The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Grégoire Owona, has announced a possible increase in the guaranteed minimum interprofessional wage (SMIG) in Cameroon. This announcement was made on the sidelines of the May 1st celebration in Yaoundé, during the 140th edition of Labor Day.
Mr. Owona specified that this revision of the SMIG would occur "at a reasonable time," with the aim of improving the living conditions of Cameroonian workers. He emphasized the need to adapt the SMIG to the economic and social realities of the country, thus acknowledging the ongoing discussions on purchasing power and working conditions.
Currently, the SMIG in Cameroon varies according to sectors of activity. In the non-agricultural private sector, it is 60,000 CFA francs, serving as a reference for many companies. The agricultural sector, meanwhile, has a SMIG of 45,000 CFA francs, while state employees in lower categories receive a minimum of 43,969 CFA francs.
This announcement comes in a context where trade union organizations regularly demand an increase in the SMIG to cope with inflation and the high cost of living. In March 2023, the SMIG had already been increased, rising from 36,270 CFA francs to 60,000 CFA francs for the majority of workers.
Although the minister did not specify a date for this future revaluation, he insisted on the government's commitment to improving the living conditions of workers. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has also strengthened its partnership with Cameroon to support its employment program, particularly for young people and women. The ILO emphasizes social dialogue and respect for international labor standards to ensure stability and policy coherence.
A rise to 100,000 FCFA could be considered in 2026 if oil prices remain high, but Cameroon's public debt could limit room for maneuver. The Cameroonian government will therefore have to strike a balance between social demands and economic constraints to sustainably improve the purchasing power of workers. The theme of the 139th edition of Labor Day was also "Constructive social dialogue, a vector of decent work and social progress".
