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 decreased to 31.90 percent in the third quarter of 2025 from 33.20 percent in the second quarter of 2025. This dataset provides - South Africa Unemployment Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Unemployment Male: From 15 to 64 Years for South Africa (LFUN64MAZAQ647S) from Q3 2000 to Q2 2025 about South Africa, 15 to 64 years, males, and unemployment.

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.

Youth Unemployment Rate in South Africa decreased to 58.50 percent in the third quarter of 2025 from 62.20 percent in the second quarter of 2025. This dataset provides - South Africa Youth Unemployment Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Graph and download economic data for Unemployment Rate - Black or African American (LNS14000006) from Jan 1972 to Sep 2025 about African-American, 16 years +, household survey, unemployment, rate, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Youth Unemployment Rate for Developing Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SLUEM1524ZSSSA) from 1991 to 2024 about Sub-Saharan Africa, unemployment, and rate.

In 2024, the unemployment rate in Western Africa was **** percent. In the period under review, unemployment in the region has risen more rapidly from 2016 to 2021, when it peaked at approximately seven percent. However, by 2025, the rate is projected to decrease to **** percent.

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

In 2024, the unemployment rate in Southern Africa was ***** percent. The rate is projected to increase to ***** percent by 2025, which would still represent one of the highest unemployment rates registered from 2010 onwards. The Southern African economy was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, representing the worst affected region in Africa.

Graph and download economic data for Unemployment Rate - 16-19 Yrs., Black or African American (LNS14000018) from Jan 1972 to Sep 2025 about 16 to 19 years, African-American, household survey, unemployment, rate, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Unemployment Rate - 20 Yrs. & over, Black or African American Women (LNS14000032) from Jan 1972 to Sep 2025 about 20 years +, African-American, females, household survey, unemployment, rate, and USA.

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.

In 2024, around **** percent of the African youth, those aged between 15 and 24 years old, were expected to be unemployed. According to data from the International Labor Organization, this figure has remained stable since 2021. The rate of unemployment among youths in the continent has fluctuated in the period under review, overall slightly dropping in comparison to the share in 2012, the lowest in the period reviewed.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Unemployment Rate Total: From 25 to 54 Years for South Africa (LRUN25TTZAQ156N) from Q1 2008 to Q2 2025 about 25 to 54 years, South Africa, unemployment, and rate.

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

Historical dataset showing Sub-Saharan Africa unemployment rate by year from 1991 to 2024.

Key information about South Africa Unemployment Rate

• South Africa Unemployment Rate dropped to 31.90% in Sep 2025, from the previously reported figure of 33.20% in Jun 2025.
• South Africa Unemployment Rate is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2008 to Sep 2025, 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 63.10 million people in Jun 2025.