South Africa Industry Employment
Employment in industry SL.IND.EMPL.ZS
South Africa's industry employment was 20.76% in 2025, ranked 110th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
South Africa's industry employment stood at 20.76% in 2025, a decline of +0.05% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 20.76% by 2026. South Africa ranked 110th globally.
South Africa's industry employment has exhibited a downward trend since its all-time peak in 2004, with a notable decline to 20.76 in 2025, ranking 110 globally. This represents a significant drop from the 26.28% of the total labor force employed in industry in 2004. By comparison, New Caledonia's industry employment rate of 20.65% in 2025 is relatively comparable, while Finland's 20.84% in the same year suggests a slightly higher level of industry employment. The all-time trough of 20.58% in 2023 preceded the current rate, indicating a temporary stabilization. Over the 35-year period from 1991 to 2025, industry employment in South Africa has shown a decline, with fluctuations along the way. A reversal of this trend may be influenced by efforts to boost industrial development, such as investments in infrastructure and policies aimed at increasing manufacturing output, which could potentially alter the trajectory of industry employment in the country.
Data & projection
| Year | Industry Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 20.75% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 20.76% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 20.76% | - | - |
| 2025 | 20.76% | −0.05% | #110 |
| 2024 | 20.81% | +0.23% | #108 |
| 2023 | 20.58% | −0.52% | #111 |
| 2022 | 21.10% | +0.46% | #113 |
| 2021 | 20.64% | −0.56% | #112 |
| 2020 | 21.20% | −1.11% | #118 |
| 2019 | 22.30% | −0.86% | #122 |
| 2018 | 23.16% | −0.19% | #131 |
| 2017 | 23.35% | −0.01% | #130 |
| 2016 | 23.36% | −0.49% | #126 |
| 2015 | 23.85% | +0.39% | #132 |
| 2014 | 23.46% | −0.08% | #125 |
| 2013 | 23.55% | +0.03% | #130 |
| 2012 | 23.51% | −0.71% | #130 |
| 2011 | 24.23% | −0.54% | #136 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw industry employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's industry employment was 20.76% in 2025. Ranked 110th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's industry employment peaked at 26.28% in 2004.
The lowest industry employment in South Africa was 20.58% in 2023.
South Africa ranks 110th globally in industry employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.IND.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's industry employment is projected to reach 20.76% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The industry employment of South Africa in 2025 was 20.76%. This ranks 110th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_industry-employment,
title = {South Africa Industry Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/industry-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}