Africa, a continent of unparalleled resilience and innovation, is often depicted as the heart of the global child labour crisis. However, this narrative obscures a fundamental truth: child labour is not Africa’s burden alone but a shared global challenge. In fact, Africa’s proactive efforts to combat this issue provide lessons for the rest of the world.
What is Child Labour?
Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their education, or harms their physical, mental, or moral well-being. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines it as work that is detrimental to a child’s education, health, or development, especially when performed in hazardous conditions. This includes sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and domestic service. However, not all work done by children constitutes child labour. Tasks performed as part of family responsibilities or for educational purposes may not necessarily be exploitative, provided they do not compromise the child’s safety, education, or well-being.
READ ALSO: Africa’s Progress in Addressing Out-of-school Children
A Global Scourge
Child labour is a pervasive global issue, affecting 160 million children worldwide according to the latest data from UNICEF. Contrary to popular perception, the Asia-Pacific region accounts for the largest share, with approximately 78 million child labourers, followed by Africa with 72 million. Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe contribute about 10 million and 6 million, respectively. These figures underscore the universality of the problem, rooted in poverty, conflict, and socio-economic inequality.
Although Africa’s child labour statistics are alarming, they are not disproportionately higher when adjusted for population. Unlike Asia, where child labour is often concentrated in industries such as manufacturing and textiles, most African children engaged in labour work in agriculture. The primary drivers of child labour in Africa — poverty, limited access to education, and familial pressures — are similar to those in other regions, illustrating that this is a global issue rather than a uniquely African challenge.
Africa’s Struggle Against Child Labour
An estimated 72 million African children are engaged in child labour, with nearly 50% involved in hazardous work. Nigeria exemplifies the scale of the problem, with around 15 million children in labour. This crisis is closely linked to poverty, conflict, and an underfunded education system. In northern Nigeria, for example, insecurity and economic hardship force many children out of school and into the workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation globally, but its effects in Africa were particularly severe. Economic setbacks pushed already vulnerable families deeper into poverty, making child labour a survival strategy. Similar trends were observed in South Asia and Latin America during economic downturns, highlighting the interconnected nature of the crisis.
Africa’s Fight for a Better Future
Africa’s response to child labour reflects its resilience and resourcefulness. Countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania have made noteworthy progress through legislative measures, educational reforms, and partnerships with international organisations such as UNICEF and the ILO.
- Legislation and Policy: Many African nations have ratified the ILO Convention No. 182, targeting hazardous child labour. South Africa has introduced stringent labour laws, while Ghana has established child labour-free zones in several regions.
- Education as a Weapon: Education is a powerful tool in the fight against child labour. In Tanzania, the abolition of school fees significantly increased enrolment, reducing the need for child labour. Similarly, Nigeria’s conditional cash transfer programme incentivises parents to keep their children in school, demonstrating that education is a key antidote to child exploitation.
- Global Partnerships: Africa’s collaboration with international bodies amplifies its efforts. Initiatives such as Alliance 8.7 bring together governments, civil society, and private sectors to eliminate child labour. Rwanda, for instance, has effectively integrated social protection policies with its national education framework.
Lessons Beyond Africa
Africa’s approach to combating child labour provides valuable insights for the global community. In Asia, countries like India have adopted community-led monitoring systems to address the issue, while Brazil’s Bolsa Família programme links education with social welfare to keep children out of the workforce. These strategies resonate with Africa’s emphasis on combining education and social support.
The global nature of supply chains necessitates greater corporate responsibility. Industries must ensure compliance with ethical labour standards, whether in cocoa farms in Côte d’Ivoire or textile factories in Bangladesh. Africa’s focus on transparency in agricultural exports, exemplified by Ghana and Uganda, could serve as a model for other regions.
Africa is not merely a participant in the global fight against child labour — it is a leader. By addressing root causes such as poverty and inadequate education, Africa is paving the way for sustainable solutions. Nevertheless, the fight is far from over. Governments must continue to invest in education, enforce labour laws, and expand social safety nets.
The fight against child labour requires global solidarity. Africa’s progress underscores a universal truth: freeing children from labour unlocks their potential to build brighter futures — not just for themselves, but for the world.
