Seychelles has highest estimated minimum wage in Africa |06 March 2024

According to a Wisevoter report, Seychelles boasts the highest estimated minimum gross monthly wage in Africa, at $465.40.

This puts Seychelles in 38th position, among 107 countries on the list.

The minimum wage is the lowest compensation an employer must provide to a worker, either per hour or per month, as mandated by law. These regulations were established and enforced across the globe to address worker exploitation, and assist low-income households in fulfilling essential needs.

As expected, the minimum wage rate varies from country to country.

Wisevoter’s report indicates that the minimum wage rate is highest in Europe, while African and Asian counterparts trail behind.

On the continent, Seychelles is followed by Libya ($321.83) and Morroco ($314.70).

Meanwhile, Gabon ($270.50) offers the fourth highest estimate minimum wage, followed by Equatorial Guinea ($211.54), Algeria ($140.14), Cape Verde ($139.46), Kenya ($130.57), Mozambique ($113.80) and Lesotho (1$109.62).

Data for neighbouring Indian Ocean states Mauritius and Madagascar are not available in the report. However, Comoros is 74th globally, with an estimated minimum wage rate of $132.23.

The global average monthly minimum wage is $541.

Employment laws in Seychelles dictate that the minimum wage for all workers other than casual workers in Seychelles is R38.27 per hour. For casual workers, the minimum wage is R44.10 per hour.

It must be noted that Seychelles is the richest country in Africa, in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.

The Seychelles economy is largely driven by tourism. The sector directly accounts for around 16.5 percent of the country’s GDP (2022).

Laura Pillay