What It’s Really Like Working at a Startup in Africa: Salaries, Equity & Reality
- Developers in Johannesburg earn about $42,000 annually, while those in Lagos make $11,000.
- Remote work for international companies can significantly boost earnings, with Nigerian developers earning an average of $53,658.
- Startups often allocate 10-20% of their equity to employees, with senior roles receiving a larger share.
The disparity in salaries across African tech hubs raises concerns about equity and talent retention. While remote work offers a solution for some, the high failure rate of startups and the challenges of infrastructure and job security require innovative approaches to attract and retain talent. Startups must focus on creating comprehensive compensation packages that include competitive salaries, equity, and benefits to foster a sustainable workforce.
