10 African countries with the highest minimum wage (2023)



In terms of both size and population, Africa is the second-largest continent in the globe. However, the continent is ranked as the world's poorest continent.


Despite this, the labour market in Africa is among the most affordable in the world. As a result, many companies have opened branches in Africa to serve the continent and its neighbours.

This article highlights the best-paying nations in Africa where one can earn more money thanks to the country's raised minimum wage.

Countries with the highest minimum wage in Africa

  

Rank  Country  Minimum wage (monthly) USD 
1 Seychelles  $432 
2 Libya $322
3 Morocco $281
4 Gabon $256 
5 South Africa $242
6 Mauritius$240
7 Equatorial Guinea$200
8 Congo$154
9 Algeria$151
10 Kenya$140 


1. Seychelles

Minimum wage: $432


A group of islands off the coast of east Africa make up the Seychelles. The nation, which has fewer than 500,000 citizens, is a tourist hotspot on the African continent. Seychelles is both the most industrialised nation in Africa and the nation with the highest GDP per person.

The capital of the nation, Victoria, is bordered by coral reefs and the Indian Ocean. The 8 hours of total work time allowed under Seychelles labour rules, from 9 am to 5 pm, includes overtime pay for additional hours worked. Tourism is the main employer of people, followed by agriculture, which employs less than 10% of the workforce.

2. Libya

Minimum wage: $322


Recent civil conflict in Libya resulted in Gaddafi, who had ruled the country for more than 40 years, being ousted from office. Despite this, the country in North Africa is the second highest-paying on the continent and has a stable economy.




The regulations governing labourers' wages in Libya are among the most consistent on the entire African continent, and they mandate an eight-hour workday. Though some of the practises have raised racial problems, the sector has been accused of being mostly racist and giving citizens and other Africans solitary treatments. 

3. Morocco

Minimum wage: $281


Another North African nation on the list with a minimum salary over $200 is the Kingdom of Morocco. With some regions of Europe, such as Spain and Greece, flocking to the north African nation for work, the country's labour market has served as inspiration to many African nations.

Agriculture is Morocco's largest source of employment, although the nation also has a sizable presence in manufacturing, tourism, mining, and other industries. Morocco's largest city is Casablanca, and Rabat is the country's capital. Morocco was named the most visited country in Africa in 2018, surpassing South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and other nations.


4. Gabon

Minimum wage: $256


Gabon is the first Central African country on the list with a minimum wage of over 200 dollars. Gabon doubles as one of the richest countries in Africa with petroleum accounting for over 80% of government revenue. 


Gabon has a sufficiently standard labour industry, nonetheless, a majority of the laws on labour in the country are either not enforced or are ignored by employers. This has seen complaints from labourers working longer hours and even earning less than minimum wage. 


The Gabonese capital is Libreville, with agriculture being the country’s biggest employer.


5. South Africa

Minimum wage: $242


South Africa is the fifth highest-paying nation on the African continent. The country has a minimum wage of $242; South Africa also doubles as the continent’s most economically developed country, the second largest economy, and one of the richest countries on the continent.


South Africa has transformed its labour laws since the apartheid era with free trade and an eventual open economy for all South Africans. The country has continued to maintain a standard labour industry with laws similar to that in advanced countries. The highest employer of labour in South Africa is mining, agriculture and services. 


6. Mauritius

Minimum wage: $240


Mauritius is yet another Island nation off the coast of east Africa on the list. The nation is one of Africa’s strongest financial centres and is the biggest and only financial centre out of mainland Africa. 


Mauritius has a very flexible labour sector with increased, with increased concentration on finance, tourism ad other service-related sectors. The country has a population of over one million people with Port Louis being its capital and largest city.


Mauritius is currently home to some of the biggest financial service providers on the African continent.


7. Equatorial Guinea

Minimum wage: $200


A country in Central Africa called Equatorial Guinea has large petroleum reserves. Government revenue is significantly influenced by the oil industry. Agriculture and services are now the two industries that employ the most people in the nation as a result of the government's increasing focus on diversifying the economy of the nation.




Despite this, Equatorial Guinea's labour regulations are somewhat authoritarian due to the ban on strikes, the exclusion of unions, and the mandatory work-for-pay system. Employees in Equatorial Guinea only have the option of bringing their employment complaints to the Ministry of Labor against their employers, which includes the government. Malabo, the capital of the nation, is home to more over a million people.

8. Congo

Minimum wage: $154


The Congo is the 8th highest-paying country in Africa. The country is filled with tons of natural resources and has a stable financial sector. The biggest employer of labour in the Congo is agriculture, with services and mining taking strong positions. 


The country has a vibrant labour force hence the attraction of several companies in the country. The Congo’s capital is Brazzaville.


9. Algeria


Minimum wage: $151

Algeria is the largest country in Africa by land mass and a producer of petroleum. Strong labour laws in the nation offer residents the freedom to leave, get their paychecks, and enjoy other protections.

Thousands of employees from North Africa and Asia have been drawn to Algeria by its stable economic environment and long history of successful labour relations.

10. Kenya

Minimum wage: $140


The East African nation is the largest economy in East Africa and also stands as one of Africa’s strongest financial centres. Kenya has a stable labour industry with some of the most skilled labour force when it comes to service offerings. 

The Kenyan economy is the 3rd largest in Sub-Saharan Africa and is one of the richest nations in Africa by GDP per capita. Its capital, Nairobi, is one of Africa’s strongest financial cities and the biggest financial centre in East Africa.


Conclusion

Over the years, the African continent has encountered several difficulties, some of which are related to its financial standing in the council of countries. However, certain countries stand out for providing the best minimum wage in order to continuously improve the lives of their residents.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest minimum wage paying west African country?

Cape Verde is the highest paying west African country with $132 and is the 11th highest paid in Africa.


What is the minimum wage in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s minimum wage stands at $70 per month as of December 2022.

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