In Senegal, the average salary is relatively low. According to available data, the annual remuneration of Senegalese workers averages between 55,000 and 60,000 FCFA (approximately between €84 and €92). However, this amount can vary significantly depending on the sector of activity as well as the professional experience and qualification level of employees. In this article, we will take a closer look at the average salary in Senegal and what it should be associated with.
Introduction to the average salary in Senegal
Senegal is a relatively economically stable West African country that has seen notable progress in average salary in recent years. The Senegalese population currently enjoys the highest level of prosperity ever observed in previous decades, and individuals now have significantly greater purchasing power than before. However, following the persistent effects of COVID-19 across sub-Saharan Africa and especially in Senegal, it seems that the country could still face a recession if nothing is done to counter the considerable losses suffered by its productive sector in 2020. Therefore, in this article, we will examine the average salary in Senegal and discuss how its situation may be affected by various factors such as the current pandemic.
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The guaranteed minimum wage (SMG) has been 11,381 FCFA (€18) per month in Senegal since 2019. This amount represents a significant increase from the 10,200 FCFA (€16) set in 2017 – a considerable leap by international standards – and has allowed both skilled and unskilled Senegalese workers to increase their overall purchasing power thanks to the gradual rise in the SMG applied each year after 2017¹. With some professional fields potentially offering three times this figure in the form of bonuses, it becomes clear that many have indeed seen notable growth since 2016².
The factors influencing the average salary
The average salary in Senegal is a complex topic that can be influenced by a variety of factors. Whether it is the labor market, employment levels, the supply and demand for labor, or even the gender and education of individuals, all these factors have a considerable effect on the average salary.
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First, it is important to understand that supply and demand are key components in determining the average salary in Senegal. When supply exceeds demand (for example, if a company hires too many people), employees then face additional pressure regarding remuneration so that they can earn enough to cover their operational costs. Furthermore, if certain industries are saturated with too few job opportunities compared to the country’s workforce, salaries will tend to decrease naturally as each employer seeks to offer less than a competing one to attract fewer qualified candidates for a given vacancy.
Next, it is also noted that access to technical training plays a significant role in calculating the average annual income in Senegal. It is generally observed that those who have obtained well-informed university degrees earn more money than those who only have elementary school education or no formal schooling at all.
Regulations and precautions regarding salaries
The rules and precautions regarding salaries in Senegal are crucial to ensure that citizens receive what they are entitled to. With the adoption of the 2001 Constitution, the government established a set of laws aimed at protecting employees from unfair conditions in the labor industry.
Law No. 2009-05 on employment sets out a number of criteria that must be respected by all employers in Senegal. First, according to this law, it is mandatory for all companies to pay the minimum wage to employees each month (Article 57). In addition, a minimum annual salary increase is required by the Senegalese constitution (Article 55), as well as protection against wrongful dismissal without adequate compensation (Articles 81 and 82).
In certain specialized professional sectors or those deemed more risky than average, such as infrastructure or mining, additional insurance covering costs related to injuries or fatal accidents may be provided by the employer (Article 68). The Senegalese Penal Code also formally prohibits any discrimination based on race and imposes a substantial fine in case of proven violation. It can therefore be said that the country effectively offers a good guarantee regarding the conditions prevailing in terms of employment.
Conclusions on the average salary in Senegal
Senegal is a diverse country with a population of over 16 million inhabitants. According to statistics from the Senegalese government, the average salary in Senegal is estimated at 229,385 XOF (360 USD) per year in 2020. It compares favorably to other African countries and remains relatively high for sub-Saharan Africa.
Both the public and private sectors play key roles in the remuneration of Senegalese workers. The agricultural, mining, and manufacturing sectors offer opportunities to Senegalese workers that can be very well paid if they are exploitable. Moreover, the informal trade represents an important source of income for many Senegalese families who work hard without much opportunity or social protection, nor health insurance or full government pension.
Although the average salary is considerably lower than that of developed countries, there is still much to be done in terms of economic and political stimulation to bring people to a better and sustainable standard of living. The unemployment rate remaining extremely high among young graduates in Senegal is problematic as it indicates a strong inefficiency in the local labor market combined with a glaring lack of productive investments likely to increase the demand for available formal skilled employment in Senegal.