By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The rising cost of living is squeezing African countries, their minimum wage systems, and households even as economic growth remains resilient.
While some governments have raised minimum wages, purchasing power remains the real test of living standards, as inflation and rising costs continue to erode income gains.
Below are the African countries with the highest minimum wages as of January 2026:
1. Morocco – $374
Morocco tops the list with a diversified economy and strong trade links with Europe and the Middle East. GDP grew 4.4% in 2025.
2. Mauritius – $371
Mauritius follows closely, supported by tourism, finance, and technology sectors. GDP grew 3.2% in 2025.
3. Tunisia – $185
Tunisia’s mixed economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and services sustains its wage levels. GDP growth was 2.5% in 2025.
4. Algeria – $185
Algeria’s oil and gas exports drive its minimum wage structure. GDP grew 3.4% in 2025.
5. Egypt – $149
Egypt’s economy, supported by agriculture, industry, and services, maintains this wage floor. GDP grew 4.3% in 2025.
6. Botswana – $142
Diamond revenues underpin Botswana’s minimum wage, though GDP contracted by −0.9% in 2025 due to weak global demand.
7. Cape Verde – $139
Tourism, services, and remittances support Cape Verde’s wage levels. GDP grew 5.2% in 2025.
8. Lesotho – $139
Lesotho relies on manufacturing, agriculture, and remittances to sustain its minimum wage. GDP growth was 1.4% in 2025.
9. Kenya – $118
Kenya’s diversified economy, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services, supports its wage structure. GDP grew 4.8% in 2025.
10. Mozambique – $104
Mozambique rounds out the list, with wages reflecting its lower-income status despite growth in agriculture and energy. GDP grew 2.5% in 2025.
Vanguard