The majority of the people employed in Africa are from rural areas. In 2020, the rural population in employment amounted to around 291 million, against 160 million living in urban areas. This meant that for every 100 working people among the rural population, there were around 54 individuals in employment from urban regions. Compared to the previous years, the employment gap between areas of residence did not change significantly. A total of over 529.4 million people were employed in Africa in 2024.
Number of people employed in Africa from 2010 to 2020, by area of residence
(in millions)
The source adds the following information:
"The employed comprise all persons of working age who, during a specified brief period, were in one of the following categories: a) paid employment (whether at work or with a job but not at work); or b) self-employment (whether at work or with an enterprise but not at work)."
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
ILO. (November 30, 2021). Number of people employed in Africa from 2010 to 2020, by area of residence (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 23, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236378/number-of-people-employed-in-africa-by-area-of-residence/
ILO. "Number of people employed in Africa from 2010 to 2020, by area of residence (in millions)." Chart. November 30, 2021. Statista. Accessed December 23, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236378/number-of-people-employed-in-africa-by-area-of-residence/
ILO. (2021). Number of people employed in Africa from 2010 to 2020, by area of residence (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 23, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236378/number-of-people-employed-in-africa-by-area-of-residence/
ILO. "Number of People Employed in Africa from 2010 to 2020, by Area of Residence (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 30 Nov 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236378/number-of-people-employed-in-africa-by-area-of-residence/
ILO, Number of people employed in Africa from 2010 to 2020, by area of residence (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236378/number-of-people-employed-in-africa-by-area-of-residence/ (last visited December 23, 2024)
Number of people employed in Africa from 2010 to 2020, by area of residence (in millions) [Graph], ILO, November 30, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1236378/number-of-people-employed-in-africa-by-area-of-residence/
