Work conditions in Zimbabwe

The Active Population in Figures

Working Conditions

Legal Weekly Duration

The law does not provide for standard working hours per week, but it stipulates that employees are entitled to 24 consecutive hours of rest per week. The maximum work hours per week are negotiated between the unions and employees in each sector. It is forbidden to work more than 12 consecutive hours.

Retirement Age

65 years in the private sector, 70 years in the public sector.

Working Contracts

A work contract does not have to be written. If the working time is not mentioned, it is considered permanent. Casual work is considered permanent the day on which the period of work exceeds a total of six weeks during four consecutive months.

Labour Laws

Consult Doing Business Website, to obtain a summary of the labor regulations that apply to businesses.

Cost of Labour

Minimum Wage

The national statutory minimum wage is USD 150 per month (or its equivalent in Zimbabwe Gold, ZiG), as established by Statutory Instrument 186 of 2024 and maintained by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, though actual pay floors are typically set higher by industry-specific National Employment Councils (NECs).

Average Wage

Average wages for low skilled employees in Zimbabwe decreased to 231 USD/Month in recent years.

Social Contributions

Social Security Contributions Paid By Employers: 3.5%
Social Security Contributions Paid By Employees: 3.5%

Social Partners

Social Dialogue and Involvement of Social Partners

Collective bargaining takes place through the National Employment Council in each industry, which is composed of representatives of workers, employers and the government. The right to form or join a union, to strike or bargain collectively is generally not respected; the government habitually harasses trade unions and their leaders, and makes efforts to prevent and suppress demonstrations.

Labour Unions

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe

Unionisation Rate

The rate of unionization is 13.9% according to the ILO.

Labour Regulation Bodies

Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Protection