The long-awaited implementation decree for the minimum starting salary (SME) was finally published on June 29. Employees will benefit from a double revaluation of the SME this year, according to the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Civil Service. "This decree specifies that the minimum salary is maintained at 300,000 ariary until September. From October, a second increase will bring the SME to 315,000 ariary," declared Rojomampionona Ravelomahatratra, Director General of Labor (DGT) at the ministry.

The increase applies from March 1, 2026. Employees are therefore entitled to four months of back pay, "which employers must regularize as quickly as possible."

Employer groups and the Conference of Workers of Madagascar (CTM) agreed on an increase of more than 14% of the minimum starting salary in the private sector. It was to rise from 262,680 ariary to 300,000 ariary from March 1, 2026, according to a joint statement from these social partners published in February.

Wage negotiations resumed. "Most representative" worker unions rejected the 300,000 ariary SME. They proposed an amount of 360,000 ariary at the tripartite meeting. Finally, the figure was set at 315,000 ariary. "A campaign will be launched to monitor the implementation of this decree," added Rojomampionona Ravelomahatratra.

Union organizations welcome this measure. "This is the first time in 60 years that there has been a double increase in the same year! Let's hope the implementation decree for 315,000 ariary won't take too long. In any case, it's pleasing because we were tired of hearing questions about it. 300,000 ariary isn't huge, but the main thing is that it increased!" reacted Julio Rakotomaharavo of the Confederation of Revolutionary Malagasy Workers' Unions (Fisemare). Randrana sendikaly, however, expressed its dissatisfaction and announced a demonstration in front of the Prime Minister's office today.