Despite improving economic conditions, the gap between minimum wage and living expenses remains a significant issue. This makes life difficult for workers and their families.
The minimum wage is the lowest amount that an employer is legally required to pay a worker per hour or month. These rules were enacted to combat labor exploitation and assist low-income families in meeting their fundamental needs such as food, water, and security.
Workers’ rights have gone a long way, but the fight for fair compensation continues.
The idea of a minimum wage is a heated topic. Some claim that it raises living standards while lowering poverty and inequality, resulting in a net benefit to the economy as people’s purchasing power grows. Dissenters claim that it raises labor costs and forces businesses to raise prices and lay off workers, resulting in poor economic performance.
Furthermore, minimum wage rates differ by city and country. In general, advanced countries have greater rates than poor countries. This reflects the differences in economic conditions and priorities amongst areas.
Africa has some of the lowest minimum wage rates in the world, which is not surprising given that many of its countries are still developing. It’s important to note that wages vary across the continent, with some countries offering higher earnings than others.
According to a Wisevoter survey, Seychelles has the highest estimated minimum gross monthly wage, at $465.4. Libya and Morocco are closely ranked.
The following are the ten African countries with the highest minimum wages:
Rank | Country | Global rank | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Seychelles | $465.4 | 38th |
2 | Libya | $321.83 | 45th |
3 | Morocco | $314.7 | 47th |
4 | Gabon | $270.5 | 50th |
5 | Equatorial Guinea | $211.54 | 58th |
6 | Algeria | $140.14 | 72nd |
7 | Cape Verde | $139.46 | 73rd |
8 | Kenya | $130.57 | 75th |
9 | Mozambique | $113.8 | 79th |
10 | Lesotho | $109.62 | 80th |