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Statutory Leave Days Calculator

Know your leave entitlements. Calculate annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and public holidays for Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana.

4 Countries2026 Rules
Select Country
Nigeria — Statutory Leave Entitlements
Country Comparison
Leave TypeNigeriaKenyaSouth AfricaGhana
Annual Leave6 days min21 days21 days15 days
Sick Leave12 days7 days + half pay 730 days/3yr cycleContractual
Maternity12 weeks3 months4 months12 weeks
PaternityNot statutory2 weeks10 daysNot statutory
Public Holidays~14 days~13 days12 days13 days
BereavementContractualContractual3 daysContractual
Key Notes

Statutory vs Contractual: Statutory leave is the legal minimum. Many employers, especially multinationals and tech companies, offer more generous leave packages.

Carry-over: Rules about carrying unused leave to the next year vary by country and employer policy. In Nigeria, unused leave should generally be used or paid out.

Probation: Some leave entitlements don't fully apply during probation periods, though this varies by jurisdiction.

Understanding Leave Entitlements in Africa

Employee leave entitlements are enshrined in labour laws across Africa, though they vary significantly between countries. Understanding your statutory rights is essential whether you're an employee or employer. Many workers in Africa, particularly in the informal sector, are unaware of their legal leave entitlements. This tool provides a clear reference for the four largest African economies.

Country-by-Country Overview

Nigeria (Labour Act, 2004): The statutory minimum annual leave is just 6 working days after 12 months of continuous service — one of the lowest in Africa. However, most formal sector employers offer 15-25 days. Maternity leave is 12 weeks with at least 50% pay. There is no statutory paternity leave, though some progressive employers offer 1-2 weeks.

Kenya (Employment Act, 2007): 21 working days of annual leave, 3 months maternity leave with full pay, 2 weeks paternity leave. Kenya has among the most generous statutory leave provisions in East Africa.

South Africa (BCEA, 1997): 21 consecutive days (15 working days) annual leave. 4 months unpaid maternity leave (UIF provides partial income). 10 days paternity leave. The most comprehensive sick leave provision at 30 days per 3-year cycle.

Ghana (Labour Act, 2003): 15 working days annual leave after 12 months of service. 12 weeks maternity leave. Sick leave provisions are generally contractual rather than statutory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer deny my annual leave?
In most African jurisdictions, annual leave is a legal right and cannot be permanently denied. However, employers can require reasonable notice and may reschedule leave for operational reasons. If you're unable to take leave, you may be entitled to payment in lieu.
Is maternity leave paid in Nigeria?
Yes. Under the Labour Act, female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave with at least 50% of their normal pay, provided they have been employed for at least 6 months. Many employers pay full salary during maternity leave.
Do public holidays count as leave days?
No. Public holidays are separate from annual leave. If a public holiday falls on your annual leave, you should get an additional day off. If you work on a public holiday, you're typically entitled to overtime or a day off in lieu.