In 2022, the youth labor force participation rate in South Africa stood at around 30 percent. This presents an improvement from 26.15 percent in 2020, which was the lowest level of youth participation recorded throughout the period under review. Overall, the labor participation rate among the South African youth is following a declining trend.
Youth labor force participation rate in South Africa from 2000 to 2022
Characteristic
Labor force participation rate
2022
29.75%
2021
26.5%
2020
26.15%
2019
29.73%
2018
29.61%
2017
31.43%
2016
31.01%
2015
30.69%
2014
28.42%
2013
29.58%
2012
29.41%
2011
29.89%
2010
28.22%
25%27.5%30%32.5%35%37.5%40%42.5%
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Youth labor force participation refers to the population aged 15-24 years that is economically active, including "all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period".
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World Bank. (September 5, 2023). Youth labor force participation rate in South Africa from 2000 to 2022 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298018/youth-labor-force-participation-rate-in-south-africa/
World Bank. "Youth labor force participation rate in South Africa from 2000 to 2022." Chart. September 5, 2023. Statista. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298018/youth-labor-force-participation-rate-in-south-africa/
World Bank. (2023). Youth labor force participation rate in South Africa from 2000 to 2022. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: March 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298018/youth-labor-force-participation-rate-in-south-africa/
World Bank. "Youth Labor Force Participation Rate in South Africa from 2000 to 2022." Statista, Statista Inc., 5 Sep 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298018/youth-labor-force-participation-rate-in-south-africa/
World Bank, Youth labor force participation rate in South Africa from 2000 to 2022 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298018/youth-labor-force-participation-rate-in-south-africa/ (last visited March 13, 2025)
Youth labor force participation rate in South Africa from 2000 to 2022 [Graph], World Bank, September 5, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1298018/youth-labor-force-participation-rate-in-south-africa/
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