The rising cost of living continues to pressure African countries, salaries frameworks, and households, even as growth remains relatively resilient across the continent.
Although several governments have adjusted minimum wages upward, real living standards depend on purchasing power, which is being steadily eroded by inflation and rising prices.
In many countries, income gains have failed to keep pace with the cost of basic goods and services.
Below are the African countries with the highest salaries as of January 2026:
10. Mozambique – $104
Mozambique’s minimum wage is about $104.92 per month, reflecting its low-income status despite increasing investments in agriculture and energy. The country recorded 2.5% GDP growth in 2025.
9. Kenya – $118
Kenya’s minimum wage stands at roughly $118.20 per month, supported by a diversified economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. GDP growth reached 4.8% in 2025.
8. Lesotho – $139
Lesotho’s minimum wage is about $139.40 per month, with the economy heavily dependent on manufacturing, agriculture, and remittances. GDP grew by 1.4% in 2025.
7. Cape Verde – $139
Cape Verde’s minimum wage is approximately $139.41 per month, supported by tourism, services, and remittances. The country posted 5.2% GDP growth in 2025.
6. Botswana – $142
Botswana’s minimum wage averages $142.62 per month, driven largely by diamond revenues, although GDP contracted by 0.9% in 2025 amid weak global demand.
5. Egypt – $149
Egypt’s minimum wage is around $149.79 per month, supported by agriculture, industry, and services. The economy grew by 4.3% in 2025.
4. Algeria – $185
Algeria’s minimum wage stands at about $185.25 per month, largely supported by oil and gas exports. GDP growth was 3.4% in 2025.
3. Tunisia – $185
Tunisia’s minimum wage is roughly $185.54 per month, with a mixed economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and services. GDP growth reached 2.5% in 2025.
2. Mauritius – $371
Mauritius ranks among Africa’s top earners, with a minimum wage of $371.75 per month, supported by tourism, finance, and technology sectors. GDP grew by 3.2% in 2025.
1. Morocco – $374
Morocco tops the list with a minimum wage of about $374 per month, driven by a diversified economy and strong trade ties with Europe and the Middle East. The country recorded 4.4% GDP growth in 2025.
Vanguard News
