union membership at 29.1 percent, followed by Copperbelt Province at 24.8 percent.
Northern Province had the lowest percentage at 2.4 percent.
FigPercentage
Figure 8.2: ure 8.2: PShare
ercenof
taTrade
ge ShUnion
are ofMembership
Trade Unioby
nM emberZambia
Province, ship by2021
Province, Zambia 2021

Lusaka 29.1

Copperbelt 24.8

Southern 14.1

Central 6.2

North Western 5.9

Eastern 5.7

Muchinga 4.7

Western 4.4

Luapula 2.6

Northern 2.4

8.3 Trade Union Density Rate

A trade union density rate is a ratio of trade union membership to the total employed population at a given
point in time in a specific location expressed as a percentage. It is a measure of workers’ representation
and influence in so far as their exercise of freedom of association is concerned. It helps in assessing and
monitoring development of industrial relations in the Labour market.

Figure 8.3 shows the trade union density rate by rural/urban. In 2021, the trade union density rate was
Figure 8.3: Trade Union Density Rate by Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
estimated at 9.9 percent. The rural areas had a density rate of 6.2 percent while urban areas had a density
rate of 11.8 percent.

Figure 8.3: Trade Union Density Rate by Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

11.8

9.9

6.2

Rural Total Urban

49
Figure 8.4 shows the trade union density rate by rural/urban and sex. In 2021, the Trade Union Density Rate
for males was higher at 10.8 percent compared to the females at 8.6 percent. The same pattern was observed
Figuand
in the urban re 8.rural
4: Traareas.
de Union Density Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 8.4: Trade Union Density Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
12.9

10.8
10.2

8.6

6.8

5.2

Total Rural Urban

Figure 8.5 shows trade union density rate by province. Southern Province had the highest share of Trade Union
Density Rate at 14.8 percent, followed by North-Western Province at 14.2 percent. Northern Province had the
lowest share at 4.7 percent.
Figure 8.4: Trade Union Density Rate by Province, Zambia 2021
Figure 8.4: Trade Union Density Rate by Province, Zambia 2021

Southern 14.8
North Western 14.2
Copperbelt 12.8
Muchinga 11.6
Eastern 10.2
Total 9.9
Western 8.8
Lusaka 8.7
Luapula 6.7
Central 5.9
Northern 4.7

50
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Precarious Employment

Precarious employment provides information regarding the share of the employed population whose contract
of employment, whether verbal or written, is of relatively short duration or whose contract can be terminated
at short notice.

Table 8.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of population in precarious employment by rural/
urban and sex. There were 674,944 population in Precarious Employment of which 28.1 percent were in rural
areas and 71.9 percent in urban areas.

Table 8.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population in Precarious Employment by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 674,944 100.0 472,313 202,630
Rural 189,429 28.1 137,716 51,714
Urban 485,514 71.9 334,598 150,916

Figure 8.6 shows the percentage distribution of population in precarious employment by sex and rural/urban.
Results show that 70.0 percent of the population in precarious employment were males while 30.0 percent
were females. In both rural and urban areas, the percentage of males was higher than that of females.
Figure 8.6: Percentage Distribution of Population in Precarious Employment by Sex
anPercentage
Figure 8.6: d Rural/UrDistribution
ban, ZambofiaPopulation
2021 in Precarious Employment by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
72.7
70.0 68.9

30.0 31.1
27.3

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

Figure 8.7 shows the percentage distribution of population in precarious employment by province. Lusaka
province had the highest share of population in precarious employment at 40.3 percent followed by Copperbelt
province at 17.0 percent. Luapula province accounted for the least percentage share at 2.1 percent.

51
 Figure 8.7: Percentage Distribution of Population in Precarious Employment by
PrPercentage
Figure 8.7: ovince, Zam bia 2021 of Population in Precarious Employment by Province, Zambia 2021
Distribution

Lusaka 40.3
Copperbelt 17.0
Southern 9.8
Central 9.5
Eastern 6.3
North western 4.5
Western 4.3
Luapula 3.2
Northern 3.1
Muchinga 2.1

Precarious Employment Rate

Precarious employment rate is the ratio of population in precarious employment to the total number of
employed population expressed as a percentage.

Figure 8.8 shows the precarious employment rate by sex and rural/urban. Precarious employment rate was
estimated at 21.3 percent. The precarious employment rate for males was higher than that of females at 24.7
percent and 16.2 percent, respectively. Rural areas had a lower rate than urban areas at 17.8 percent and 23.1
percent, respectively.
Figure 8.8: Precarious Employment Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 8.8: Precarious Employment Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

26.6
24.7
23.1
21.3 21.0
17.8 18.0
16.2

12.6

Total Rural Urban

52
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 8.9 shows the precarious employment rate by province. Lusaka province accounted for the highest
share of Precarious Employment at 26.0 percent while Muchinga province accounted for the lowest rate at
11.1 percent.
Figure 8.9: Precarious Employment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021
Figure 8.9: Precarious Employment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021

Lusaka 26.0
Eastern 24.1
North western 23.7
Southern 22.1
Total 21.3
Central 19.4
Copperbelt 18.8
Western 18.3
Luapula 17.4
Northern 12.8
Muchinga 11.1

8.5 Youths in Precarious Employment

Table 8.3 shows the number and percentage distribution of youths in precarious employment aged 15 to 35
years by rural/urban and sex. There were 458,281 youths aged 15 to 35 years in precarious employment of
which 29.2 percent were in rural areas while 70.8 percent were in urban areas.

Table 8.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youths in Precarious Employment by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 458,281 100.0 335,818 122,462
Rural 133,769 29.2 101,825 31,944
Urban 324,512 70.8 233,993 90,519

Figure 8.9 shows the percentage distribution of youths in precarious employment by sex and rural/urban. At
national level, there were more male than female youths in precarious employment at 73.3 percent and 26.7
percent, respectively.

53
 Figure 8.10: Percentage Distribution of Youths in Precarious Employment by Sex and
Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 8.10: Percentage Distribution of Youths in Precarious Employment by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

73.3 76.1
72.1

26.7 27.9
23.9

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

8.6 Youth Precarious Employment Rate

Figure 8.11 shows the youth precarious employment rate by sex and rural/urban. The youth Precarious
Employment rate was estimated at 27.3 percent. The Youth Precarious Employment rate for males was higher
than that of females at 32.0 percent and 19.0 percent, respectively. Rural areas had a lower rate than urban
areas at 21.9 percent and 30.3 percent, respectively.
Figure 8: 11: Youth Precarious employment rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 8: 11: Youth Precarious employment rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
35.2
32.0
30.3
27.3 26.5
21.9 22.3
19.4

14.2

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

54
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 8.12 shows age-specific precarious employment rate for youth by sex. The Precarious employment
rate in the age group 20-24 years for males was 41.5 percent while that of females was 27.2 percent. The
Precarious Employment rate in the age group 30-35 years for males was 29.1 percent while that of females
was 18.6 percent.
Figure 8.12: Age-Specific Youth Precarious Employment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 8.12: Age-Specific Youth Precarious Employment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021
41.5

31.3
29.1
27.2
22.7
21.4
18.6
14.4

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35

Male Female

8.7 Weekly Hours of Work

Table 8.4 shows average weekly hours of work by rural/urban and sex. The average weekly hours of work for
employed population was 41.3 hours. Males worked for more hours at 43.2 hours than females at 38.4 hours.
Urban areas recorded higher weekly hours at 44.7 hours while rural areas recorded 34.5 hours.

Table 8.4: Weekly Hours of Work by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Region Both Sexes Male Female
Total 41.3 43.2 38.4
Rural 34.5 36.3 31.6
Urban 44.7 46.8 41.7

Table 8.5 shows average weekly hours of work by sector of employment and sex. The average weekly hours of
work for employed population was 41.3 hours. Males worked for more hours at 43.2 hours than females at 38.4
hours. The Employed population in the Formal Sector worked more hours at 46.6 hours per week than in the
informal sector and household sectors which accounted for 40.0 hours and 36.8 hours, respectively.

Table 8.5: Weekly Hours of Work by Sector of Employment and Sex, Zambia 2021
Sector of Employment Total Male Female
Total 41.3 43.2 38.4
Formal 46.6 48.0 43.4
Informal 40.0 42.4 36.1
Household 36.8 36.2 37.4

55
Table 8.6 shows actual weekly hours of work by industry and rural/urban areas. Employed population in
the Transport and Storage industry had the highest number of average weekly hours of work at 55.3 hours,
followed by those in the Administrative and support service activities industry at 40.9 hours. The lowest actual
weekly hours of work were recorded in the Real estate industry at 14.2 hours.
Table 8.6: Weekly Hours of Work by Industry and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Total Rural Urban
Industry
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total 41.3 43.2 38.4 34.5 36.3 31.6 44.7 46.8 41.7
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 31.1 33.4 27.0 30.0 32.0 26.5 34.1 37.5 28.2
Mining and quarrying 46.2 46.0 47.9 42.2 41.8 44.4 46.6 46.4 48.5
Manufacturing 42.9 45.7 34.8 33.3 37.4 27.8 46.0 47.6 39.6
Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply 42.6 42.9 40.0 35.2 35.2 43.3 43.6 40.0
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and
41.9 43.0 35.5 44.7 44.7 41.4 42.6 35.5
remediation activities
Construction 39.5 39.6 37.8 36.8 36.9 34.7 40.5 40.5 39.2
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor
45.1 48.0 42.8 39.7 43.3 37.1 46.6 49.3 44.6
vehicles and motorcycles
Transport and storage 55.3 56.0 35.2 51.4 51.4 56.0 57.0 35.2
Accomodation and food service activities 48.5 49.8 48.0 44.3 42.2 45.2 49.2 51.3 48.5
Information and communication 43.2 43.7 41.4 37.6 37.6 43.4 44.0 41.4
Financial and insurance activities 46.6 50.5 41.8 43.7 45.2 31.0 46.9 51.5 42.1
Real estate activities 14.2 22.0 10.0 63.0 63.0 12.6 18.0 10.0
Professional, scientific and technical activities 43.5 45.4 40.9 31.9 43.1 26.8 44.9 45.5 43.9
Administrative and support service activities 50.9 53.4 45.0 49.3 50.6 46.6 51.2 54.0 44.7
Public administration and defence; compulsory
42.4 43.4 40.0 38.3 38.4 38.2 43.5 44.7 40.6
social security
Education 38.0 39.3 36.5 38.1 39.1 36.4 37.9 39.4 36.6
Human health and social work activities 45.3 46.4 44.4 44.5 45.9 42.7 45.6 46.6 44.8
Arts, entertainment and recreation 41.6 41.1 43.4 24.5 16.0 85.0 43.2 43.8 41.2
Other service activities 42.3 41.4 43.1 30.4 30.9 29.3 44.1 43.9 44.2
Activities of households as employers 42.1 40.8 42.7 39.2 37.7 40.4 42.6 41.6 43.1
Activities of extraterritorial organizations and
32.6 42.3 24.2 35.2 35.2 32.4 43.4 24.2
bodies

56
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

CHAPTER NINE
OWN USE PRODUCTION WORK

9.1 Introduction

Own use production work is defined as activities performed to produce goods or provide services intended
for final use by the producer, their household and/or family. Own use production work is one of the five forms
of work. Other forms of work include employment work; unpaid trainee work; volunteer work; and other
work activities. Given the significance of Own Use Production work in terms of its contribution to the Gross
Domestic Product., its separate analysis becomes crucial.

