The introduction of the national minimum wage marks an important step towards social equity and economic justice for all in Namibia, said the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, on October 20, 2024. The Namibian government is committed to ensuring that workers’ rights are respected and protected by introducing a minimum wage of 18 Namibian dollars per hour, which will take effect on January 1, 2025.
The introduction of a national minimum wage in Namibia to take effect on 1 January 2025 marks an important step towards social equity and economic justice for all. The Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, stated on October 20, 2024 that the government’s commitment is to ensure that workers’ rights are respected and protected.
For too long, countless Namibians have worked tirelessly, often in very difficult conditions, and yet they have struggled to make ends meet. They have contributed to our economy, built our communities and shaped the fabric of our society, all the while facing the burden of inadequate pay.
Utoni Nujoma, Minister of Labour
In June 2024, the Cabinet approved the introduction of a minimum wage of 18 Namibian dollars per hour, which will come into effect on 1 January 2025. The minimum wage will apply to all sectors, with the exception of domestic workers and agricultural workers, whose wages will increase gradually over a three-year period. Domestic workers will earn 12 Namibian dollars from January 1, 2025, followed by 15 Namibian dollars in 2026 and 18 Namibian dollars from January 1, 2027.
This is a commitment by the government to ensure that every worker, whatever their occupation, receives a fair wage that reflects the dignity of their work and the cost of living in our beloved country.
Utoni Nujoma, Minister of Labour
It should be noted that the Namibian economy is forecast to grow by 4.2% in 2023, compared with 5.3% in 2022, due to weak global demand and the contraction of agriculture, according to the African Development Bank. Inflation has fallen slightly, from 6.1% in 2022 to 5.9% in 2023, due to the slowdown in demand for Namibian diamonds. Real GDP is expected to fall to 3.3% in 2024 and 2025 due to the anticipated weakness in global demand and the contraction in agriculture.
