Mozambique’s Council of Ministers approved new increases in the minimum wage, ranging from 1.5% to 10%, announced the Minister of Labour and Social Security.
“We want to emphasize that increases in minimum wages are certainly not desirable, but possible, taking into account the current economic and social situation in our country,” said Margarida Talapa, during a press conference at the end of weekly session of the Government on Thursday.
The minister mentioned the negative impacts of the covid-19 pandemic, armed attacks in central and northern Mozambique and the natural calamities that affected the country as factors reflected in the percentage values approved.
The civil service had an increase of 5%, with the minimum wage going to 4,691 meticais (roughly £54), agriculture had an increase of 10%, going to 4,829 meticais (£55) and industrial fishing increased by 3.7% to 5,570 Meticais (£63).
The mining industry in large companies increased by 6.4% to 9,846 meticais (£112).
Also read: Energy: The Mozambique Country Spotlight (video)
Quarries had its minimum wage increased by 3.1% to 6,580 meticais (£75), salt pans increased 4.5% to 5,559 meticais (£63) and the manufacturing industry registered an increase of 6.4% to 7,450 meticais (£85).
Bakery saw an increase of 7% to 5,350 meticais (£61).
Large companies in the electricity, gas and water sector recorded an increase of 7.2%, paying 8,900 meticais (£102) and small companies increased 7.2% to 7,246 meticais (£83).
The construction sector recorded an increase of 3.1% to 6,331 meticais (£73).
Non-financial activities increased 6.5% to 7,300 meticais (£83), hotels 1.5% to 6,578 meticais (£75).
The financial sector, banks and insurance companies recorded an increase of 5.9% to 13,409 meticais (£153) and microfinance, microinsurance and other entities with ancillary activities recorded an increase of 5.9% to 11,913 meticais (£136).
