South Africa Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
South Africa's services employment was 73.83% in 2025, ranked 141st globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
South Africa's services employment stood at 73.83% in 2025, a rise of +0.08% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 73.93% by 2026. South Africa ranked 141st globally.
South Africa's services employment has exhibited a moderate growth pattern over the past three and a half decades, with the latest figure standing at 73.83% of the global total. The country's all-time peak in services employment was achieved in 2023, reaching 73.93%, while the lowest point occurred in 2002 at 64.70%. This trajectory is comparable to that of Uruguay, which also experienced a similar growth pattern, albeit with a slightly higher peak of 73.15% in 2020. Conversely, the trend diverges from Japan's services employment, which has continued to increase steadily, reaching 73.96% in 2025. The services sector's share of global employment in South Africa has been steadily increasing, driven by the growth of the finance, tourism, and business services industries. However, the sector's growth may be impacted by the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in global economic trends, and the country's domestic economic policies, which could alter the trajectory of services employment in South Africa.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 74.07% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 74.00% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 73.93% | - | - |
| 2025 | 73.83% | +0.08% | #141 |
| 2024 | 73.75% | −0.17% | #142 |
| 2023 | 73.93% | +0.57% | #146 |
| 2022 | 73.36% | −0.31% | #149 |
| 2021 | 73.67% | +0.33% | #149 |
| 2020 | 73.34% | +0.89% | #146 |
| 2019 | 72.45% | +0.73% | #145 |
| 2018 | 71.72% | +0.31% | #144 |
| 2017 | 71.41% | +0.30% | #143 |
| 2016 | 71.11% | +0.54% | #141 |
| 2015 | 70.58% | −1.38% | #141 |
| 2014 | 71.96% | +0.44% | #148 |
| 2013 | 71.52% | −0.21% | #147 |
| 2012 | 71.73% | +0.49% | #149 |
| 2011 | 71.24% | +0.77% | #149 |
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 services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's services employment was 73.83% in 2025. Ranked 141st globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's services employment peaked at 73.93% in 2023.
The lowest services employment in South Africa was 64.70% in 2002.
South Africa ranks 141st globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's services employment is projected to reach 73.93% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of South Africa in 2025 was 73.83%. This ranks 141st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_services-employment,
title = {South Africa Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}