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Diagnosing South Africa’s High Unemployment and Low Informality

Author

Listed:
  • Kishan Shah

    (Center for International Development at Harvard University)

Abstract

This report analyzes the causes and consequences of South Africa’s high rates of unemployment and the unique nature of labor market exclusion in the country. It leverages a combination of new quantitative analysis using South African datasets and international datasets for benchmarking, together with synthesis of existing literature and case studies. The goal is to: (1) characterize the challenge of labor market exclusion in South Africa, (2) identify ways in which this is similar and different to other countries, (3) understand what drives the unique challenges of the labor market in South Africa, and (4) narrow down what policy areas are most important to address the underlying drivers. This report takes a diagnostic approach to understand the causes of South Africa’s unique pattern of low informality.

Suggested Citation

  • Kishan Shah, 2022. "Diagnosing South Africa’s High Unemployment and Low Informality," Growth Lab Working Papers 193, Harvard's Growth Lab.
    • Handle: RePEc:glh:wpfacu:193
    as

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    File URL: https://growthlab.cid.harvard.edu/files/growthlab/files/2022-09-cid-fellows-wp-138-south-africa-labor-markets.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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