This chapter presents information on the demographic characteristics and distribution of population involved
in Own Use Production work.

9.2 Own Use Production Work

Table 9.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of own use production workers by rural/urban and
sex. Results shows that 4,175,358 population were engaged in Own Use Production work of which 76.3 percent
were in rural areas and 23.7 percent in urban areas.
Table 9.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Own-use Production Work by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 4,175,358 100 1,622,817 2,552,541
Rural 3,186,195 76.3 1,369,529 1,816,666
Urban 989,163 23.7 253,289 735,875

Figure 9.1 shows the percentage distribution of own use production workers by sex and rural/urban. Results
showed that there were more females at 61.1percent than males at 38.5 percent in own use production work.
In both rural and urban areas, the percentage of females in own use production work was higher than that of
males. Figure 9.1: Percentage Distribution of Own Use Production Work by Sex and
Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 9.1: Percentage Distribution of Own Use Production Work by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
74.4

61.1
57.0

43.0
38.9

25.6

Male Female

57
9.3 Own Use Production by Type of Own Use

Table 9.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of own use production work by type of own use
production work, rural/urban and sex. In 2021, there were more Own Use Production workers that were
providing services at 2,447,742 compared to those that were producing goods at 1,727,616. Results further
showed that there were more males engaged in production of goods at 59.1 percent compared with 40.9
percent for females. There were more females participating in provision of services at 75.4 percent compared
with males at 24.6 percent.

Table 9.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Own Use Production Work by Type of Own Use, Rural/urban, Sex,
Zambia 2021
Goods Producers Service Providers
Rural/Urban
Both Sexes Male Female Both Sexes Male Female
Total 1,727,616 59.1 40.9 2,447,742 24.6 75.4
Rural 1,538,385 59.8 40.2 1,647,810 27.3 72.7
Urban 189,230 53.3 46.7 799,933 19.1 80.9

Figure 9.2 shows the percentage distribution of own use production workers by type of own use work and
rural/urban. Results show that 58.6 percent of Own Use Production workers were involved in service provision
while 41.4 percent were involved in goods producers. In rural areas, provision of services for own use was
higher at 51.7 percent than production of goods at 48.3 percent. In urban areas, over three quarters of the own
use workers were service providers with 80.9 percent and 19.1 percent were producers of goods.
Figure 9.2: Percentage Distribution of Own use Production Work by Type of Own Use
anPercentage
Figure 9.2: d Rural/UrDistribution
ban, ZambofiaOwn
202use
1 Production Work by Type of Own Use and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
80.9

58.6
48.3 51.7
41.4

19.1

Total Rural Urban

Good products Service providers

Figure 9.3 shows the percentage distribution of own use production work by type of own use work and province.
Results showed that there were more services providers than producers of goods across most provinces
among own use workers except for Central, Northern and Southern provinces. Among the provinces that
presented more service providers than goods producers, Lusaka province recorded the highest at 86.2 percent
of the own use workers whereas 13.8 percent were in goods production. Among provinces with more goods
producers, southern province recorded the highest at 59.7 percent whereas service providers was recorded at
40.3 percent.

58
 2021
Figure 9.3: Percentage Distribution of Own use Production Work bLABOUR
y Type oFORCE
f OwnSURVEY
Use REPORT
and Province, Zambia 2021
Figure 9.3: Percentage Distribution of Own use Production Work by Type of Own Use and Province, Zambia 2021
86.2
75.2
70.7
64.5 61.7 59.7
55.5 55.5 55.1
51.2
48.8 44.5 44.5 44.9
38.3 40.3
35.5
29.3
24.8
13.8

Central Copperbelt Eastern Luapula Lusaka Muchinga Northern North Southern Western
western

Good producers Service Providers

9.4 Youth Own Use Production Work

Table 9.3 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth own use production work by rural/urban and
sex. Results showed that there were 2,664,783 youths in Own Use Production work of which 74.6 percent were
in the rural areas and 25.4 percent in urban areas.

Table 9.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth Own Use Production Work by Rural/urban and Sex, Zambia
2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 2,664,783 100.0 1,028,031 1,636,752
Rural 1,988,915 74.6 871,187 1,117,728
Urban 675,868 25.4 156,844 519,025

Figure 9.4 shows the percentage distribution of youth own use production work by rural/urban and sex. Results
showed that there were more female youths in Own Use Production work at 61.4 percent whereas males
account for 38.6 percent. In both rural and urban areas, the percentage of females in Own Use Production
work was higher than that of males.

59
 Figure. 9.4: Percentage Distribution of Youth Own Use Production Work by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 9.4: Percentage Distribution of Youth Own Use Production Work by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
76.8

61.4
56.2

43.8
38.6

23.2

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

Figure 9.5 shows the percentage distribution of youths in own use production work by age group. The Age
Figure 9.5: Percentage Share of Youths in Own Use Production Work by Age Group,
group 20-24 years had the highest share of youths in Own Use Production work at 30.2 percent while the Age
Zambia 2021
group 30-35 years had the lowest at 21.3 percent.

Figure 9.5: Percentage Share of Youths in Own Use Production Work by Age Group, Zambia 2021
30.2

23.8 24.7
21.3

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35

60
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

9.5 Youth Own Use Production by Type of Own Use

Figure 9.6 shows the percentage distribution of youths in own use production workers by type of own use
work and rural/urban. Results showed that youths providing services had a higher percentage than those
producing goods at 60.1 percent and 39.9 percent, respectively. In rural areas youths in Own Use Production
work providing services accounted for 51.4 percent while those producing goods accounted for 48.6 percent.
In urban areas 85.7 percent of youths in Own Use Production work were providing services while 14.3 percent
were producers of goods.
Figure 9.6: Percentage Distribution of Youths Own Use Production Work by
Figure 9.6:
RuPercentage
ral/urban,Distribution
and Type ooff Youths
Own UOwn Use
se WorProduction
k, Zambia Work
2021by Rural/urban, and Type of Own Use Work,
Zambia 2021
85.7

60.1
51.4
48.6
39.9

14.3

Total Rural Urban

Good Producers Service Providers

61
CHAPTER TEN
UNEMPLOYMENT
10.1 Introduction

Unemployment is a labour market situation in which individuals who are not in employment are actively
seeking work/business opportunities and make themselves available for work during a specified short
reference period. Actively seeking work implies actually taking steps to look for work (including consulting
friends/relatives, advertising one’s skills, visiting factories, applying for financial assistance with the viewing
to starting business, etc.).

This chapter describes socio-demographic characteristics of unemployed population such as Sex, Age, Rural/
Urban, Province, Education attainment and Duration of Unemployment. In addition, it presents unemployment
rate for various sub-categories.

10.2 Unemployed population

Table 10.1 shows number and percentage distribution of unemployed population by rural/urban and sex. In
2021, the total number of Unemployed persons was 450,759 of which 38.7 percent were in the rural areas and
61.3 percent in the urban areas.

Table 10.1: Number and Percent Distribution of Unemployed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Rural/Urban Both sexes Percent Male Female
Total 450,759 100.0 245,380 205,379
Rural 174,648 38.7 107,014 67,635
Urban 276,110 61.3 138,366 137,744

Figure 10.1 shows percentage distribution of unemployed population by sex and rural/urban. Results show
that 54.4 percent of Unemployed population was male and 45.6 percent was female. In rural areas, 61.3 percent
were males
Figuwhile
re 1038.7
.1: Pepercent
rcent Dwere
istribfemales.
ution of In
Unurban
emploareas,
yed Pomales
pulatand
ion bfemales
y Sex anaccounted
d Rural/Ufor
rba50.1
n, percent
and 49.9Zpercent,
ambia 2respectively.
021
Figure 10.1: Percent Distribution of Unemployed Population by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
61.3
54.4
50.1 49.9
45.6
38.7

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

62
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Table 10.2 shows number and percentage distribution of unemployed population by province and sex. Lusaka
Province had the highest proportion of unemployed population at 23.3 percent, followed by Copperbelt Province
at 18.7 percent. Western Province had the lowest proportion of unemployed population at 3.1 percent.

Table 10.2: Number and percentage distribution of Unemployed Population by Province and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Province
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Total 450,759 100.0 245,380 100.0 205,379 100.0
Central 44,324 9.8 25,557 10.4 18,767 9.1
Copperbelt 84,134 18.7 41,930 17.1 42,204 20.5
Eastern 26,187 5.8 16,735 6.8 9,452 4.6
Luapula 35,713 7.9 21,037 8.6 14,676 7.1
Lusaka 105,053 23.3 45,538 18.6 59,515 29.0
Muchinga 28,701 6.4 19,940 8.1 8,761 4.3
Northern 15,940 3.5 8,757 3.6 7,183 3.5
North Western 49,692 11.0 31,357 12.8 18,336 8.9
Southern 47,160 10.5 28,296 11.5 18,865 9.2
Western 13,853 3.1 6,234 2.5 7,619 3.7

Figure 10.2 shows the percentage distribution of unemployed persons by highest educational attainment.
Secondary level (grade 8-12) had the highest percentage share of Unemployed persons at 62.0 percent,
followed by those in Primary level (Grade 1-7) at 25.4 percent. Persons with no Education/Nursery accounted
for 0.1 percent.
Figure 10.2: Percentage Distribution of Unemployed Persons by Highest Educational
AttaPercentage
Figure 10.2: inment, ZDistribution
ambia 202of 1 Unemployed Persons by Highest Educational Attainment, Zambia 2021
Secondary (Grade 8-12) 62.0

Primary (Grade 1-7) 25.4

Diploma/ Certificate 7.1

Not stated 4.9

Bachelors dgree 0.5

None/ Nursery 0.1

Masters degree or higher 0.0

63
10.3 Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate is expressed as a percentage of unemployed population to the total labour force.

