Government Increases Minimum Wage to 14,500 FC after 6 Years
In a groundbreaking move aimed at improving the living standards of workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government has decided to adjust the Minimum Guaranteed Interprofessional Salary (SMIG) to 14,500 FC. This decision was announced by the Minister of Labor and Employment, Ephraim Akwakwa, during an interview on the National Congolese Radio and Television (RTNC) on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Background and Context
For the past six years, the SMIG had been stagnant at 7,075 Congolese francs, set back in 2018. Minister Ephraim Akwakwa, in his ministerial decree, officially raised the minimum wage to 14,500 FC, emphasizing that this adjustment is a gift from President Félix Tshisekedi to the Congolese people and the hardworking labor force.
This decision comes after extensive dialogue led by Minister Akwakwa in October last year with various employers and workers’ organizations to explore the possibility of adjusting the SMIG. The outcome of these discussions was presented to the government during the 24th council of ministers meeting in late November 2024, where all stakeholders unanimously agreed on the necessity and urgency of increasing the current minimum wage to reflect economic realities and enhance the purchasing power of workers.
Proposed Options and Previous Decrees
During the dialogue process, Minister Akwakwa proposed several options to the social partners, including a 3% linear increase on the 2018 SMIG until 2024, indexing the SMIG of 5 USD to current rates, and revising the current SMIG based on the household basket and consumption index. It is worth noting that the former Prime Minister, Bruno Tshibala Nzenze, had initially signed the decree on March 22, 2018, setting the SMIG at 7,074 FC for ordinary laborers.
This significant adjustment in the minimum wage reflects the government’s commitment to addressing economic inequalities and promoting social welfare among the workforce in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
**Personal Touch:**
As someone who has worked in various industries and experienced firsthand the challenges of making ends meet on a meager salary, I understand the importance of fair wages and the impact it has on individuals and their families. This increase in the minimum wage not only provides financial relief but also a sense of dignity and respect for the hard work put in by countless Congolese workers every day. It is a step in the right direction towards a more equitable society where everyone can thrive and prosper.