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South Africa Annual Unemployment Rate

South Africa's annual unemployment rate rose to 33.17% in 2024, up from 32.1% in 2023, according to World Bank. This represents an increase of 1.07% from the previous year. South Africa has the 2nd highest annual unemployment rate. Other top countries are Eswatini, Djibouti, Palestinian Territories and Botswana.

Yearly Historical Data (1991-2024)

(in %)
Year Annual Unemployment Rate (%)
2024 33.17%
2023 32.1%
2022 33.27%
2021 34.01%
2020 29.22%
2019 28.47%
2018 26.91%
2017 27.04%
2016 26.54%
2015 25.15%
2014 24.89%
2013 24.56%
2012 24.73%
2011 24.64%
2010 24.68%
2009 23.52%
2008 22.41%
2007 22.29%
2006 22.32%
2005 22.46%
2004 22.54%
2003 22.63%
2002 22.55%
2001 22.6%
2000 22.71%
1999 22.79%
1998 22.67%
1997 22.52%
1996 22.48%
1995 22.65%
1994 22.94%
1993 23.18%
1992 23.26%
1991 23%
South Africa Annual Unemployment Rate : Definition
Annual Unemployment Rate measures the percentage of South Africa's labor force that is looking for work but does not have a job.
Indicator Last Value Prior Value Period
Female Labor Force Rate 52.99% 52.93% 2024
Unemployment Rate 33.2% 32.9% Jun'25