The unemployment rate in Africa was expected to reach seven percent in 2024. In the period under review, unemployment in the continent peaked at 7.2 percent in 2021. Unemployment levels varied significantly across African countries. South Africa was estimated to register the highest rate in 2024 at around 30 percent.

South Africa is expected to register the highest unemployment rate in Africa in 2024, with around ** percent of the country's labor force being unemployed. Djibouti and Eswatini followed, with unemployment reaching roughly ** percent and ** percent, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest unemployment rates in Africa were in Niger and Burundi. The continent’s average stood at roughly ***** percent in the same year. Large shares of youth among the unemployed Due to several educational, socio-demographic, and economic factors, the young population is more likely to face unemployment in most regions of the world. In 2024, the youth unemployment rate in Africa was projected at around ** percent. The situation was particularly critical in certain countries. In 2022, Djibouti recorded a youth unemployment rate of almost ** percent, the highest rate on the continent. South Africa followed, with around ** percent of the young labor force being unemployed. Wide disparities in female unemployment Women are another demographic group often facing high unemployment. In Africa, the female unemployment rate stood at roughly ***** percent in 2023, compared to *** percent among men. The average female unemployment on the continent was not particularly high. However, there were significant disparities among African countries. Djibouti and South Africa topped the ranking once again in 2022, with female unemployment rates of around ** percent and ** percent, respectively. In contrast, Niger, Burundi, and Chad were far below Africa’s average, as only roughly *** percent or lower of the women in the labor force were unemployed.

Unemployment Rate in South Africa increased to 32.90 percent in the first quarter of 2025 from 31.90 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - South Africa Unemployment Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Graph and download economic data for Youth Unemployment Rate: All Income Levels for Sub-Saharan Africa (SLUEM1524ZSSSF) from 1991 to 2024 about Sub-Saharan Africa, income, unemployment, and rate.

This dataset provides values for YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Unemployment Total: From 15 to 64 Years for South Africa (LFUN64TTZAQ647N) from Q3 2000 to Q1 2025 about South Africa, 15 to 64 years, and unemployment.

In 2024, unemployment rate in Southern Africa was estimated at 28.64 percent. The region recorded the highest rate on the African continent, with South Africa having the highest unemployment levels among African countries. Moreover, Northern Africa registered an unemployment rate of 11.15 percent in 2024, while Eastern Africa had the lowest unemployment levels at 4.74 percent. Overall, the continent's average rate was seven percent in the same year.

Historical dataset showing Africa unemployment rate by year from N/A to N/A.

Youth Unemployment Rate in South Africa increased to 62.40 percent in the first quarter of 2025 from 59.60 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - South Africa Youth Unemployment Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Around 36 million people were unemployed in Africa as of 2024. The total unemployed population on the continent gradually increased in the period under review. For instance, the number of unemployed individuals amounted to 28.65 million in 2014.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Long-Term Unemployment Total: 15 Years or over for South Africa (LFUTLTTTZAQ647N) from Q1 2008 to Q1 2025 about 1 year +, South Africa, unemployment, and persons.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Unemployment Rate Total: From 15 to 24 Years for South Africa (LRUN24TTZAQ156N) from Q1 2008 to Q1 2025 about 15 to 24 years, South Africa, unemployment, and rate.

South Africa Unemployment data was reported at 7,990.947 Person th in Dec 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 8,010.520 Person th for Sep 2024. South Africa Unemployment data is updated quarterly, averaging 5,678.412 Person th from Mar 2008 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 68 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,383.824 Person th in Jun 2024 and a record low of 4,047.887 Person th in Dec 2008. South Africa Unemployment data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G024: Unemployment. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

The average for 2023 based on 52 countries was 11.11 percent. The highest value was in Swaziland: 39.35 percent and the lowest value was in Niger: 0.47 percent. The indicator is available from 1991 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Key information about South Africa Unemployment Rate

• South Africa Unemployment Rate dropped to 32.10% in Sep 2024, from the previously reported figure of 33.50% in Jun 2024.
• South Africa Unemployment Rate is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2008 to Sep 2024, with an average rate of 26.50%.
• The data reached an all-time high of 35.30% in Dec 2021 and a record low of 21.50% in Dec 2008.
• The data is reported by reported by Statistics South Africa.
• In the latest reports, South Africa Population reached 60.60 million people in Jun 2022.

In 2024, the unemployment rate in Northern Africa was estimated at 11.15 percent. Unemployment in the region increased from 2010 to 2015, peaking at 13.1 percent in 2015. Since 2015, unemployment has been following an overall dropping trend. North Africa recorded the second highest unemployment rates in Africa in recent years.

The average for 2025 based on 7 countries was 19 percent. The highest value was in Sudan: 61.99 percent and the lowest value was in the Seychelles: 3 percent. The indicator is available from 1980 to 2030. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Unemployment Rate in Central African Republic remained unchanged at 6.30 percent in 2023 from 6.30 percent in 2022. This dataset provides - Central African Republic Unemployment Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Unemployment Rate Total: From 15 to 64 Years for South Africa (LRUN64TTZAA156S) from 2000 to 2024 about South Africa, 15 to 64 years, unemployment, and rate.

Historical chart and dataset showing South Africa youth unemployment rate by year from 1991 to 2024.