South Africa Labor Force Participation Rate (2025)
South Africa's Labor Force Participation Rate: 55.6 % of population ages 15+ in 2025, +0pp YoY. World Bank (SL.TLF.CACT.ZS), 1990–2025.
South Africa (2025)
55.6
% of population ages 15+
+0pp YoY
YoY Change
+0pp
percentage points
Trend
up
Series length
35
years of data
Data
| Year | % of population ages 15+ | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55.6 | +0pp |
| 2024 | 55.6 | +0.5pp |
| 2023 | 55 | +1.5pp |
| 2022 | 53.5 | +1.5pp |
| 2021 | 52 | +1.5pp |
| 2020 | 50.5 | -4.7pp |
| 2019 | 55.3 | +0.1pp |
| 2018 | 55.2 | -0.2pp |
| 2017 | 55.4 | +0.6pp |
| 2016 | 54.7 | +0.1pp |
| 2015 | 54.6 | +1.3pp |
| 2014 | 53.3 | +0.2pp |
| 2013 | 53.1 | +0.6pp |
| 2012 | 52.5 | +0.3pp |
| 2011 | 52.2 | -0.1pp |
| 2010 | 52.3 | -1.7pp |
| 2009 | 54 | -1.8pp |
| 2008 | 55.8 | -0.1pp |
| 2007 | 55.9 | -0.1pp |
| 2006 | 56 | n/a |
About this Dataset
South Africa recorded 55.6 % of population ages 15+ in 2025. The most recent year-on-year change was +0.0pp. The historical series (1990–2025) shows a peak of 58.0 in 1992 and a trough of 50.5 in 2020.
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data API. Values use World Bank standardised methodology ensuring cross-country comparability.
The chart above shows the full historical trend; the table below lists annual values with year-on-year changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This indicator tracks south africa labor force participation rate in South Africa, published by World Bank. Data covers 1990–2025 at annual frequency using harmonised methodology.
The most recent observation covers 2025. World Bank typically publishes this series with a lag of several months after the reference period. Data is updated annual.
The series peaked at 58.0 % of population ages 15+ in 1992 and reached its lowest recorded value of 50.5 in 2020. The latest reading of 55.6 in 2025 represents a year-on-year change of +0.0pp.