Figure 10.3 shows unemployment rate by rural/urban and sex. Results show that Unemployment rate stood at
12.5 percent. It was higher in rural areas at 14.1 percent than in urban areas at 11.6 percent. Unemployment
rate for males
Figure was
10.311.4
: Unepercent
mploymwhile
ent Rathat
te byofSfemales was
ex and Ru ral/14.1
Urbapercent.
n, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.3: Unemployment Rate by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
14.1 14.1 14.0 14.2 14.1
12.5
11.4 11.6
9.9

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

Figure 10.4 shows the age specific unemployment rate. In 2021, the age group 20-24 years had the highest
unemployment rate at 25.2 percent, while the age group 15-19 years had the second highest unemployment
rate at 23.6 percent. The age group with the lowest unemployment rate was 65-69 years at 2.5 percent.

FiguAge-Specific
Figure 10.4: re 10.4: AgUnemployment
e-Specific UnRate,
emplZambia
oymen2021
t Rate, Zambia 2021
70+ 6.7
65-69 2.5
60-64 6.6
55-59 4.4
50-54 5.9
45-49 7.2
40-44 5.2
35-39 8.4
30-34 10.1
25-29 17.0
20-24 25.2
15-19 23.6

64
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 10.5 shows age-specific unemployment rate by rural/urban. In urban areas, unemployment rate was
highest in the age group 15-19 years at 31.3 percent and lowest in the age group 55-59 years at 2.3 percent.
In rural areas, the age group 20-24 years had the highest unemployment rate at 21.3 percent while the lowest
was in the age group 65-69 years old.
Figure 10.5: Age-Specific Unemployment Rate by Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.5: Age-Specific Unemployment Rate by Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
31.3
28.1

21.3
17.9
16.3 16.3
17.4 12.1 12.2
10.8
9.7 9.5
7.8 8.6
7.0 6.0
5.05.2 4.0 4.2
3.9 3.1
2.3
0.0

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70+
Rural Urban

Figure 10.6 shows age-specific unemployment rate by sex. In all the youth age groups, unemployment rate
was higher among females than males. Unemployment rates for males and females were highest in the age
Figuyears
group 20-24 re 10.at
6: 22.5
Age-percent
Specificand
Une29.5
mppercent,
loymentrespectively.
Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.6: Age-Specific Unemployment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021

29.5
28.1

22.5 22.3
20.4

13.9
12.2
11.1
8.7 9.6 9.2
7.4 8.4
5.0 5.6 5.3 5.8 5.3 5.5
3.0 6.0 3.3 3.4
2.0 2.0 4.5
0.7 0.0

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70+
Male Female Series 3

65
Figure 10.7 shows the percentage share of unemployment rate by province. Southern Province had the highest
Unemployment rate at 27.7 percent while Northwestern province had the lowest at 8.9 percent.
Figure 10.7: Percentage share of Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.7: Percentage share of Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021

Southern 27.7
Lusaka 22.5
Northern 18.3
Western 13.6
Luapula 12.9
Total 12.5
Central 12.5
Eastern 12.1
Copperbelt 11.8
Muchinga 9.1
North western 8.9

10.4 Youth Unemployed Population

A youth is any person 15 to 35 years of age in the Zambian context. However, in accordance with the UN definition
a youth is any population 15 to 24 years of age. This section provides analysis based on both definitions of a
youth.

10.5 Youths (15-24 Years)

Table 10.3 shows the number and percentage distribution of the unemployed youths (15-24 years) by rural/
urban and sex. In 2021, the population of Unemployed youths aged 15-24 years was 169,629 of which 38.2
percent were in the rural areas and 61.8 percent in the urban areas.

Table 10.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Youths (15-24 years) by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 169,629 100.0 90,972 78,657
Rural 64,876 38.2 36,090 28,786
Urban 104,753 61.8 54,882 49,871

66
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 10.8 shows percentage distribution of unemployed youth population by rural/urban and sex. Results
show that 53.6 percent of unemployed youths aged 15-24 years were males while 46.4 percent were females.
In rural areas, 55.6 percent were males while 44.4 percent were females. In urban areas, 52.4 percent were
males while 47.6 percent were females.
Figure 10.8: Percentage Distribution of Unemployed Youths (15-24 years) by Sex and
RurPercentage
Figure 10.8: al/Urban, Distribution
Zambia 202of1Unemployed Youths (15-24 years) by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

53.6 55.6
52.4
46.4 47.6
44.4

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

10.6 Youths (15-35 Years)

Table 10.4 shows number and percentage distribution of unemployed youths by rural /urban and sex. Results
shows that the unemployed youth population was 352,874. Of the total unemployed youths, those in the age
group 15-19 years accounted for 13.6 percent, age group 20-24 years accounted for 34.5 percent. The age
groups 25-29 years and 30-35 years accounted for 31.8 percent and 20.2 percent, respectively.

Table 10.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Youths (15-35 years) by Sex and Age Group,
Zambia 2021
Total 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35
Sex
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Total 352,874 100.0 47,850 13.6 121,779 34.5 112,081 31.8 71,164 20.2
Male 183,359 100.0 23,868 13.0 67,104 36.6 57,694 31.5 34,694 18.9
Female 169,515 100.0 23,982 14.1 54,675 32.3 54,388 32.1 36,470 21.5

Figure 10.9 shows percentage distribution of unemployed youths (15-35 years) by rural/urban and sex. Results
show that 53.6 percent of unemployed youths were males while 46.4 percent were females. In rural areas,
49.9 percent were males while 50.1 percent were females. In urban areas, 55.1 percent were males while 44.9
percent were females.

67
 Figure 10.9: Percent Distribution of Unemployed Youths (15-35 years) by Rural/Urban
andPercent
Figure 10.9: Sex, ZaDistribution
mbia 2021of Unemployed Youths (15-35 years) by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

53.6 55.1
49.9 50.1
46.4 44.9

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

10.7 Youth Unemployment Rate (15-35 years)

Figure 10.10 shows youth unemployment rate by rural/urban and sex. In 2021, the youth unemployment rate
was 17.4 percent. The female youths had a higher unemployment rate than male youths at 21.2 percent and
14.9 percent, respectively. Rural areas had a higher youth unemployment rate at 17.8 percent compared to
urban areas at 17.1 percent.
Figure 10.10: Youth Unemployment Rate by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.10: Youth Unemployment Rate by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

22.1
21.2
19.4
17.4 17.8 17.1
16.8
14.9
13.7

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

68
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 10.11 shows age-specific youth unemployment rate. The age group 20-24 years had the highest
unemployment rate at 25.2 percent while age group 30-35 years had the lowest at 10.3 percent.
FiguAge-Specific
Figure 10.11: re 10.11: AgYouth
e-SpUnemployment
ecific Youth URate,
nempZambia
loyme2021
nt Rate, Zambia 2021

20-24 25.2

15-19 23.6

Total 17.4

25-29 17.0

30-35 10.3

Figure 10.12 shows age-specific youth unemployment rate by sex. Female youth unemployment rate was
higher in all age groups. The youth unemployment rate for both males and females was highest in the age
group 20-24 years at 22.5 percent and 29.5 percent, respectively.
Figure 10.12: Age-Specific Youth Unemployment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.12: Age-Specific Youth Unemployment Rate by Sex, Zambia 2021

29.5
28.1

22.5 22.3
20.4

13.9
12.7
8.6

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35

Male Female

Figure 10.13 shows youth unemployment rate by province. North Western Province had the highest youth
unemployment rate at 33.5 percent while Western Province had the lowest youth unemployment rate at 9.4
percent.

69
 Figure 10.13: Youth Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.13: Youth Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021

North western 33.5

Luapula 27.7
Southern 21.3
Muchinga 20.7
Copperbelt 19.1
Trotal 17.4
Central 17.0
Eastern 14.5
Lusaka 13.5
Northern 10.7
Western 9.4

10.8 Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force (CRUPLF).

This section provides information on the combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force. The
indicator shows the extent of unmet need for employment for the unemployed and the potential labour force.
10.9 Unemployed Population + Potential Labour Force.

Table 10.5 shows the number and percentage distribution of the unemployed and potential labour force by
rural/urban and sex. In 2021, the total number of unemployed plus the potential labour force was 2,009,511 of
which 55.3 percent were in rural areas and 44.7 percent were in urban areas.

Table 10.5: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Population Plus the Potential Labour Force by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 2,009,511 100.0 963,769 1,045,742
Rural 1,110,595 55.3 569,743 540,852
Urban 898,916 44.7 394,026 504,890

Figure 10.14 shows the percentage distribution of the unemployed plus the potential labour force by rural/
urban and sex. Results show that the unemployed plus the potential labour force for females was higher at
52.0 percent compared to 48.0 percent for males. In rural areas, 51.3 percent were males while 48.7 percent
were females. In urban areas, 43.8 percent were males while 56.2 percent were females.

70
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

FiguPercentage
Figure 10.14: re 10.14: PDistribution
ercentage of Disthe
tribUnemployed
ution of thPopulation
e UnemplPlus
oyedthe
PoPotential
pulationLabour
Plus thForce
e by Rural/Urban
Potenti2021
and Sex, Zambia al Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
56.2
52.0 51.3
48.0 48.7
43.8

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

10.10 Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force

The combined rate of unemployment and the potential labour force reflects the unemployment scenario in
the Zambian context it includes discouraged job seekers who would have stopped seeking employment after
an unsuccessful period of seeking because in many developing economies like Zambia, there are limited
employment opportunities.

The Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force (CRUPLF) is given by the following formula;

Figure 10.15 shows the combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force by rural/urban and sex.
The Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force was 38.8 percent. The male Combined
Rate was 33.5 percent compared to 45.6 percent for females. Rural areas had a higher combined rate than
Figuatre51.0
urban areas 10.percent
15: Comand
bine30.0
d Rapercent,
te of Unrespectively.
employment and Potential Labour Force by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.15: Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
56.9
51.0
45.6 46.5

38.3 37.6
33.5
30.0
23.8

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

71
Figure 10.16 shows the combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force by rural/urban and age
group. The Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force was higher in rural areas than in
urban areas across all the age groups. In both rural and urban areas, the rate was highest in the younger ages
(15-19 years).
Figure 10.16: Combined Rate of Unemployment and the Potential Labour Force by
Figure 10.16: Combined Rate of Unemployment and the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Age Group, Zambia
2021 Rural/Urban and Age Group, Zambia 2021

65.0
63.9 60.7
64.3 57.9
55.3 48.7 50.5
47.7 46.9
43.8 42.5 43.5 42.3
40.9 39.9
35.8
32.9 31.7
28.6 28.7 30.0
26.7 27.5 27.2 27.1
22.9 23.9 23.1
18.2 18.6 18.8
16.7 15.7 14.5
12.0

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70+
Total Rural Urban

Figure 10.17 shows the combined rate of unemployment plus potential labour force by age group and sex. The
Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force was higher in younger ages and lower in older
ages for Fboth
iguremales
: 10.1and
7 Cofemales.
mbinedTheRaterate
of U nem
was ploym
higher enfemales
for t and Pothan
tentmales
ial Labin
ouall
r Fage
orcegroups
by Ageexcept in age
groups 55-59
Group and
an60-64
d Sex,were
Zamitbiwas
a 20higher
21 for males.

Figure: 10.17 Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Age Group and Sex, Zambia 2021

68.6
64.3 64.8
60.8
57.9
52.7 52.8

40.9 41.9 34.4

34.8 33.2 29.0 34.7 28.7 27.6
31.8 32.6 30.6 30.6 31.7
28.6 26.7 27.5 27.2 25.9 27.1
24.5 22.9 22.2 22.4 23.9 29.6
21.3
26.4 21.7

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70+

Total Male Female

72
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

10.11 Youth Unemployed and Potential Labour Force

Table 10.6 shows number and percentage distribution of youth combined rate of unemployment plus potential
labour force by rural/urban and sex. The total number of youth unemployed plus potential labour force was
estimated at 1,451,844 of which 52.4 percent were in rural areas and 47.6 percent were in urban areas.

Table 10.6: Number and Distribution of the Unemployed Youth and Youth Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 1,451,844 100.0 686,983 764,861
Rural 760,881 52.4 386,269 374,612
Urban 690,963 47.6 300,714 390,249

Figure 10.18 shows the percentage distribution of the youth unemployed youths and youth potential labour
force by rural/urban and sex. The percentage distribution of the youth unemployed plus youth potential labour
force shows that 47.3 percent were males while 52.7 percent were females. In rural areas, 50.8 percent were
males while 49.2 percent were females. In urban areas, 43.5 percent were males while 56.5 percent were
females.
Figure10.18 Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Youth and Youth Potential
Figure10.18 Percentage Distribution of the Unemployed Youth and Youth Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and
Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Sex, Zambia 2021

56.5
52.7 50.8
47.3 49.2
43.5

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

10.12 Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment and Potential Labour Force

Figure 10.19 shows the youth combined rate of unemployment plus potential labour force by rural/urban and
sex. The 2021 Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment plus Potential Labour Force was estimated at 46.4
percent. The Combined Rate was higher for females at 54.8 percent compared to males at 39.6 percent. A
similar pattern was observed in both rural and urban areas with females having a higher rate than males.
Rural areas had a higher rate than urban areas at 55.5 percent and 39.2 percent, respectively.

73
 Figure 10.19: Youth Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.19: Youth Combined Rate of Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
62.4
54.8 55.5
50.1 49.0
46.4
39.6 39.2
31.2

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

Figure 10.20 shows the combined rate of youth unemployment and potential labour force by rural/urban and
age group. The Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment plus Potential Labour Force in rural areas was higher
than that of the urban areas across all age groups except in the age group 15-19 years were urban was higher
than rural. The Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment and Potential Labour Force was highest in the age
group 15-19 and lowest in the age group 30-35 in both rural and urban areas.

FigurCombined
Figure 10.20: e 10.20: CRate
ombofinYouth
ed RaUnemployment
te of Youth UnPlus
empPotential
loymentLabour
Plus PForce
otentby
ial Rural/Urban
Labour Forcand
e byAge Group,
Rural/Urban and Age Group, Zambia 2021
Zambia 2021

65.0 60.7
63.9
57.9
64.3 55.3
48.7 49.7

40.9
35.8
32.9

23.0

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35

Total Rural Urban

74
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 10.21 shows the combined rate of youth unemployment and potential labour force by age group and
sex. The Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment and Potential Labour Force was higher for females than
males across
Figureall10age
.21groups.
: Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by
Age Group and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.21: Combined Rate of Youth Unemployment and Potential Labour Force by Age Group and Sex, Zambia 2021

68.6
64.3 64.8
60.8
57.9
52.7 52.8

40.9 41.6
31.8 32.4
24.4

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35

Total Male Female

10.13 Long-Term Unemployment

Long-term unemployment is a labour market condition which focuses on the duration of unemployment. The
length of time that a person stays without work and is looking for a job is critical in labour market analysis.
Long term unemployment denotes an unemployment situation during which individuals are without work and
looking for work for a period of one year or longer. The number of long-term unemployed population to the
unemployed population expressed as a percentage is a measure of long-term unemployment. This indicator
measures the incidence of long-term unemployment.

10.14 Long-Term Unemployed Population

Table 10.7 shows number and percentage distribution of long-term unemployed population by rural/urban
and sex. The total number of population in long-term unemployment was 340,767 of which 37.2 percent were
in rural areas and 62.8 percent in urban areas.

Table 10.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of Long-Term Unemployed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Rural/Urban Total Male Female
Total 340,767 100.0 180,857 159,911
Rural 126,693 37.2 80,346 46,346
Urban 214,075 62.8 100,510 113,564

Figure 10.22 shows percentage distribution of population in long-term unemployment by rural /urban and
sex. Results show that 53.1 percent of population in long-term unemployment were males while 46.9 percent
were females. In rural areas, 63.4 percent were males while 36.6 percent were females. In urban areas, 47.0
percent were males while 53.0 percent were females.

75
 Figure 10.22: Percentage Distribution of Long-Term Unemployed Population by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.22: Percentage Distribution of Long-Term Unemployed Population by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

63.4

53.1 53.0
46.9 47.0

36.6

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

10.15 Incidence of long-term unemployment rate

Incidence of long-term unemployment refers to a measure of individuals who are unemployed for one year or
longer as a proportion of total unemployed population and is given by the following formula;

Figure 10.23 shows the incidence of long-term unemployment rate by rural/urban and sex. Incidence of long-
term unemployment rate was 75.6 percent. It was higher for females at 77.9 percent than males at 73.7
percent. In urban areas, long-term unemployment rate was higher at 77.5 percent compared to 72.5 percent
Figure 10.23: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
in rural areas.
2021
Figure 10.23: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
82.4
75.6 77.9 75.1 77.5
73.7 72.5 72.6
68.5

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

76
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 10.24 shows the incidence of long-term unemployment by highest education attained. All unemployed
persons with no education or whose highest education attainment is nursery were seeking and available for
work for a period of one year or longer. The incidence of long-term unemployment among unemployed persons
with a bachelor’s degree was 66.0 percent while among unemployed persons with a certificate/diploma the
rate was 84.6 percent.
Figure 10.24: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment by Highest Education Attained,
ZamIncidence
Figure 10.24: bia 2021of Long-Term Unemployment by Highest Education Attained, Zambia 2021

Masters' degree or higher 0.0

Bachelors' degree 66.0

Grade 1-7 67.8

Total 75.6

Grade 8-12 77.2

Certificate/Diploma 84.6

None/Nursery 100.0

Figure 10.25 shows incidence of long-term unemployment by province. Northern Province had the highest
incidence of long-term unemployment rate of 90.4 percent while Central had the second highest incidence
rate at 87.2 percent. The province with the lowest incidence rate was Luapula at 48.6 percent.

FiguIncidence
Figure 10.25: re 10.25:ofInLong-Term
cidence oUnemployment
f Long-Term UbyneProvince,
mploymZambia
ent by2021
Province, Zambia 2021
Northern 90.4
Central 87.2
Muchinga 86.4
North western 82.4
Copperbelt 81.5
Eastern 78.6
Total 75.6
Southern 71.2
Lusaka 69.6
Western 63.4
Luapula 48.6

77
10. 16 Incidence of Youth (15-35 years) Long-Term Unemployment

Figure 10.26 shows incidence of youth long-term unemployment by rural/urban and sex. The incidence of
long-term youth unemployment rate was estimated at 77.0 percent. It was higher among females at 78.9
percent than males at 75.2 percent. The incidence of youth long-term unemployment was higher in urban
areas at F77.8
igurpercent
e 10.26compared
: Incidencetoorural
f Lonareas
g-Termat Unem
75.5 ployment for Youths by Rural/Urban and
percent.
Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.26: Incidence of Long-Term Unemployment for Youths by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

81.8

78.9
77.4 77.8
77.0
75.2 75.5
73.6
72.8

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

Figure 10.27 shows the incidence of youth long-term unemployment rate by province. Incidence of youth long-
term unemployment rate was highest in Central Province at 88.8 percent and lowest in Luapula province at
51.2 percent.
Figure 10.27: Incidence of Long-Term Youth Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia
2021Incidence of Long-Term Youth Unemployment Rate by Province, Zambia 2021
Figure 10.27:

Central 88.8
Northern 86.8
Muchinga 85.9
Copperbelt 85.4
North western 84.1
Eastern 81.0
Total 77.0
Western 72.9
Lusaka 70.2
Southern 69.8
Lupula 51.2

78
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

CHAPTER ELEVEN
POPULATION OUTSIDE LABOUR FORCE

11.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents information on the population outside the labour force. This population outside the
labour force constitutes population who were not in employment but were seeking and not available for
employment, those who were not seeking but were available for employment, those not seeking and not
available but want employment and those that do not want employment. It gives an analysis on the size,
composition and distribution of the population outside the labour force. Furthermore, it looks at the reasons
for being outside the labour force.

