10 African countries with the highest minimum wage

The minimum wage is the absolute lowest amount that an employer has to legally pay a worker per hour or month. These laws were introduced to tackle worker exploitation and help low-income families meet their basic requirements like food, water, and security.

Workers’ rights have come a long way, but the fight for fair wages is still much alive.

The concept of minimum wage is a hot topic. Some people argue that it increases standards of living and reduces poverty and inequality with an overall net benefit for the economy as people’s purchasing power increases. On the flip side, dissenters argue that it makes the cost of labour too expensive and forces businesses to raise prices and lay off workers, contributing to poor economic performance.

Moreover, minimum wage rates vary across cities and countries. Generally, these rates tend to be higher in advanced countries compared to developing ones. This reflects the differing economic contexts and priorities across regions.

In Africa, minimum wage rates are among the lowest globally, and this might not be shocking considering that many of its countries are still developing. However, it’s worth noting that even on the continent, there are variations, and workers in some countries have a better shot at earning higher wages compared to others.

According to a Wisevoter report, Seychelles boasts the highest estimated minimum gross monthly wage, standing at $465.4. Following closely are Libya and Morocco in the rankings.