Private School Teachers’ Salaries Rise to US$1,397 Under New Zimbabwe Wage Agreement

HARARE – Private school teachers and education sector workers in Zimbabwe could now earn up to US$1,397 following the release of a new minimum wage structure under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), signalling a significant shift toward US dollar-based salaries in the sector. The development was confirmed on 9 April 2026 by Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for Information, who outlined the new salary framework and payment structure affecting a wide range of education institutions.

Mangwana said the agreement clearly stipulates that wages are pegged in United States dollars, although some institutions may pay in local currency equivalents.

“The wages captured in the Collective Bargaining Agreement are denominated in United States dollars (US$). The NGO sector shall continue to pay salaries in United States dollars whilst the other sectors shall pay in US$ or the ZWG equivalent,” he said.

He added that payments may be guided by provisions under Statutory Instrument 185 of 2020 or the prevailing bank exchange rate, whichever is higher. This means NGO-run institutions will strictly pay in US dollars, while private and mission schools may pay either in USD or Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) equivalents.

The new wage schedule reveals notable differences across institution types and grades.

At entry level (Grade A1):

• NGO institutions: US$445.20

• Independent Trust Schools: US$396.68

• Mission Boarding Schools: US$345.92

• Welfare C institutions: US$296.43

• Welfare A institutions: US$272.60

• Welfare B institutions: US$247.66

At the highest level (Grade C5):

• NGO institutions: US$1,397.23

• Independent Trust Schools: US$712.38

• Mission Boarding Schools: US$621.22

• Welfare C institutions: US$532.35

• Welfare A institutions: US$489.55

• Welfare B institutions: US$444.77

The structure applies to a broad spectrum of institutions, including private schools, trust schools, mission schools, colleges, early childhood development (ECD) centres, religious institutions, tertiary institutions, and home schools.

In addition to basic salaries, the agreement provides for fixed allowances across all categories.

• Housing allowance: US$150

• Transport allowance: US$80

Education labour expert Dr. Memory Chitiyo said the allowances are critical in improving workers’ welfare amid rising living costs.

“While the salaries mark an improvement, the real impact will depend on consistent USD payments and stability of the exchange rate for those receiving local currency equivalents,” she said.

Teacher representatives say the new wage structure reflects ongoing efforts to address long-standing concerns over low pay and currency volatility in Zimbabwe’s education sector.

“This is a step forward, but implementation will be key,” said a Harare-based private school teacher who declined to be named. “What matters is whether schools can sustain these payments in US dollars.”

The wage framework follows months of negotiations between employers and workers, as the sector grapples with inflationary pressures and retention challenges.

Analysts say pegging salaries in US dollars could help stabilise earnings and improve morale among educators, particularly in private and NGO-run institutions. However, disparities between different categories of schools and uncertainty around currency conversion remain potential challenges. The new salary structure is expected to take effect immediately, with stakeholders closely monitoring compliance and its impact on the quality of education delivery in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe teacher salaries 2026