South Africa Labour Force Participation Rate
Share of the population aged 15+ that is economically active.
Labour Force Participation Rate in South Africa increased to 55.58 percent in 2025 from 55.57 percent in 2024.
South Africa Labour Force Participation Rate — History
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South Africa Labour Force Participation Rate — analysis in simple words
Latest reading
Labour Force Participation Rate in South Africa increased to 55.58 percent in 2025 from 55.57 percent in 2024.
It has risen in each of the last three years.
Recent trend
A year earlier (2024) it was 55.6%, so the latest figure is 0.0 percentage points higher.
Over the past five years the average was 54.3%, with a range from 52.0% to 55.6%. The latest value is above that five-year average.
Historical context
This data series starts in 1990 and has 36 annual observations. The latest reading is higher than 44% of all of them.
The highest value on record is 58.1% (1990) and the lowest is 50.5% (2020). The long-run average is 55.6%.
Compared with other countries
Among 187 economies with recent data, South Africa ranks 137th from the top. The median across all these economies is 61.5%, so South Africa is below the typical country.
Among 19 major economies tracked on this site it ranks 17th.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa (47 economies with data) it ranks 37th; the regional median is 64.3%.
Statistics
- Latest
- 55.6%2025
- Previous
- 55.6%
- 5-year average
- 54.3%
- Long-run average
- 55.6%since 1990
- All-time high
- 58.1%1990
- All-time low
- 50.5%2020
- Observations
- 36Annual
Recent Data
| Period | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55.6% | ▲ +0.0 pp |
| 2024 | 55.6% | ▲ +0.5 pp |
| 2023 | 55.0% | ▲ +1.5 pp |
| 2022 | 53.5% | ▲ +1.5 pp |
| 2021 | 52.0% | ▲ +1.5 pp |
| 2020 | 50.5% | ▼ −4.7 pp |
| 2019 | 55.3% | ▲ +0.1 pp |
| 2018 | 55.2% | ▼ −0.2 pp |
| 2017 | 55.4% | ▲ +0.6 pp |
| 2016 | 54.7% | ▲ +0.1 pp |
| 2015 | 54.6% | ▲ +1.3 pp |
| 2014 | 53.3% | ▲ +0.2 pp |
| 2013 | 53.1% | ▲ +0.6 pp |
| 2012 | 52.5% | ▲ +0.3 pp |
| 2011 | 52.2% | ▼ −0.1 pp |
| 2010 | 52.3% | ▼ −1.7 pp |
| 2009 | 54.0% | ▼ −1.8 pp |
| 2008 | 55.8% | ▼ −0.1 pp |
| 2007 | 55.9% | ▼ −0.1 pp |
| 2006 | 56.0% | ▼ −0.1 pp |
| 2005 | 56.1% | ▼ −0.2 pp |
| 2004 | 56.3% | ▼ −0.2 pp |
| 2003 | 56.5% | ▼ −0.2 pp |
| 2002 | 56.7% | ▼ −0.3 pp |
| 2001 | 57.0% | ▼ −0.3 pp |
| 2000 | 57.3% | ▼ −0.2 pp |
| 1999 | 57.5% | ▼ −0.2 pp |
| 1998 | 57.7% | ▼ −0.2 pp |
| 1997 | 58.0% | ▼ −0.1 pp |
| 1996 | 58.0% |
Labour Force Participation Rate — South Africa vs Peers
Latest available reading for each economy (periods may differ). South Africa highlighted.
More South Africa indicators
Understanding Labour Force Participation Rate — a simple guide
What it measures
The share of the population aged 15 and over that is working or looking for work.
How it is calculated
Labour force ÷ population aged 15+ × 100.
A rate of 55% means 55 of every 100 adults are working or looking for work.
Higher participation means a larger available workforce.
Lower participation can reflect ageing, education or fewer women in paid work.
Why it matters for the economy and markets
Participation determines the size of the available workforce and long-run growth potential.
How to read it
Ageing populations, education and female participation drive long-term trends.
Data source
World Bank — World Development Indicators (series SL.TLF.CACT.ZS), annual data from 1990 to 2025. Values are shown exactly as published by the source and may be revised later.
How to use the chart
Use the 5Y / 10Y / 25Y / Max buttons to change the time range, or drag the slider under the chart. Hover (or tap) on the line to see the exact value for any period. Dashed lines and hatched bars are IMF projections, not actual data. The “Download CSV” button gives you the full data series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current labour force participation rate of South Africa?
What is the highest and lowest labour force participation rate of South Africa?
What does labour force participation rate measure?
Data are sourced from official international organisations (IMF, World Bank, BIS) and national authorities, and are shown for educational and informational purposes only. They are not investment advice and no recommendation is made. Figures may be revised by the source; IMF figures for the current and future years are projections. This page was last updated on Saturday, October 17, 2026.