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The minimum wage is the lowest amount paid to an employee in a certain period. Welders at work on a dry dock Gambia has the lowest wages in Africa. What's the ILO policy on minimum wages? Which African countries have the lowest minimum wages? 1. Gambia 2. Eswatini 3. Guinea Bissau 4. Ghana 5. Sierra Leone 6. Niger 7. Burkina Faso Which African countries have the highest minimum wages? What is Kenya's minimum wage? + View more What's the ILO policy on minimum wages? The International Labour Organisation (ILO) explained that neither a collective bargaining agreement nor an individual contract may lower the minimum wage. Over 90% of the ILO's member nations have minimum wages meant to shield employees against unfairly low compensation. "They help ensure a just and equitable share of the fruits of progress to all and a minimum living wage to all who are employed and in need of such protection. Minimum wages can also be one element of a policy to overcome poverty and reduce inequality, including those between men and women," ILO states. According to the World Bank, the percentage of workers currently covered by minimum wages in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is small. "In six out of the seven countries sampled, salaried employees account for less than half of the labour force, while the sample average is close to 20%. Minimum wages only apply to wage-earning employees and, in some cases, only to formal sector wage earners. Wage regulations thus cover only a minority of the total workforce in most SSA economies," the World Bank stated. Which African countries have the lowest minimum wages? 1. Gambia According to Statista, Gambia has the lowest minimum wage in Africa. The West African country's minimum wage is $23.67 (KSh 3,110). Global People Strategist reported that the Gambian government's minimum wage is GMD 50 (KSh 96) daily in the formal sector. 2. Eswatini Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa whose economy is diversified. It depends on agriculture, mining and forestry. According to the Times of Swaziland, the minimum wage in Eswatini is KSh 3,661.66 for domestic workers, KSh 2,898.41 for unskilled labourers, and KSh 4,140 for skilled labourers. 3. Guinea Bissau Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world and also among the least developed. Its economy is mostly dependent on agriculture and fisheries. The West African country's minimum wage is $30.51 (KSh 4,000). 4. Ghana Ghana's minimum wage is $42.52 (KSh 5,585). The World Bank reported that Ghana recorded economic improvements in 2023 after the macroeconomic crises of 2022. "However, persistent challenges remain, notably characterised by elevated inflation, subdued growth, and substantial pressure on public finances and debt sustainability," the lender stated. 5. Sierra Leone According to the African Development Bank Group, Sierra Leone's economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and tourism. The country faces rising inflation, expected to reach 20.8% in 2024. Its minimum wage is $42.71 (KSh 5,610). 6. Niger Agriculture contributes 40% of Niger's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The World Bank noted that due to negative per capita growth and rising inflation, the number of the extremely poor increased by roughly 1.1 million in 2023. The extreme poverty rate exceeds 50%. Niger's minimum wage is $48.17 (KSh 6,327.67). 7. Burkina Faso Burkina Faso is another African country with the lowest minimum wage at $49.19 (KSh 6,461). The country's economy is based on agriculture and mining (gold). Which African countries have the highest minimum wages? Seychelles, an island nation off East Africa, pays the highest minimum wage in Africa at $465.4, equivalent to KSh 60,636.97. In January 2024, the Mauritian government raised the minimum wage to Rs 16,500 (KSh 46432.07) monthly, making it the second highest-paying nation in the continent. Libya ranks third with a minimum wage of $322 (KSh 41,953.38). What is Kenya's minimum wage? During the Labour Day celebrations on May 1, President William Ruto directed a 6% raise in the minimum wage. Ruto said the move was part of the government’s efforts to enhance Kenyans' purchasing power, which has been reduced in recent times. If the new directive is implemented, the minimum wage will increase by KSh 912 to KSh 16,112. by Japhet Ruto
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