Minimum wage: set by category, reviewed for inflation

Malawi sets minimum wages by worker category, and the Ministry of Labour publishes rates for general workers, domestic workers and other groups.

How it works

Sections 54 and 55 of the Employment Act deal with minimum wage. Rates are reviewed periodically, taking account of inflation and economic conditions.

Because rates are revised and vary by category, confirm the current figure with the Ministry of Labour rather than relying on a number found online — including this page.

Separate categories

The Ministry provides distinct minimum wage amounts for categories such as domestic workers and cargo truck drivers, alongside the general rate.

If you work in one of those categories, the general rate is not the one that applies to you.

Deductions

The main statutory deduction from pay is PAYE, withheld by the employer and remitted to the Malawi Revenue Authority.

Where a pension scheme applies, contributions are also deducted according to the scheme rules.

Why pension enrolment matters

Beyond retirement provision, being on a pension scheme has a direct consequence at termination: it removes the severance entitlement.

That is not a reason to avoid pension — pension is generally the better long-term position — but it is worth understanding, because many employees expect both.

What to check on your payslip

1. That the gross matches what you agreed and is not below the applicable minimum
2. That PAYE is being deducted and, if a pension applies, that contributions appear
3. That overtime, where worked, is paid
4. That no deduction appears that you did not authorise

Keep your payslips

Severance, gratuity and leave payments are all calculated from your wage. Your payslips are the evidence of what that wage was.

If you are paid below the minimum

Paying below the applicable minimum wage is a breach. The District Labour Officer can act on it.