Reference Value Report: Living Wage Report and 2025 Update for Rural Zimbabwe

This report provides an updated Anker Living Wage Reference Value for rural Zimbabwe for the year 2025. In the original 2022 report, the reference value was USD 247, consisting of a net living wage of USD 208 and USD 39 in social security and income tax contributions. Due to Zimbabwe’s high economic instability and the sharp depreciation of its former currency, the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL), the government introduced a new currency—the Zimbabwean Gold (ZWG)—in April 2024 to stabilize price. However, given the recent implementation of the ZWG and the continued widespread use of the US dollar, this report updates the Living Wage Reference Value in US dollars only. To track changes in consumer prices in USD, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe publishes a monthly USD Consumer Price Index (2022=100). This index was used to adjust the net living wage from June 2022 to June 2025, during which inflation was 21.5%. The updated 2025 Anker Living Wage Reference Value is USD 309 per month, comprising a net living wage of USD 253 and USD 56 in mandatory deductions. These deductions include a 4.5% contribution to the National Social Security Scheme and income tax calculated at 25% of the gross wage, minus a USD 35 monthly deduction. All calculations reflect the most current tax regulation.