South Africa Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
South Africa's youth unemployment was 59.93% in 2025, ranked 180th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
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.
South Africa's youth unemployment rate has exhibited a persistent and troubling trend over the past three decades. The latest available data from the World Bank reveals a staggering 59.93% youth unemployment rate in 2025, ranking the country #180 globally. This figure is particularly concerning when compared to its all-time peak of 65.45% in 2021, a year marked by severe economic contractions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's youth unemployment rate has also never been lower than its all-time trough of 42.09% in 1997, a year that coincided with a period of economic growth and stability following the end of apartheid. In comparison, Eswatini's youth unemployment rate of 54.33% is relatively lower, while Djibouti's rate of 76.77% is significantly higher. To reverse this trend, South Africa's policymakers must prioritize investment in vocational training programs, education, and entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to the needs of its young workforce.
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}
}