Ghana vs South Africa: Male labor force participation rate
Ghana
61.8%
in 2025
South Africa
61.7%
in 2025
Ghana rank
156th
South Africa rank
158th
Male labor force participation rate over time
- Ghana
- South Africa
How they compare
Ghana currently reports 61.8% against 61.7% in South Africa, a difference of 0.1%.
Across all 36 years both countries report, Ghana has been ahead every year.
Ghana ranks 156th and South Africa ranks 158th of 186 countries.
Ghana has averaged higher in every one of the 4 decades both report.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | Ghana | South Africa | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 76.2% | 71.2% | 5.0% | Ghana |
| 2000s | 76.2% | 66.4% | 9.8% | Ghana |
| 2010s | 73.3% | 61.5% | 11.8% | Ghana |
| 2020s | 63.2% | 60.4% | 2.8% | Ghana |
Averages of every year both report within each decade.
Frequently asked questions
- Which has higher male labor force participation rate, Ghana or South Africa?
- Ghana, at 61.8% against 61.7% in South Africa as of 2025.
- What is the difference in male labor force participation rate between Ghana and South Africa?
- 0.1%, with Ghana ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for Ghana and South Africa?
- 36 years are reported by both, from 1990 to 2025.
- How do Ghana and South Africa rank globally for male labor force participation rate?
- Ghana ranks 156th and South Africa ranks 158th of 186 countries.
- Where does this data come from?
- ILO Modelled Estimates, via World Bank (2026) β processed by Our World in Data, published as Male labor force participation rate. Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.
Individual pages
About this data
Share of the male working-age population (ages 15 and over) who are economically active (employed or unemployed).