11.2 Population Outside Labour Force

Table 11.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population outside labour force by rural/
urban and sex. The population outside the labour force was estimated at 6,433,684 of which 63.2 percent were
in rural areas and 36.8 percent were in urban areas.

Table 11.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population Outside the Labour Force by Rural/urban and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 6,433,684 100 2,747,907 3,685,776
Rural 4,063,417 63.2 1,831,027 2,232,390
Urban 2,370,267 36.8 916,881 1,453,386

Figure 11.1 shows the percentage distribution of the population outside labour force by rural/urban and sex.
The results show that 42.7 percent of the population outside the labor force were males while 57.3 percent
were females.
FigureIn
. 1rural
1.1: Pareas,
ercentfemales
age Distaccounted
ribution ofor
f th54.9
e Popercent
pulationwhile
outsimales
de Labaccounted
our Forcefor
by 45.1 percent. In
the urban areas males and females accounted
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 for 38.7 percent and 61.3 percent, respectively.

Figure 11.1: Percentage Distribution of the Population outside Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
61.3
57.3
54.9

42.7 45.1
38.7

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

79
Figure 11.2 shows the percentage share of the population outside the labour force by province. Lusaka Province
had the highest share at 15.6 percent while Muchinga and North Western provinces recorded the lowest share
of the country’s population outside the labour force at 5.5 percent each.
Figure 11.2: Percentage Share of the Population outside the Labour Force by Province,
Zam
Figure 11.2: bia 2021 Share of the Population outside the Labour Force by Province, Zambia 2021
Percentage

Lusaka 15.6

Eastern 14.5

Copperbelt 14.0

Southern 12.7

Northern 9.3

Central 8.5

Western 7.2

Luapula 7.2

North western 5.5

Muchinga 5.5

Figure 11.3 shows the percentage distribution of population outside the labour force by province and sex. The
results show that in all the provinces, females had higher percentages of the population outside the labour
force than males.
Figure: 11.3 Percentage Distribution of Population outside the Labour Force by
ProPercentage
Figure 11.3: vince and Distribution
Sex, Zambiof a 2Population
021 outside the Labour Force by Province and Sex, Zambia 2021

57.8 60.1 52.9 58.6 59.2 54.2 56.9 55.1 54.5

62.3

42.2 39.9 47.1 41.4 40.8 45.8 44.9 44.9 45.5

37.7

Central Copperbelt Eastern Luapula Lusaka Muchinga Northern North Southern Western
western
Male Female

80
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 11.4 shows the percentage distribution of population outside the labour force by rural/urban and
province. The results show that all the provinces had over 70 percent of people outside the labour force
residing in rural areas.
Figure 11.4 Percentage Distribution of Population Outside the Labour Force by
RurPercentage
Figure 11.4: al/urban aDistribution
nd Provincofe,Population
Zambia 2Outside
021 the Labour Force by Rural/urban and Province, Zambia 2021
91.9
88.2 86.8
83.5 85.1
80.7 80.4 78.0 77.7
72.6

27.4
22.0 22.3
19.3 19.6
16.5 14.9
11.8 13.2
8.1

Central Copperbelt Eastern Luapula Lusaka Muchinga Northern North Southern Western
western
Rural Urban

Figure.11.5 shows the percentage distribution of population outside the labour force by age group. The age
group 20-24 years had the highest share of the population outside labour force at 24.2 percent followed by the
age group
Fig25-29
ure: 1years
1.5 Peatrc17.1
entapercent.
ge ShareThe
of age
Popgroup
ulation65+
Ouyears
tsidehad
Labthe
ourleast
Forceshare
by Aof
gethe
Gropopulation
up, outside
the labour force at
Zambia 2021 0.8 percent.

Figure 11.5: Percentage Share of Population Outside Labour Force by Age Group, Zambia 2021

24.2

17.1
14.8
12.0
9.4
7.7
5.7
3.7
2.6
1.5 0.8

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+

81
11.3: Population Outside Labour Force by Reason

Figure 11.6 shows the percentage distribution of the population outside labour force by reason. Of the total
population outside labour force, 31.5 percent reported that they were engaged in agriculture/fish for family
use, 22.7 percent were in school/training. The least reported reason for being outside the labour force was
Income from other sources at 0.5 percent.
Figure 11.6: Percentage Distribution of Population Outside Labour Force by Reason,
Figure 11.6:
Zam Percentage
bia 2021 Distribution of Population Outside Labour Force by Reason, Zambia 2021
In agriculture/fishing for family use 31.5

In school/ training 22.7

Family/household Responsibility 17.2

Discouraged workers 12.2

Other reasons 11.4

Disability/illness/injury 2.6

covid_19-Related restrictions 1.8

Income from other sources 0.5

Not stated 0.2

Table 11.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population outside labour force by reason and
sex. Results show that among those that reported being discouraged, males accounted for 47.9 percent while
females accounted for 52.1 percent. For those whose reason was Family/household responsibility, females
accounted for 84.2 percent while males accounted for 15.8 percent.

Table 11.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Population Outside Labour Force by Reason and Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Reason
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 6,433,684 2,747,907 42.7 3,685,776 57.3
Family/household responsibility 1,104,489 174,126 15.8 930,363 84.2
In school/training 1,459,223 751,951 51.5 707,272 48.5
Discouraged workers 782,909 375,279 47.9 407,630 52.1
Disability/Illness/Injury 164,911 84,404 51.2 80,507 48.8
Covid_19-related restrictions 116,101 60,224 51.9 55,876 48.1
In agriculture/fishing for family use 2,026,524 911,387 45.0 1,115,137 55.0
Income from other sources 30,615 10,342 33.8 20,272 66.2
Other reasons 735,639 375,532 51.0 360,107 49.0
Not stated 13,273 4,660 35.1 8,613 64.9

82
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

11.4 Potential Labour Force

Potential labour force refers to people without employment that are seeking but not available for employment
or available but not seeking employment. They are a sub-group of population outside the labour force with
expressed interest in employment but may be unemployed because of limited labour market opportunities or
channels of seeking employment.

Population is not available for employment for various reasons but not limited to retirement, illness, waiting for
a job recall and study/training. Population will tend not to seek for employment due to the following reasons;
seasonal work, illness and family responsibilities, and others.

Table 11.3 show the number and percentage distribution of the potential labour force aged 15 years or older by
rural/urban and sex. Potential Labour Force population was estimated at 1,558,753. The rural areas accounted
for 60.0 percent while the urban areas accounted for 40.0 percent.

Table 11.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 1,558,753 100 718,389 840,363
Rural 935,947 60.0 462,729 473,217
Urban 622,806 40.0 255,660 367,146

Figure 11.7 shows the percentage distribution of population in the potential labour force aged 15 years or older
by rural/urban and sex. There were more males than females in the potential labour force at 60.0 percent and
40.0 percent, respectively. In rural areas, 50.6 percent of the potential labour force were females and 49.4
Figure 11In
percent females. .7:urban
Percenareas
tage Dfemales
istributioaccounted
n of the Pofor
ten59.0
tial Lpercent
abour Fwhile
orce bmales
y Ruralhad
/Urb41.0
an an d Sex,
percent.
Zambia 2021
Figure 11.7: Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021

40.0
50.6
59.0

60.0
49.4
41.0

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

83
Table 11.4 shows the number and percentage distribution of population outside the labour force by age group
and sex. The highest percentage of potential labour force was in the age group 20-24 years at 24.2 for the total,
26.5 percent for males and 22.1 percent for females. The lowest percentage of potential labour force was in the
age group 60+ years at 1.4 percent for the both sexes and 1.6 percent for males. Among females, the lowest
percentage was in the age group 60-64 years at 1.1 percent.

Table 11.4: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Age Group and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Age Group
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Total 1,558,753 100.0 718,389 100.0 840,363 100.0
15-19 230,618 14.8 120,965 16.8 109,653 13.0
20-24 376,507 24.2 190,406 26.5 186,101 22.1
25-29 266,459 17.1 108,525 15.1 157,934 18.8
30-34 186,932 12.0 69,044 9.6 117,887 14.0
35-39 145,897 9.4 57,589 8.0 88,308 10.5
40-44 119,334 7.7 47,724 6.6 71,610 8.5
45-49 88,920 5.7 45,991 6.4 42,929 5.1
50-54 57,123 3.7 26,279 3.7 30,843 3.7
55-59 41,222 2.6 25,637 3.6 15,585 1.9
60-64 23,976 1.5 14,750 2.1 9,225 1.1
65+ 21,764 1.4 11,477 1.6 10,287 1.2

Figure 11.8 shows the percentage distribution of the potential labour force by rural/urban and age group.
Figage
Across all uregroups,
11.8: Pethere
rcentwere
age Dmore
istribpeople
ution oinf tthe
he potential
Potentiallabour
Labouforce
r Forcine the
by Rrural
ural/areas
Urbanthan
andin urban.
areas. Age Group, Zambia 2021

Figure 11.8: Percentage Distribution of the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Age Group, Zambia 2021

20.1
31.1 31.1 27.7
36.0 35.5 38.6 37.8
44.7 46.4 42.6

79.9
68.9 68.9 72.3
64.0 64.5 61.4 62.2
55.3 53.6 57.4

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+
Rural Urban

84
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

11.5 Composition of the Potential Labour Force

Table 11.5 shows the composition of the potential labour force by rural/urban. The table shows that 98.2
percent population of the potential labour force were not seeking but available for work and 1.8 percent were
seeking but not available for work. In rural areas, 1.3 percent of the Potential Labour Force were seeking but
not available while in urban areas, 98.7 percent were not seeking but available.

Table 11.5: Composition of the Potential Labour Force Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Potential Labour
Seeking but not available Not seeking but available
Region Force
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 1,558,753 28,459 1.8 1,530,294 98.2
Rural 1,164,926 14,811 1.3 1,150,115 98.7
Urban 622,806 13,648 2.2 609,158 97.8

11.6 Youth Potential Labour Force

Table 11.6 shows the number and percentage distribution of the potential youth labour force by rural/urban
and sex. The potential youth labour force was estimated at 1,098,970 of which 57.2 percent were in the rural
areas while 42.8 percent were in urban areas.

