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Zimbabwe teachers to earn up to US$1,397 under new wage agreement
4 hrs ago |
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Private school teachers and education sector workers in Zimbabwe could now earn up to US$1,397 following the introduction of a new minimum wage structure under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The development was confirmed on April 9, 2026, by Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for Information, who outlined the updated salary framework and payment modalities for institutions across the sector.
Mangwana said the new wage schedule is primarily denominated in United States dollars, although some institutions may pay in local currency equivalents.
"The wages captured in the Collective Bargaining Agreement are denominated in United States dollars (US$). 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 in local currency must comply with Statutory Instrument 185 of 2020 or be guided by the prevailing bank rate, whichever is higher.
Under the new structure, NGO-employed Grade A1 workers will earn US$445.20, while those at the highest level, Grade C5, will take home up to US$1,397.23.
Other categories reflect varying pay scales. Entry-level A1 salaries range from US$396.68 in independent trust schools to US$247.66 in welfare institutions, while top-grade C5 salaries range from US$712.38 in trust schools to US$444.77 in welfare institutions.
The framework applies broadly across private and non-government education providers, including trust schools, mission schools, colleges, early childhood development centres, religious institutions, tertiary institutions, and home schools.
In addition to basic salaries, the agreement provides for fixed allowances across all categories. A housing allowance of US$150 and a transport allowance of US$80 will be paid to employees regardless of institution type.
The new wage structure comes amid ongoing negotiations within the education sector, where concerns over low salaries, currency instability, and working conditions have persisted.
Stakeholders say the revised framework could bring relief to educators, while also raising questions around sustainability for some institutions operating under financial constraints.
The development was confirmed on April 9, 2026, by Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for Information, who outlined the updated salary framework and payment modalities for institutions across the sector.
Mangwana said the new wage schedule is primarily denominated in United States dollars, although some institutions may pay in local currency equivalents.
"The wages captured in the Collective Bargaining Agreement are denominated in United States dollars (US$). 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 in local currency must comply with Statutory Instrument 185 of 2020 or be guided by the prevailing bank rate, whichever is higher.
Other categories reflect varying pay scales. Entry-level A1 salaries range from US$396.68 in independent trust schools to US$247.66 in welfare institutions, while top-grade C5 salaries range from US$712.38 in trust schools to US$444.77 in welfare institutions.
The framework applies broadly across private and non-government education providers, including trust schools, mission schools, colleges, early childhood development centres, religious institutions, tertiary institutions, and home schools.
In addition to basic salaries, the agreement provides for fixed allowances across all categories. A housing allowance of US$150 and a transport allowance of US$80 will be paid to employees regardless of institution type.
The new wage structure comes amid ongoing negotiations within the education sector, where concerns over low salaries, currency instability, and working conditions have persisted.
Stakeholders say the revised framework could bring relief to educators, while also raising questions around sustainability for some institutions operating under financial constraints.
Source - online
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