South Africa Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
South Africa's youth literacy rate was 96.84% in 2025, ranked 41st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
South Africa's youth literacy rate stood at 96.84% in 2025, a decline of +0.33pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 96.84% by 2025. South Africa ranked 41st globally.
South Africa's youth literacy rate has shown significant improvement over the past four decades. The country's all-time peak of 98.96% in 2015 and latest value of 96.84% in 2025 indicate a decline, albeit from a relatively high base. In comparison, Nepal, which ranks closely to South Africa, achieved a youth literacy rate of 97.09% in 2025. The progress made since 1980, when the rate was 85.17%, highlights the efforts invested in education, which have contributed to a more literate youth population. The country's education system has made considerable strides, but the decline in the most recent years may suggest that challenges persist. To reverse this trend, South Africa would need to focus on improving access to quality education, particularly in disadvantaged areas, and address the underlying factors contributing to the decline in literacy rates.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 96.59% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 96.72% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 96.84% | - | - |
| 2025 | 96.84% | −0.33pp | #41 |
| 2024 | 97.17% | +0.47pp | #16 |
| 2021 | 96.70% | −1.71pp | #27 |
| 2019 | 98.41% | +1.70pp | #30 |
| 2016 | 96.71% | −2.25pp | #30 |
| 2015 | 98.96% | +0.08pp | #16 |
| 2014 | 98.88% | +0.00pp | #15 |
| 2012 | 98.88% | +0.09pp | #17 |
| 2011 | 98.79% | +0.15pp | #26 |
| 2010 | 98.64% | +0.27pp | #14 |
| 2009 | 98.37% | +0.80pp | #17 |
| 2007 | 97.57% | +3.66pp | #17 |
| 1996 | 93.91% | +8.74pp | #5 |
| 1980 | 85.17% | – | #15 |
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 youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's youth literacy rate was 96.84% in 2025. Ranked 41st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's youth literacy rate peaked at 98.96% in 2015.
The lowest youth literacy rate in South Africa was 85.17% in 1980.
South Africa ranks 41st globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 96.84% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of South Africa in 2025 was 96.84%. This ranks 41st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {South Africa Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}