The government of Niger has announced a 39.8% increase in the national minimum wage, raising it to 42,000 CFA francs, in response to longstanding demands from labor unions seeking better working conditions and wages.
The decision followed a Cabinet meeting that set new minimum pay levels across various professional categories. Unions had previously criticized delays in implementing the wage hike, which was initially scheduled to take effect in early 2024.
Despite the substantial increase, Niger’s new minimum wage remains lower than those in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso and Senegal.
The move comes amid improving economic indicators, with youth unemployment declining and projections showing a drop in poverty and inflation rates over the coming year.
