The Senegalese government recently proceeded to revalued the salaries of domestic workers, a first since 2009. Officialized by a decree of the Ministry of Labor in April 2025, this decision aims to improve the living conditions of this professional category long relegated to the margins of the social protection system.
From now on, the guaranteed interprofessional minimum wage (SMIG) monthly goes from 42,714 FCFA to 64,223 FCFA for the first category of domestic workers, and from 53,318 FCFA to 76,996 FCFA for the seventh category. This increase is part of the application of decree n ° 2023-1710 on the SMIG and the SMAG (guaranteed minimum wage guaranteed), adopted to strengthen salary justice and improve purchasing power in a context marked by persistent inflation.
However, the decision is unanimous. In a survey published by Separatesthe following question was asked: “Increase in the wages of servants: does this decision seem to you adapted to the current economic context of the country? »» The results reveal a shared public opinion: Yes (52 %, 1,582 votes) – No (48 %, 1,433 votes). This slight gap reflects the economic concerns of part of the population in the face of the budgetary difficulties of many households.
This revaluation nevertheless responds to long trade union claims, in particular those of the Autonomous Syndicate of servants and households (SYNAGEM), which militates for the application of the 189 Convention of the International Labor Organization (ILO). This agreement, which Senegal has ratified, guarantees fundamental rights to domestic workers, including a decent salary, weekly rest and social security coverage.
In parallel, a global salary increase has been observed in the private sector. Salaries increased from 5 to 10 % depending on the professional categories, and the transport premium was reported from 20,800 FCFA to 26,000 FCFA.