Table 11.6 Number and Percentage Distribution of the Youth (15-35years) Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Rural/Urban
Number Percent Number Number
Total 1,098,970 100 503,624 595,346
Rural 628,882 57.2 308,553 320,328
Urban 470,089 42.8 195,071 275,017

Figure 11.9 shows the percentage distribution of youths (15 to 35 years) in the potential labour force by rural/
urban and sex. The proportion of youths in the potential labour force was 46.1 percent for males and 53.9
percent females. In both rural and urban areas, the proportion of youths in the potential labour force was
Figfemales
higher for ure 11.9than
: Pemales.
rcentage Distribution of Youths in the Potential Labour Force by
Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 11.9: Percentage Distribution of Youths in the Potential Labour Force by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
59.0
53.9
49.4 50.6
46.1
41.0

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

85
Figure 11.10 shows the percentage share of youths (15 to 35years) in the potential labour force by age group.
The age Fgroup
igure20-24
11.10years
: Perchad
entathe
ge highest
Share opercentage
f Youths in share
the Pooftethe
ntiayouth
l Laboinuthe
r Fopotential
rce by Aglabour
e Grouforce
p, at 34.3
percent while
Zambtheia 2age
021group 30-35 years had the lowest share at 20.5 percent.
Figure 11.10: Percentage Share of Youths in the Potential Labour Force by Age Group, Zambia 2021
34.3

24.2
21.0 20.5

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35

11.7 Discouraged Job Seekers

One of the subpopulations in the potential labour force are discouraged job seekers. These include population
who want employment but are mostly not seeking for employment. They could no longer be looking for
employment due to specific labour market related reasons such as the belief that there are no jobs available.
Regardless of their reasons for being discouraged, these potential workers are generally considered
underutilized. They are classified as discouraged job seekers for exhibiting the following characteristics;

• Past failure in finding a job, gave up looking for jobs

• Lack of experience, qualifications or jobs matching skills
• Lack of jobs in the area
• Considered too young or too old by prospective employers

Table 11.7 shows the number and percentage distribution of the discouraged job seekers by rural/urban and
sex. In 2021, there were 782,909 discouraged job seekers, of which 51.8 percent were in rural areas while 48.2
percent were in urban areas.
Table 11.7: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Discouraged Job Seekers by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia
2021
Total Male Female
Rural/Rural
Number Percent Number Number
Total 782,909 100.0 375,279 407,630
Rural 405,804 51.8 209,511 196,293
Urban 377,104 48.2 165,768 211,336

86
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 11.11 shows the percentage distribution of the discouraged job seekers by sex and rural/urban.
At national level, there were more females discouraged job seekers than males at 54.5 and 45.5 percent,
respectively. In rural areas, males were more discouraged at 66.9 percent than females at 33.1 percent.
Similarly,Fiin
guurban
re 11.areas
11: Pemales
rcentawere
ge Dimore
stribudiscouraged
tion of the D
atis57.3
courpercent
aged Jothan
b Seefemales
kers byatSe42.7
x anpercent.
d
Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 11.11: Percentage Distribution of the Discouraged Job Seekers by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

66.9
57.3
54.5
45.5
42.7
33.1

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

Figure 11.12 shows the percentage share of the discouraged job seekers by province. Lusaka Province had the
highest percentage share of discouraged job seekers at 15.6 percent while Muchinga Province had the lowest
at 5.5 percent.
Figure 11.12: Percentage Share of the Discouraged Job Seekers by Province, Zambia
Figure 11.12:
2021Percentage Share of the Discouraged Job Seekers by Province, Zambia 2021
Muchinga 5.5

North western 5.5

Luapula 7.2

Western 7.2

Central 8.5

Northern 9.3

Southern 12.7

Copperbelt 14.0

Eastern 14.5

Lusaka 15.6

87
11.8 In Agriculture/Fishing for Family Use Job Seekers

The other subpopulations in the potential labour force are engaged in agriculture/fishing for family use job
seekers. These include population who want employment but are mostly not seeking for employment. They
could no longer be looking for employment due to specific labour market related reasons such as agriculture
as the option since there are no jobs available. Regardless of their reasons for being in agriculture/fishing
for family use, these potential workers are generally considered underutilized. They are classified as in
agriculture/fishing for family use job seekers for exhibiting the following characteristics;

• Past failure in finding a job, gave up looking for jobs

• Lack of experience, qualifications or jobs matching skills
• Lack of jobs in the area
• Considered too young or too old by prospective employers

Table 11.8 shows the number and percentage distribution of the population in agriculture/fishing for family
use job seekers by rural/urban and sex. Results show that there were 2,026,524 people in agriculture/fishing
for family use job seekers, of which 93.4 percent were in rural areas while 6.6 percent were in urban areas.

Table 11.8: Number and Percentage Distribution of the Population in Agriculture/fishing for Family Use Job Seekers
by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Rural/Rural
Number Percent Number Number
Total 2,026,524 100 911,387 1,115,137
Rural 1,893,029 93.4 856,832 1,036,197
Urban 133,495 6.6 54,556 78,939

Figure 11.13 shows the percentage distribution of the population in agriculture/fishing for family use job
seekers by sex and rural/urban. At national level, there were more females agriculture/fishing for family use
job seekers than males at 93.4 and 6.6 percent respectively. In rural areas, males were more agriculture/
fishing for family use at 66.9 percent than females at 33.1 percent. Similarly, in urban areas males were more
discouraged at 57.3 percent than females at 42.7 percent.
Figure 11.13: Percentage Distribution of the Population in Agriculture/Fishing for
Figure 11.13:
FamPercentage
ily Use JobDistribution
Seekers byofSthe
ex aPopulation
nd Rural/inUAgriculture/Fishing
rban, Zambia 202for 1 Family Use Job Seekers by Sex and
Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
93.4

59.1
54.7
45.3
40.9

6.6

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

88
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 11.14 shows the percentage share of the population in agriculture/fishing for family use job seekers
by province. Southern province had the highest percentage share of the population in agriculture/fishing for
family use job seekers at 27.3 percent while North Western had the lowest at 1.5 percent.
Figure 11.14: Percentage Share of the in agriculture/fishing for family use Job Seekers
by PPercentage
Figure 11.14: rovince, ZaShare
mbiaof20the
21in agriculture/fishing for family use Job Seekers by Province, Zambia 2021

North Western 1.5

Western 4.2

Muchinga 4.2

Luapula 5.2

Central 7.7

Copperbelt 8.3

Northern 8.6

Eastern 14.9

Lusaka 18.0

Southern 27.3

Figure 11.15 shows the percentage share of the population in agriculture/fishing for family use job seekers by
sex and age group. Across all age groups, females accounted for the highest proportion of the population in
agriculture/fishing for family use job seekers than their male counterparts.
Figure 11.15: Percentage Share of the Population in Agriculture/Fishing for Family Use
Job SPercentage
Figure 11.15: eekers by Share
Sex anofdthe
AgePopulation
Group, ZinamAgriculture/Fishing
bia 2021 for Family Use Job Seekers by Sex and Age
Group, Zambia 2021

59.0 57.0 57.0

55.0 55.0 56.0 56.0
53.0 53.0 53.0
47.0 49.051.0 47.0 47.0
45.0 45.0 44.0 43.0 43.0 44.0
41.0

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+
Male Female

89
CHAPTER TWELVE
NOT IN EMPLOYMENT OR EDUCATION AND TRAINING
12.1 Introduction

This chapter presents information on youths not in employment, education or training (NEET). At country level,
a youth is defined as a person in the age group 15 - 35 years of age. However, for the purposes of international
comparison, a youth is defined as person in age group 15 -24 years.

Youth NEET is a widely used indicator for formulating policies aimed at offering suitable places in education or
training as well as determining the participation age for economic activity for young people. Furthermore, youth
NEET is used to help young people find sustainable employment such as the expansion of the apprenticeship
scheme, and formulating reforms to technical education and improved career advice. In Addition, governments
use it for implementing strategic funding in various schemes aimed at improving the education outcomes for
disadvantaged young people and those with learning difficulties or disabilities.

12.2 Proportion of Youth NEET

Table 12.1 shows number and percentage distribution of youth (15 - 35 years) who were not in employment,
education or training (NEET) by sex. Results show that of the total 6,531,816 youths, 51.4 percent were NEET
while Youth Outside NEET accounted for 48.6 percent. There were more female Youths in NEET than Outside
NEET at 60.0 percent and 40.0 percent, respectively.

Table 12.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youths (15-35 years) Not in Employment, Education or Training
(NEET) by Sex, Zambia 2021
Total Youth Youth NEET Youth Outside NEET
Region
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 6,531,816 3,355,155 51.4 3,176,661 48.6
Male 3,199,040 1,355,613 42.4 1,843,426 57.6
Female 3,332,777 1,999,541 60.0 1,333,235 40.0

Figure 12.1 shows percentage distribution of youth (15-35 years) NEET by age group. The figure shows that the
age group 20-24 years had the highest share of NEET at 33.2 percent followed by the 25-29 years age group
with 26.2 percent. The lowest share of the NEET was in the age group 15-19 at 18.7 percent.

90
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT
Figure 12.1: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group,
Zambia 2021
Figure 12.1: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group, Zambia 2021
33.2

26.2

22.0
18.7

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-35

Figure 12.2 shows the age specific percentage of youth (15 - 35 years) NEET by sex. Results show that females
had a higher youth NEET than males in all age groups. In the age group 30-35 years, males accounted for 35.8
Figure 12.2: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group and
percent while females accounted for 64.2 percent.
Sex, Zambia 2021
Figure 12.2: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group and Sex, Zambia 2021

59.6 54.9 57.5 61.7 64.2

40.4 45.1 42.5 38.3 35.8

Total Rural Urban Category 4

Male Female

12.3 Number of Youth (15-35 years) NEET

Table 12.2 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth (15 - 35 years) who were not in employment,
education or training (NEET) by sex and rural/urban. A total of 3,355,155 youths were NEET. Rural areas
accounted for a higher proportion of Youth NEET at 60.5 percent and urban areas at 39.5 percent.

