Madagascar: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Madagascar?

Madagascar's unemployment rate was an estimated 3.0% in 2025, according to the International Labour Organization's modelled estimates published by the World Bank. For people aged 15 to 24 the youth rate was 5.2%.

These are model estimates, not survey results for 2025, and they count only people without any work who are looking for and available for it. In a country where most people work in farming or informal jobs, a low unemployment rate does not show how many have regular paid jobs. INSTAT's employment surveys are the national source, but no recent survey figure was found on its website on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Unemployment, Madagascar (ILO estimate) · World Bank: Youth unemployment, Madagascar (ILO estimate) (API)

What is the minimum wage in Madagascar in 2026?

No official statement of the 2026 minimum wage amount could be read on 15 October 2026. The central bank's decision of 4 August 2026 confirms that the minimum wage has been increased and lists it among the risks to inflation, without giving the amount.

The Ministry of Labour's website could not be reached on 15 October 2026, so the current rates and the date they took effect could not be checked.

Official sources: Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara: Monetary policy decision of 4 August 2026

How many workers are registered for social security in Madagascar?

The national social security fund, CNaPS, registered 5,109 new workers in June 2026, according to INSTAT's Tableau de bord de l’économie n°63, which reports the fund's monthly figures.

New registrations measure workers joining formal private-sector employment, not the total number of covered workers or jobs lost. Most Malagasy workers are outside the social security system. The figures come from CNaPS, whose own site gives information for employers and members.

Official sources: INSTAT: Tableau de bord de l'économie n°63, August 2026 (PDF) · CNaPS

What is Madagascar's minimum wage?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2024, is 262,880 MGA a month (about $58). It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012.

What is the average wage in Madagascar?

According to the ILO, average monthly earnings of employees in Madagascar was $71 a month in 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $258 a month; Madagascar is 7th highest of 7. World rank, highest first: 93rd of 93.

What is Madagascar's unemployment rate?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 3.0%. The peak was 4.3% in 2010 and the low 0.6% in 2012. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 5.2%; Madagascar is 32nd highest of 45. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 135th highest.

How many young people in Madagascar are unemployed?

In 2025, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Madagascar was 5.2%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 6.1%; its low point was 2012, at 1.0%. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 8.8%, and Madagascar placed 32nd highest of 45. Worldwide: 148th of 174.

How many people in Madagascar are working or looking for work?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in Madagascar was 85.5% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 86.5%; its low point was 2020, at 84.6%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 64.3%; Madagascar is 1st highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 2nd of 174.

What is female labour force participation in Madagascar?

82.9%: that is the labour force participation rate for women in Madagascar for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 84.1% in 2005 and the low 82.2% in 2020. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 57.3%, and Madagascar placed 1st highest of 45. Worldwide: 1st of 174.

What is the employment rate in Madagascar?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in Madagascar was 82.9%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 85.8%; its low point was 2020, at 81.8%. It is 1st highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 58.8%. World rank, highest first: 3rd of 174.

How many workers in Madagascar are self-employed or family workers?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 84.4%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 82.2% (2005) to 86.2% (2010). It is 3rd highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 67.6%. World rank, highest first: 3rd of 174.

What share of jobs in Madagascar are salaried?

In 2025, the share of workers who are paid employees in Madagascar was 11.7%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 14.9%; its low point was 2020, at 10.6%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 29.0%; Madagascar is 42nd highest of 45. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 171st highest.