Labor Market
Comprehensive data and analysis on employment, unemployment, labor force participation, wages, and working conditions in South Sudan.
Key Labor Market Indicators
Unemployment Rate
11.4%
Youth Unemployment
23.7%
Labor Force Participation
68.2%
Average Monthly Wage
SSP 45,800
Labor Market Trends
Unemployment Rate Trends (2019-2024)
Employment by Sector (2024)
Detailed Labor Market Analysis
Labor Force Status (2024)
Employment Indicators
| Indicator | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working Age Population | 7.2M | 7.5M | 7.8M | +4.0% |
| Labor Force | 5.1M | 5.3M | 5.6M | +5.7% |
| Employed | 4.6M | 4.8M | 5.0M | +4.2% |
| Unemployed | 0.5M | 0.5M | 0.6M | +20.0% |
| Not in Labor Force | 2.1M | 2.2M | 2.2M | +0% |
Labor Market Dynamics
The labor force continues to grow faster than employment opportunities, leading to a rise in unemployment. While the economy is creating jobs, it is not keeping pace with the expanding working-age population, particularly among youth entering the labor market.
Youth Employment Challenge
Youth Labor Market Indicators (2024)
| Indicator | Ages 15-24 | Ages 25-34 | Total 15-34 | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 28.5% | 19.2% | 23.7% | 11.4% |
| Labor Force Participation | 45.8% | 72.3% | 58.2% | 68.2% |
| Underemployment Rate | 35.2% | 22.8% | 28.7% | 18.5% |
| Informal Employment | 78.5% | 65.2% | 71.8% | 62.3% |
| Average Monthly Wage (SSP) | 32,500 | 48,200 | 39,800 | 45,800 |
Youth Employment Challenges
Youth face disproportionate challenges in the labor market, with unemployment rates more than double the national average. High rates of underemployment and informal work indicate limited quality employment opportunities for young people. The transition from education to work remains particularly difficult.
Policy Recommendations
Address youth employment through targeted programs including vocational training, apprenticeship schemes, entrepreneurship support, and public works programs. Improve education-to-work transitions through career guidance and stronger links between education institutions and employers.
Regional Labor Market Analysis
Regional Unemployment Rates (2024)
Regional Labor Market Characteristics
Urban Centers (Juba, Wau, Malakal)
Higher formal employment but also higher unemployment, particularly among educated youth. Dominated by services and public administration sectors.
Agricultural Regions
High employment in agriculture but characterized by seasonal underemployment and low productivity. Limited formal job opportunities outside subsistence farming.
Oil-Producing Regions
Higher wages but limited local employment in the oil sector. Significant youth unemployment despite resource wealth due to skills mismatches.
Border Regions
Significant cross-border trade employment but vulnerable to border closures and political tensions. High informal sector participation.
Regional Development Implications
Regional disparities in labor market outcomes highlight the need for place-based employment policies. Urban areas require job creation for growing youth populations, while rural areas need agricultural productivity improvements and rural enterprise development.
Related Resources
Labor Force Survey 2024
Comprehensive analysis of employment, unemployment and labor market trends.
Download PDFLabor Market Data Dashboard
Interactive labor market data visualization and analysis platform.
Access DashboardLabor Statistics Methodology
Understanding labor force survey methods and employment classifications.
View Guide