91
Table 12.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youths (15-35 years) Not in Employment, Education or Training
(NEET) by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 3,355,155 100.0 1,355,613 1,999,541
Rural 2,029,267 60.5 882,967 1,146,300
Urban 1,325,887 39.5 472,646 853,241

Figure 12.3 shows the percentage distribution of youth (15 - 35 years) NEET by sex and rural/urban. Results
show that 40.4 percent of youths NEET were male and 59.6 percent were female. In rural areas 43.7 percent
of youth FNEET
igurewere
12.3male
: Percand
enta56.5
ge Dwere
istribfemale
ution owhile
f Youin
thurban
(15-3areas
5 year35.6
s) NEwere
ET bmale
y Sexand
and64.4 were female.
Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 12.3: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
64.4
59.6
56.5

43.5
40.4
35.6

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

Table 12.3 shows number and percentage distribution of youth (15 - 35 years) NEET by age group and rural/
urban. In rural areas, the age group 20-24 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of Youth NEET
at 32.5 percent while the age group 15.19 years accounted for the lowest proportion at 19.1 percent. A similar
pattern was observed in urban areas.

Table 12.3: Number and Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Age Group and Rural/Urban, Zambia
2021
Total Rural Urban
Age Group
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Total 3,355,155 100.0 2,029,267 100.0 1,325,887 100.0
15-19 626,303 18.7 387,002 19.1 239,301 18.0
20-24 1,114,436 33.2 658,925 32.5 455,510 34.4
25-29 877,813 26.2 518,325 25.5 359,488 27.1
30-35 736,603 22.0 465,015 22.9 271,588 20.5

92
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 12.4 shows percentage distribution of youth (15 - 35 years) NEET by province. Lusaka Province had the
highest youth NEET at 16.3 percent, followed by Eastern province at 16.2 percent. North Western province had
the lowest youth NEET at 5.3 percent.
Figure 12.4: Percentage Distribution of the Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Province,
Zam
Figure 12.4: bia 2021 Distribution of the Youth (15-35 years) NEET by Province, Zambia 2021
Percentage

Lusaka 16.3

Eastern 16.2

Copperbelt 14.2

Southern 12.4

Central 8.6

Northern 8.5

Luapula 6.8

Western 6.3

Muchinga 5.3

North western 5.3

12.4 Number of Youth (15-24) NEET

For international comparison purposes, the youth group 15-24 year is separately analysed.

Table 12.4 shows the number and percentage distribution of youth (15-24 years) NEET by sex and rural/urban.
Results show that there were an estimated 1,740,739 Youth NEET of which 60.1 percent were in rural areas
while 39.9 percent were in urban areas.

Table 12.4: Number and Percentage Distribution Youth (15-24) NEET by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 1,740,739 100.0 755,854 984,885
Rural 1,045,928 60.1 460,272 585,655
Urban 694,811 39.9 295,582 399,230

93
Figure 12.5 shows the percentage distribution of youth NEET by sex and rural/urban. Results show that of the
Youth (15-24 years), 43.4 percent were males while 56.6 percent were females. In rural areas, males accounted
for 44.0 percent while females accounted for 56.0 percent of Youth NEET. In urban areas, males accounted for
Figure 12.5: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-24) NEET by Sex and Rural/Urban,
42.5 percent while females accounted for 57.5 percent.
Zambia 2021
Figure 12.5: Percentage Distribution of Youth (15-24) NEET by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021

56.6 56.0 57.5

43.4 44.0 42.5

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

Figure 12.6 shows the percentage distribution of youth (15-24) neet by age group. The age group 20-24 years
had the highest share at 64.0 percent while the age group 15-19 years accounted for the lowest share at 36.0
percent.
Figure 12.6: Percentage Share of Youth (15-24) NEET by Age Group, Zambia 2021
Figure 12.6: Percentage Share of Youth (15-24) NEET by Age Group, Zambia 2021

64.0

36.0

15-19 20-24

94
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

Figure 12.7 shows the percentage distribution of youth NEET by province. Lusaka Province had the highest
youth NEET at 17.5 percent while North Western had the lowest share at 4.6 percent.

FiguPercentage
Figure 12.7: re 12.7: PDistribution
ercentage of DiYouth
stribu(15-24)
tion ofNEET
Youtby
h (Province,
15-24) NZambia
EET by2021
Province, Zambia 2021

Lusaka 17.5

Southern 14.1

Copperbelt 13.6

Eastermn 12.0

Centra 9.6

Northern 9.4

Western 7.2

Luapula 6.6

Muchinga 5.3

North western 4.6

95
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
TIME-RELATED UNDEREMPLOYMENT
13.1 introduction

Time-related underemployment reflects the underutilization of the productive capacity of the labour force.
Its international definition is based on three criteria: it includes all population in employment who, during a
specified short reference period:

• Were willing to work additional hours

• Were available to work additional hours and
• Had worked less than the threshold (eight hours) relating to weekly working time.

13.2 Time-Related Underemployment

Table 13.1 shows the number and percentage distribution of time-related underemployed population by sex
and rural/urban. In 2021, there were an estimated 179,988 population in Time-Related Underemployment of
which 49.5 percent were in the rural areas and 50.1 percent were in urban areas.

Table 13.1: Number and Percentage Distribution of Time-Related Underemployed Population by Rural/Urban and
Sex, Zambia 2021
Both Sexes Male Female
Region
Number Percent Number Number
Total 179,988 100.0 110,162 69,826
Rural 89,152 49.5 59,105 30,047
Urban 90,837 50.5 51,057 39,780

Figure 13.1 shows the percentage distribution of time-related underemployed population by sex and rural/urban.
Results showed that males accounted for 61.2 percent of the population in Time-Related Underemployment
while females accounted for 38.8 percent. In both rural and urban areas, the percentage of males was higher
than thatFiof
gufemale
re 13.1Time-Related
: Percentage Underemployed
Distribution of Tpopulation.
ime-Related Underemployed Population by
Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Figure 13.1: Percentage Distribution of Time-Related Underemployed Population by Sex and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
66.3
61.2
56.2

43.8
38.8
33.7

Total Rural Urban

Male Female

96
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

13.3 Time-Related Underemployment by Occupation

Figure 15.2 shows the percentage distribution of time-related underemployed population by occupation.
The Skilled Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries accounted for the highest percentage share at 27.3 percent
followed by population employed in Service and Sales Workers at 22.7 percent. Clerical Support Workers had
the lowest share accounting for 0.9 percent.
Figure 13.2 Percentage Share of Time-Related Underemployed Population by
Occupation, Zambia 2021
Figure 13.2 Percentage Share of Time-Related Underemployed Population by Occupation, Zambia 2021

Skileed agriculture and forestry workers 27.3

Service and sales workers 22.7

Elementary occupations 21.0

Craft and related trade workers 12.3

Professionals 5.8

Technician and associated professionals 3.5

Mnagers 3.5

Plant and machine operators and assemblers 1.9

Other 1.0

Clerical support workers 0.9

Table 13.2 shows percentage distribution of time related underemployed population by occupation and sex. In
all the occupations, there were more males than females that were in Time-Related Underemployment except
in the Professionals, Technician and Associated Professionals, Clerical and Support Workers and Service and
Sales Workers.

Table 13.2: Number and Percentage Distribution of Time-Related Underemployed Population by Occupation and Sex,
Zambia 2021
Total Male Female
Occupations
Number Number Percent Number Percent
Total 179,988 110,162 61.2 69,826 38.8
Managers 6,229 3,256 52.3 2,973 47.7
Professionals 10,374 3,351 32.3 7,023 67.7
Technician and Associated professionals 6,368 2,767 43.5 3,600 56.5
Clerical support workers 1,668 218 13.1 1,449 86.9
Service and sales workers 40,835 10,940 26.8 29,895 73.2
Skilled agriculture and forestry workers 49,220 39,969 81.2 9,251 18.8
Craft and related trade workers 22,062 17,837 80.9 4,225 19.1
Plant and machine operators and assemblers 3,482 3,482 100.0 - -
Elementary occupations 37,873 27,135 71.6 10,738 28.4
Other 1,877 1,206 64.2 671 35.8

97
13.4 Time-Related Underemployment Rate

Figure 13.4 shows the time-related underemployment rate by sex and rural/urban. In 2021, Time-Related
Underemployment rate was estimated at 5.7 percent. Males had a higher rate than females at 5.8 percent 5.6
percent,Frespectively.
igure 13.4: TRural
ime-Rareas
elatehad
d Unadhigher
eremprate
loymate8.4
nt Rpercent
ate by Rthan
uralurban
/Urbaareas
n andat
Se4.3
x, Zpercent.
ambia
2021
Figure 13.4: Time-Related Underemployment Rate by Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
9.0
8.4
7.3

5.7 5.8 5.6

4.7
4.3 4.1

Total Rural Urban

Both Sexes Male Female

98
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
AVERAGE MONTHLY EARNINGS FOR PAID EMPLOYEES, PAID INTERNS AND
APPRENTICES
14.1 Introduction

Table 14.1 shows the distribution of average monthly earnings by sector of employment, rural /urban and sex.
In 2021, the national average monthly earnings were estimated at K4, 215. The average monthly earnings in
the formal sector was higher at K5, 658 while the lowest was in the household sector at K2, 425.

Average earnings per month in urban areas were higher at K4, 410 than in rural areas at K3, 607 Males in
all sectors of employment earned more than females except in the household sector were females earned
more than males at national level at K 2679 and K 2,125, respectively. In urban areas, females earned K2, 980
compared to males with K 2,252 in the household sector.

Table 14.1: Distribution of Average Monthly Earnings by Sex, Sector of Employment and Rural/Urban, Zambia 2021
Sector of Total Rural Urban
Employment Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total 4,215 4,344 3,921 3,607 3,744 3,259 4,410 4,544 4,112
Formal 5,658 5,731 5,478 6,281 6,573 5,585 5,522 5,550 5,454
Informal 2,306 2,511 1,663 1,742 1,787 1,603 2,639 2,940 1,698
Household 2,425 2,125 2,679 1,487 1,778 1,067 2,671 2,252 2,980

14.2 Average Monthly Earnings by Type of Employment

Table 14.2 shows the distribution of average earnings per month by type of employment rural/urban and sex.
The average monthly earnings for the formally employed population was estimated at K6, 441 while that of the
informally employed persons was estimated at K2, 191.

