South Africa Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
South Africa's unemployment rate was 32.39% in 2025, ranked 180th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
South Africa's unemployment rate stood at 32.39% in 2025, a decline of +0.21pp from 2024. The IMF projects 32.71% by 2025. South Africa ranked 180th globally.
South Africa's unemployment rate has exhibited significant volatility over the past 46 years. The unemployment rate peaked at 34.01% in 2021, a stark contrast to the all-time low of 9.24% in 1980. The recent trend has seen a steady increase, with the latest available figure standing at 32.39% in 2025. This position ranks South Africa 180th globally. In comparison, peer countries such as Eswatini and Botswana have shown similar or slightly higher unemployment rates. In 2025, Eswatini's unemployment rate stood at 34.20%, while Botswana's was 24.48%. The persistence of high unemployment rates in South Africa has significant implications for the country's economic growth and development. A sustained economic recovery and creation of job opportunities are essential to reversing this trend. Addressing the structural issues driving unemployment, such as a lack of skills training and inadequate infrastructure, would be crucial in altering the trajectory of South Africa's unemployment rate.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 32.19% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 32.44% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 32.53% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 32.60% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 32.68% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 32.71% | - | - |
| 2025 | 32.39% | −0.21pp | #180 |
| 2024 | 32.28% | −0.10pp | #186 |
| 2023 | 32.10% | −1.40pp | #188 |
| 2022 | 33.27% | −1.03pp | #190 |
| 2021 | 34.01% | +4.83pp | #190 |
| 2020 | 29.22% | +0.52pp | #190 |
| 2019 | 28.47% | +1.34pp | #191 |
| 2018 | 26.91% | −0.54pp | #191 |
| 2017 | 27.04% | +0.31pp | #191 |
| 2016 | 26.54% | +1.19pp | #191 |
| 2015 | 25.15% | +0.05pp | #188 |
| 2014 | 24.89% | +0.16pp | #187 |
| 2013 | 24.56% | −0.31pp | #186 |
| 2012 | 24.73% | −0.07pp | #185 |
| 2011 | 24.64% | −0.24pp | #187 |
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 unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Recent news highlights both public pressure and policy challenges in addressing South Africa's 32.39% unemployment rate. Unions and civil society are demanding a pro-poor budget with increased funding for jobs, while a proposed foreign worker Bill risks deterring scarce skills essential for economic growth and job creation. Concurrently, private sector initiatives targeting 500,000 youth digital jobs underscore the persistent gap between skills training and employer demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's unemployment rate was 32.39% in 2025. Ranked 180th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's unemployment rate peaked at 34.01% in 2021.
The lowest unemployment rate in South Africa was 9.24% in 1980.
South Africa ranks 180th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's unemployment rate is projected to reach 32.71% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of South Africa in 2025 was 32.39%. This ranks 180th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_unemployment-rate,
title = {South Africa Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}