Zimbabwe Horticulture Workers Get Pay Rise Under New Labour Statutory Instrument

Tomato harvesting in a greenhouse

The Zimbabwean government has approved a wage increase for workers in the horticulture sub-sector, with earnings backdated to May 1, 2025, under a new statutory instrument. The adjustment was formalised through Statutory Instrument 48 of 2026, issued in terms of the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01), governing employment conditions across sectors. According to the agreement registered by the National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry, the minimum wage for horticulture workers has been increased from US$94 to US$99 per month.

The new wage structure will be paid as 80% in US dollars and 20% in local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) converted at the prevailing interbank exchange rate on the date of payment. Employers with sufficient capacity are permitted to pay 100% in US dollars. The revised wages apply across 10 job grades, ranging from A1 to C2. The lowest-paid workers (Grade A1) will now earn US$99, up from US$94, while those in the highest category (C2) will see their salaries rise from US$186 to US$196. Other grades received increases of between US$5 and US$10.

In addition to basic pay adjustments, several allowances have also been reviewed upward. Accommodation allowances increased from US$38 to US$42 per month, backdated to February 2025. Fuel and light allowances rose modestly by US$2 each, bringing them to US$13 and US$9, respectively. Transport, travel, and subsistence costs will continue to be covered by employers, in line with existing industry agreements.

The statutory instrument also provides flexibility for struggling businesses. Employers who are unable to meet the new wage thresholds can apply for partial or full exemption through the National Employment Council within 14 days of the agreement, subject to justification. Meanwhile, workers assigned specialised or higher-risk duties, including handling dogs or firearms, will receive an additional 5% allowance on top of their monthly wages.

The wage review reflects ongoing efforts to adjust earnings in line with cost-of-living pressures, while balancing the operational realities faced by employers in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Horticulture remains a key component of the country’s agricultural industry, contributing to both domestic food supply and export earnings, and employing thousands of workers across farms and agro-processing operations.

Zimbabwe horticulture wages