diff --git a/package/python-pip/Config.in b/package/python-pip/Config.in
index 4fcd55e5ab..ac741da872 100644
--- a/package/python-pip/Config.in
+++ b/package/python-pip/Config.in
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 config BR2_PACKAGE_PYTHON_PIP
 	bool "python-pip"
+	select BR2_PACKAGE_PYTHON_SETUPTOOLS # runtime
 	help
 	  The PyPA recommended tool for installing Python packages.