Gross monthly minimum wage in Africa in 2022, by country

As of 2022, Seychelles was the African country with the highest estimated minimum gross monthly wage, standing at 464.76 U.S. dollars. It was followed by Morocco at 285.61 U.S. dollars and South Africa 248.12 U.S. dollars. Among the selected nations, only five countries had a minimum wage above 200 U.S. dollars on the continent. 

Minimum wage adjustments

Legislations regarding minimum wages vary significantly across countries. The minimum remuneration of employees is usually proportionate to a specific area's cost of living. Determining a minimum wage aims to increase employees' living conditions while reducing poverty and inequality. Due to rising prices and inflation, governments occasionally adjust the minimum salary. In Africa, Sierra Leone experienced the highest increase in the minimum wage in recent years, with a growth of almost 30 percent between 2010 and 2019. However, governments can also lower minimum wages. Liberia and Burundi reduced the lowest possible remuneration by around 14 percent and eight percent, respectively, between 2010 and 2019.

Widespread informal employment

Despite legislation in force, minimum wages are not always guaranteed. In fact, several forms of employment allow employers to avoid paying minimum wages. In addition, undeclared work remains a common practice in many countries worldwide. The situation is particularly critical in some African countries. According to estimates, over 96 percent of the working population in Niger, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, and Madagascar engaged in informal employment between 2019 and 2023. In Egypt and South Africa, the share stood at 67 percent and 42 percent, respectively. Seychelles had the lowest rate on the continent at around 17 percent.