Total informal employment in South Africa 2013-2023

Published by
Natalie Cowling,
Mar 14, 2024
The number of people employed in the informal sector in South Africa reached a peak point at over 7.8 million in 2023. In the period under review, the number of people with jobs outside formal institutions has generally been following an increasing trend.

Number of people employed in the informal sector in South Africa from 2013 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

CharacteristicNumber of employees in thousands
2023 7,829
2022 7,538
2021 7,166
2020 7,185
2019 7,376
2018 7,331
2017 7,351
2016 6,954
2015 6,892
2014 6,214
2013 6,283
Showing entries 1 to 11 (11 entries in total)
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Number of employees in thousands6,2836,2836,2146,2146,8926,8926,9546,9547,3517,3517,3317,3317,3767,3767,1857,1857,1667,1667,5387,5387,8297,82920132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,000

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Release date

March 2024

Region

South Africa

Survey time period

2013 to 2023

Age group

15 years and older

Supplementary notes

Release date is the date of access.

Figures have been rounded.

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