Horticulture Sector Workers Get Backdated Wage Increase

The government has increased minimum wages and allowances for workers in the horticulture sub-sector, with the changes taking effect from 1 May 2025. Employees will receive their wages backdated to that date.

The increment was enacted through Statutory Instrument 48 of 2026 (Collective Bargaining Agreement: Agricultural Industry – Horticulture Sub-sector), which states:

“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has, in terms of section 80(1) of the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01), approved the publication of the Collective Bargaining Agreement set out in the Schedule, which was registered in terms of section 79 of the Act.

“The employer parties and the employee parties, being parties to the National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry in Zimbabwe, have agreed on the following provisions concerning minimum wages in the horticulture sub-sector, effective May 1, 2025.

“The minimum wage for the horticulture sub-sector shall be increased from US$94 to US$99, payable in a component of 80 percent United States dollars (US$) and a US$ component of 20 percent convertible to the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency according to the prevailing interbank rate on the date of payment.

“Entities with capacity can pay 100 percent in US$ dollars.”

The minimum salaries for the 10 worker grades, from A1 to C2, have been reviewed. The lowest grade (A1) went up from US$94 to US$99 a month, while the highest grade (C2) increased from US$186 to US$196.

Other grades saw rises of between US$5 and US$10. Accommodation allowance has increased slightly from US$38 to US$42, backdated to February 2025.

Fuel and light allowances also went up by US$2 each, to US$13 and US$9 respectively. Transport, travel, and subsistence costs will continue to be covered by employers.

Employers can apply for a full or partial exemption from the wage schedule, giving reasons to the National Employment Council within 14 days of the agreement.

Workers who handle dogs or firearms as part of their duties will get an extra 5% on their monthly wages.

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