In rural areas, formally employed persons earned K6, 804 per month while their urban counterparts earned
K6, 356 per month. In rural areas, informally employed persons earned K1, 716 per month while their urban
counterparts earned K2, 390 per month.

Table 14.2: Distribution of Average Monthly Earnings by Type of Employment Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021
(Kwacha)
Type of Total Rural Urban
Employment Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total 4,215 4,344 3,921 3,607 3,744 3,259 4,410 4,544 4,112
Formal 6,441 6,562 6,170 6,804 7,167 5,890 6,356 6,414 6,230
Informal 2,191 2,341 1,846 1,704 1,716 1,674 2,390 2,607 1,910

14.3 Average Monthly Earnings by Occupation

Figure 14.1 shows the average monthly earnings by occupation. Managers had the highest average monthly
earnings at K9, 809 while persons working as skilled agricultural, forestry and fisheries workers had the
lowest average monthly earnings at K2, 073.

99
 FiguAverage
Figure 14.1: re 14.1Monthly
: AveraEarnings
ge Montby
hlyOccupation,
Earnings Zambia
by Occupati(Kwacha)
2021 on, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha)

Managers 9,809
Professionals 7,902
Other occupations 7,738
Technician and associated professionals 6,176
Clerical support workers 5,612
Total 4,215
Craft and related trade workers 3,943
Plant and machine operators and assembler 3,480
Service and sales workers 2,529
Elementary occupation 2,207
Skilled agriculture and forestry workers 2,073

Table 14.3 shows the average monthly earnings by occupation rural/urban and sex. In all the occupations,
males had higher average monthly earnings than females except in the Skilled Agricultural Forestry & Fishery
Workers and Clerical support workers occupations in urban areas, which had females with higher average
monthly earnings than that of males at K 2,667 and K 2,664, respectively.

Table 14.3: Average Monthly Earnings by Occupation, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha)
Total Rural Urban
Occupation
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total 4,215 4,344 3,921 3,607 3,744 3,259 4,410 4,544 4,112
Managers 9,809 9,818 9,790 8,117 8,295 7,357 10,139 10,190 10,046
Professionals 7,902 8,907 6,707 7,831 8,541 6,720 7,927 9,052 6,703
Technicians & Associate
6,176 7,010 4,237 6,551 7,852 4,443 6,118 6,897 4,195
Professionals
Clerical Support Workers 5,612 6,182 4,807 9,037 13,825 4,764 5,247 5,539 4,813
Services & Sales Workers 2,529 2,573 2,468 1,767 2,074 1,316 2,665 2,664 2,667
Skilled Agricultural Forestry &
2,073 2,076 2,050 1,672 1,575 2,241 2,872 2,962 632
Fishery Workers
Craft & Related Trade
3,943 4,006 2,846 2,892 2,939 1,237 4,184 4,258 3,018
Workers
Plant & Machine Operators &
3,480 3,492 3,241 3,197 3,223 693 3,527 3,538 3,327
Assemblers
Elementary Occupation 2,207 2,274 2,050 1,667 1,494 2,092 2,520 2,735 2,027
Other Occupations 7,738 8,855 4,216 8,386 10,320 3,833 6,701 6,920 5,446

100
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT

14.4 Average Monthly Earnings by Industry

Figure 14.2 shows the average monthly earnings by industry. The Information and Communication Industry
had the highest average monthly earnings at K9, 747 while persons working in the Real estate industry had
the lowest average monthly earnings at K1, 694.

FiguAverage
Figure 14.2: re 14.2Monthly
: AveraEarnings
ge Montby
hlyIndustry,
EarningZambia
s by In2021
dust(Kwacha)
ry, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha)
Information 9,747
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 9,629
Professional, scientific andtechnical activities 8,238
Financial and insurance services 7,740
Mining and quarrying 7,335
Education 7,246
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 6,787
Human health social work activities 5,838
Arts, entertainment and recreation 4,611
Water supply; seweragewaster management and remediation activities 4,357
Other service activities 4,283
Total 4,215
Construction 3,846
Administrative and support service activities 3,721
Manufacturing 3,561
Activities of extraterritorial organisations 3,352
Transport and storage 3,086
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 2,804
Wholesale and retail trade;repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles 2,651
Accommodation and Fodd service activities 2,606
Activities of households as employers; 1,922
Real estate 1,694

Table 14.4 shows the average monthly earnings by industry rural/urban and sex. In all the industries, males
had higher average monthly earnings than females except in the Water supply, Transport and storage,
Accommodation, Financial and Insurance services and Real Estate industries in which had females with
higher average monthly earnings than that of males.

Table 14.4 Average Monthly Earnings by Industry, Rural/Urban and Sex, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha)
Total Rural Urban
Industry
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total 4,215 4,344 3,921 3,607 3,744 3,259 4,410 4,544 4,112
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 2,804 2,444 3,767 1,921 1,786 2,242 4,874 3,826 8,751
Mining and quarrying 7,335 7,619 4,735 4,434 5,141 2,353 7,559 7,775 5,275
Manufacturing 3,561 3,580 3,420 2,297 2,103 4,095 3,697 3,743 3,362
Electricity, gas, steam and air
9,629 10,309 2,091 1,617 1,617 10,308 11,118 2,091
conditioning
Water supply; sewerage waste
4,357 4,031 5,767 6,636 6,636 4,015 3,532 5,767
management and remediation activities
Construction 3,846 3,768 5,920 3,105 2,684 7,897 4,055 4,055 4,048
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of
2,651 2,593 2,779 1,620 1,902 955 2,770 2,674 2,978
motor vehicles and motorcycles
Transport and storage 3,086 3,058 3,851 2,968 2,968 3,104 3,073 3,851
Accommodation and Foo d service
2,606 2,233 2,803 920 886 984 2,673 2,338 2,841
activities
Information and communication 9,747 11,197 4,044 3,546 3,546 10,064 11,694 4,044

101
 Total Rural Urban
Industry
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Financial and insurance services 7,740 5,735 9,989 1,267 1,441 693 8,241 6,235 10,329
Real estate 1,694 1,109 1,967 1,109 1,109 1,967 1,967
Professional, scientific and technical
8,234 9,306 6,926 6,212 7,201 5,567 8,492 9,493 7,169
activities
Administrative and support service
3,721 4,163 2,519 6,677 7,752 3,703 3,106 3,413 2,277
activities
Public administration and defence;
6,787 6,889 6,492 9,047 9,454 7,835 6,198 6,214 6,150
compulsory social security
Education 7,246 8,333 6,038 7,584 8,287 6,281 7,078 8,365 5,959
Human health social work activities 5,838 7,104 4,789 6,198 7,490 3,906 5,730 6,916 4,948
Arts, entertainment and recreation 4,611 5,433 2,135 1,642 1,642 4,782 5,730 2,135
Other service activities 4,283 4,748 3,737 4,190 4,165 4,298 4,293 4,844 3,715
Activities of households as employers; 1,922 2,871 1,535 1,300 1,882 887 2,041 3,167 1,634
Activities of extraterritorial organisations 3,352 1,531 5,313 1,148 1,148 3,620 1,632 5,313

14.5 Average Monthly Earnings by Province

Figure 14.3 shows the average monthly earnings by province. The province with the highest monthly average
earnings was North Western at K6, 052 while Western province had the lowest at K 2,623.
Figure 14.3: Average Monthly Earnings by Province, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha)
Figure 14.3: Average Monthly Earnings by Province, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha)

North western 6,052

Muchinga 4,859
Copperbelt 4,748
Total 4,172
Southern 4,164
Lusaka 4,064
Eastern 3,810
Central 3,796
Northern 3,297
Luapula 2,881
Western 2,623

14.6 Average Monthly Earnings by Highest Level of Education Completed

Figure 14.4 shows the average monthly earnings by highest level of education completed. Employed persons
with Masters or higher as their highest level of education completed had the highest average monthly earnings
at K 21,310 while those with No education /Nursery had the lowest at K 757.

102
 2021 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT
Figure 14.4: Average Monthly Earnings by Highest Level of Education Completed,
Zam
Figure 14.4: bia 202Monthly
Average 1 (KwaEarnings
cha) by Highest Level of Education Completed, Zambia 2021 (Kwacha)

Master's degree or higher 21,310

Bachelor's degree 11,185

Diploma/Certificate 7,209

Total 4,172

Grade 8-12 3,347

Not stated 2,468

Grade 1-7 2,234

None/Nursery 757

103
ANNEX I
KEY POPULATION INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE REPORT

No. Name Designation Institution

1 Mulenga JJ Musepa Interim Statistician General ZAMSTATS

2 Moffat Bili Director - Planning and Research MLSS
3 Chipalo Kaliki Assistant Director - Social Statistics ZAMSTATS
4 Gerson Banda Principal Statistician ZAMSTATS
5 Francis Mwinsa K Statistician ZAMSTATS
6 Oliver Chitalu Statistician ZAMSTATS
7 Bruce Sianyeuka Statistician ZAMSTATS
8 Mundia Muyakwa Statistician ZAMSTATS
9 Bubala Moonga Statistician ZAMSTATS
10 Chibeza Magolo Senior Statistician ZAMSTATS
11 Cephas Sitali Statistician ZAMSTATS
12 George Mhango Senior Statistical Officer ZAMSTATS
13 Julliet Mumba Librarian ZAMSTATS
14 Julliet Malambo Programmer Analyst ZAMSTATS
15 Chenela Nkhowani Programmer Analyst ZAMSTATS
16 Anthony Nkole Desktop Publishing Officer ZAMSTATS
17 Priscilla Mali Senior Planner MLSS
18 Ngao Nambao Senior Planner MLSS
19 Auxillia Kambani Principal Planner MLSS
20 Jean Phiri Senior Planner MLSS
21 Daniel Makomeno Planner MLSS
22 Chipo Banda Planner MLSS
23 Ruth Zulu Planner MLSS

104
 Nationalist Road, P.O. Box 31908
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Lusaka - ZAMBIA
Government Complex, P.O. Box 32186
Tel: +260-211-251377/257603-5/253468/253908/250195
Lusaka - ZAMBIA
Fax: +260-211-253908
Tel: +260-211-225722
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: +260-211-225169
Website: www.zamstats.gov.zm
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mlss.gov.zm