South Africa Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
South Africa's youth unemployment stood at 59.93% in 2025, a decline of +0.32pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.77% by 2026. South Africa ranked 180th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 55.28% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 56.52% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.77% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.93% | −0.32pp | #180 |
| 2024 | 60.25% | −0.01pp | #180 |
| 2023 | 60.26% | −1.42pp | #182 |
| 2022 | 61.68% | −3.77pp | #184 |
| 2021 | 65.45% | +5.84pp | #185 |
| 2020 | 59.61% | +2.29pp | #185 |
| 2019 | 57.32% | +3.68pp | #185 |
| 2018 | 53.63% | +0.24pp | #185 |
| 2017 | 53.40% | −0.06pp | #185 |
| 2016 | 53.45% | +3.34pp | #184 |
| 2015 | 50.12% | −1.08pp | #183 |
| 2014 | 51.19% | −0.01pp | #181 |
| 2013 | 51.21% | −0.12pp | #181 |
| 2012 | 51.32% | +1.58pp | #180 |
| 2011 | 49.75% | −0.71pp | #180 |
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 unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's youth unemployment was 59.93% in 2025. Ranked 180th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's youth unemployment peaked at 65.45% in 2021.
The lowest youth unemployment in South Africa was 42.09% in 1997.
South Africa ranks 180th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's youth unemployment is projected to reach 57.77% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of South Africa in 2025 was 59.93%. This ranks 180th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_youth-unemployment,
title = {South Africa Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}