Salaries in Africa: 2026 Overview
The average salary in Africa ranges from 80 to 600 USD per month depending on the country and sector. This disparity is explained by very different levels of development, contrasting economic structures, and divergent wage policies. In 2026, African economic growth (3.8% according to the IMF) is translating into a gradual rise in salaries, driven by urbanization and the growth of the formal sector.
Minimum Wage Comparison by African Country in 2026
The table below presents the legal minimum wages and estimated average salaries in the main African economies. Amounts are expressed in USD to facilitate comparison.
The Afriques newsletter
- Free & no spam
- 1 email per day
- Unsubscribe in 1 click
| Country | Monthly minimum wage (USD) | Average salary (USD) | Main city |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 310 | 450–700 | Casablanca |
| Algeria | 200 | 350–550 | Alger |
| Nigeria | 130 | 200–500 | Lagos |
| Kenya | 117 | 300–600 | Nairobi |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 105 | 250–450 | Abidjan |
| Ghana | 90 | 200–400 | Accra |
| Sénégal | 85 | 200–400 | Dakar |
| Cameroon | 78 | 180–380 | Douala |
| RDC | 60 | 150–300 | Kinshasa |
| Mali | 55 | 150–280 | Bamako |
If you send money to an African country, Wise applies the real market exchange rate and displays its fees upfront — without the hidden margin of traditional banks.
Sources: ILO, national central banks, salary surveys 2025-2026. Indicative values — salaries vary greatly depending on sector and level of experience.
Salaries by Sector in Africa
Certain sectors pay salaries well above the national average in all African countries:
- Technology and IT: 800–2,500 USD/month in Nairobi, Lagos, Casablanca and Accra — driven by tech hubs (Silicon Savannah, Lagos Tech, CasaShore)
- Banking and finance: 500–1,500 USD/month in major economic capitals
- Mining and hydrocarbons: 600–3,000 USD/month in RDC (cobalt), Angola (oil), Algeria (gas)
- Telecommunications: 400–1,200 USD/month — a rapidly growing sector with 4G/5G
- Education and public health: 150–350 USD/month — often the sector with the largest share of employment
Where Are African Salaries Growing the Fastest?
According to data from the ILO and African central banks, the countries that recorded the strongest salary increases between 2023 and 2026 are:
- Ethiopia: +22% in nominal terms (high inflation but real growth present)
- Kenya: +14% in the formal sector, driven by the tech sector and tourism
- Côte d’Ivoire: +11% with the growth of the tertiary sector in Abidjan
- Morocco: +9% driven by the automotive industry, tourism, and offshore services
- Ghana: +8% (in USD — cedi depreciation limited real gains)
Country-by-Country Analysis: Detailed Salaries
For each country, find our complete analysis with the sector breakdown, urban/rural differences, and salary negotiation tips:
Salary and GDP: What Is the Link?
Salary levels are closely correlated with GDP per capita. Countries whose GDP per capita exceeds 2,000 USD (Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Botswana) display significantly higher average salaries. Conversely, rural economies with a large informal sector (Mali, Niger, Burkina) have very low remuneration levels in the formal sector, but a significant proportion of workers outside the salary grid.
For entrepreneurs considering starting a business on the continent, consult our guide on profitable businesses in Africa 2026.
FAQ — Salary in Africa 2026
What is the average salary in Africa in 2026?
The pan-African average is very difficult to calculate due to disparities between countries. Limiting the analysis to formal economies, the median salary is around 200–300 USD per month. The best-paid countries (Morocco, Algeria, South Africa) display averages three to five times higher than the least developed economies.
Which African country has the highest salaries?
In absolute terms (USD), the countries with the highest salaries are South Africa (~850 USD/month on average), Morocco (~600 USD), Algeria (~480 USD), and Tunisia (~420 USD). In purchasing power parity, the ranking may vary as the cost of living differs significantly between these countries.
Is the minimum wage respected in Africa?
Compliance with the minimum wage varies greatly. In countries with a developed formal sector (Morocco, South Africa, Kenya), large companies generally comply with legal minimums. But in economies with a large informal sector, a significant proportion of workers earn below the legal SMIG, particularly in agriculture, street trade, and domestic work.
Also read our complete guide to money transfer fees to Africa.
Affiliate link.
