Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa Unemployment
Share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.
Latest Value
32.4%
As of 2025
YoY Change
+0.3%
2024 → 2025
Record High
34.0%
Recorded in 2021
Record Low
22.3%
Recorded in 2007
10-Year Average
30.2%
2016–2025
Data Range
1991–2025
35 data points
Source
World Bank
Code: SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Historical Trend
Analysis
South Africa's unemployment rate of 32.39 percent is one of the highest in the world, indicating a significant challenge for the country's economy. This high rate is largely due to a lack of job opportunities and a skills mismatch between the workforce and the requirements of the labor market. The country's unemployment issue is further complicated by its high youth unemployment rate.
Historical Data
| Value | YoY Change | Change % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 32.4% | 0.1% | +0.3% |
| 2024 | 32.3% | 0.2% | +0.6% |
| 2023 | 32.1% | 1.2% | -3.5% |
| 2022 | 33.3% | 0.7% | -2.2% |
| 2021 | 34.0% | 4.8% | +16.4% |
| 2020 | 29.2% | 0.7% | +2.6% |
| 2019 | 28.5% | 1.6% | +5.8% |
| 2018 | 26.9% | 0.1% | -0.5% |
| 2017 | 27.0% | 0.5% | +1.9% |
| 2016 | 26.5% | 1.4% | +5.5% |
Source: World Bank Open Data · 1991–2025
Neighbouring Countries Ranking
Sub-Saharan Africa · Unemployment
Similar Rankings
Global · Unemployment
