The Ethiopian government has announced the approval of salary adjustments for civil servants to help mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living. Dr. Mekuriya Haile, the Civil Service Commissioner, confirmed that the new wage structure will be implemented immediately, with payments commencing this month. The Ministry of Finance has dispatched the necessary budget and implementation instructions to the 12 regions, two city administrations, and federal institutions.
Key Details of the Salary Adjustments
Level XXII: For higher-grade employees, salaries increase from 21,491 ETB to 26,959 ETB, reflecting a 25.4% increase over the nine steps.
Government’s Commitment and Fiscal Responsibility
Dr. Mekuriya highlighted that the government has allocated a significant portion of its budget to facilitate these adjustments, acknowledging that it will “greatly test the country’s ability to pay.” He emphasized that while the increases are substantial, especially for lower-paid workers, they are made within the constraints of the nation’s financial capacity.
“The adjustment made to our comparatively better-paid employees is modest,” he noted. “Even if you are a government employee who got a modest increase, it is appropriate to be happy and thank the government.”
Appeal for Cooperation and Caution Against Price Hikes
The Civil Service Commissioner urged government employees to support the ongoing reforms and to refrain from undue criticism. “It is not appropriate to curse the institution of civil service in any case,” he stated. He called for collective effort to address longstanding challenges within the sector.
Dr. Mekuriya also cautioned the business community against unjustified price increases in response to the salary adjustments. “It is not appropriate to increase the price without reason because of salary adjustment,” he warned. Regulatory bodies are expected to monitor and take action against such practices to ensure that the benefits of the salary increase are not eroded by inflation.
Focus on Service Delivery and Future Reforms
Emphasizing the importance of service delivery, Dr. Mekuriya called on civil servants to work diligently and treat citizens with respect. “We expect citizens to feel respected when they go to the offices to get services,” he said. The government aims to enhance public satisfaction and efficiency within the civil service.
He also mentioned that the Civil Service Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, will continue efforts to improve the lives of government employees. This includes further reforms to the employee payment system and working conditions.
The salary adjustments represent a significant step by the Ethiopian government to support civil servants amid economic challenges. By providing increases ranging from 25% to 41%, the government seeks to alleviate the financial burden on employees, particularly those in lower-income brackets. The initiative underscores a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the well-being of public sector workers.
As the adjustments take effect, cooperation between government employees, regulatory bodies, and the business community will be crucial to ensure the intended benefits reach those in need without triggering unintended economic consequences.
