Africa, widely considered as one of the poorest continents in the world in recent years, has had its teeming young population leaving in search of greener pastures. Although the continent is blessed with rich natural resources that could have changed its fortunes, the mismanagement and corruption of the leaders have ensured the continent remains stagnant.Read Original/Read Complete.
Many Africans are struggling to cope with the harsh economic realities that have pushed them to breaking points. The rising cost of living and rent has made many question the economic policies of their countries.
Although some governments have tried to remedy the situation by increasing the minimum wage, the purchasing power of the people remains at an all-time low.
For instance, in July 2024, President Tinubu approved and signed the increase of Nigerian workers’ minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
A National Assembly delegation led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and some members of the House of Representatives witnessed the ground-breaking event.
Following the signing, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, said the move is a promise kept.
“The signing of the minimum wage bill into law by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is both a promise kept and a demonstration of his people-centric governance model,” he said in a statement. “Tinubu promised to pay a living wage to Nigerian workers during his electioneering campaigns and he has kept that promise,” he said.
See the full list of African countries with the highest minimum wages as of January 2026:
1. Morocco – $374
Morocco leads as the African country with the highest minimum wage of about $374 per month, supported by a diversified economy and strong trade links with Europe and the Middle East. GDP grew 4.4% in 2025.
2. Mauritius – $371
Second on the list is Mauritius, with the minimum wages set at $371.75 per month, supported by tourism, finance, and technology sectors. GDP grew 3.2% in 2025.
3. Tunisia – $185
Tunisia’s minimum wage is pegged at $185.54 per month, with a mixed economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. GDP growth was 2.5% in 2025.
4. Algeria – $185
The next country on the list is Algeria, with a minimum wage of about $185.25 per month, driven largely by oil and gas exports. The country recorded 3.4% GDP growth in 2025.
5. Egypt – $149
The North African nation’s minimum wage is around $149.79 per month, with the economy supported by agriculture, industry, and services. GDP grew 4.3% in 2025.
6. Botswana – $142
Botswana’s minimum wage averages $142.62 per month, backed by diamond-driven revenues, although GDP contracted by −0.9% in 2025 due to weak global demand.
7. Cape Verde – $139
Cape Verde’s minimum wage averages about $139.41 per month. The country boasts of tourism, services, and remittances. Cape Verde recorded 5.2% GDP growth in 2025.
8. Lesotho – $139
Lesotho’s minimum wage stands around $139.40 per month, with the economy supported by manufacturing, agriculture, and remittances. GDP growth was 1.4% in 2025.
9. Kenya – $118
The East-African country’s minimum wage is about $118.20 per month, supported by a diversified economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The economy grew 4.8% in 2025.
10. Mozambique – $104
The Southern African country’s minimum wage averages $104.92 per month, reflecting its lower-income status despite growing investments in agriculture and energy. GDP growth stood at 2.5% in 2025.
Are you proud as a Nigerian that your country is not among the top 10 countries that pay the highest minimum wages?.Read Original/Read Complete.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment below.
