Minimum wages are crucial for any region’s economy. They have a wide-ranging impact, including social and economic inequalities, growth, and stability.
Despite efforts to raise living conditions and encourage fair labor, many African countries continue to suffer with extremely low minimum salaries.
This issue demonstrates that, while progress has been made, much more effort remains to be done to ensure that all workers have adequate financial security.
Here is a look at the 5 African countries with the lowest salaries:
1. Egypt – $0.45 per hour
Egypt’s minimum wage, at $0.45 per hour, is greater than that of the lowest-paid countries. However, this rate remains insufficient for many Egyptians, particularly considering growing prices and the rising cost of urban living.
2. Uganda – $0.298 per hour
Uganda’s minimum wage is $0.298 per hour. This low salary presents substantial obstacles for low-income people, particularly in rural areas. Despite expansion in agriculture and services, many Ugandans continue to struggle financially.
3. Angola – $0.25 per hour
Angola, a country rich in oil, has a minimum salary of only $0.25 per hour. This huge difference between the country’s natural richness and the wages paid to its people raises an economic concern.
4. Ethiopia – $0.23 per hour
Ethiopia’s minimum wage is only $0.23 per hour, pushing many workers into poverty. While manufacturing and agriculture have expanded, salary gains have not kept up with economic development.
5. Rwanda – $0.070 per hour
With the continent’s lowest minimum wage of $0.070 per hour, Rwanda confronts significant hurdles in providing its workers with a living livelihood.