South Africa
ZA desk: South Africa first; United States, United Kingdom, euro area, Australia and New Zealand alongside.
−0.32 pp
As of 2025 | % of labour force ages 15–24
| Year | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 59.93% |
| 2024 | 60.25% |
| 2023 | 60.26% |
| 2022 | 61.68% |
| 2021 | 65.45% |
| 2020 | 59.61% |
| 2019 | 57.32% |
| 2018 | 53.63% |
| 2017 | 53.40% |
| 2016 | 53.45% |
| 2015 | 50.12% |
| 2014 | 51.19% |
| 2013 | 51.20% |
| 2012 | 51.32% |
| 2011 | 49.74% |
| 2010 | 50.45% |
| 2009 | 47.47% |
| 2008 | 44.58% |
| 2007 | 44.04% |
| 2006 | 43.87% |
| 2005 | 43.93% |
| 2004 | 43.86% |
| 2003 | 43.80% |
| 2002 | 43.35% |
Youth unemployment is the same ILO definition restricted to ages 15–24 (SL.UEM.1524.ZS). It is usually higher than the all-ages rate. Latest: 59.93% in 2025.
It is a rate among young people in the labour force, not a share of all young people. From 1991 to 2025 (35 years): mean 49.11%, median 44.58%; low 42.09% (1997), high 65.45% (2021).
Source: World Bank Open Data. Licence: CC BY 4.0 (terms).