By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
New report shows Africa now accounts for nearly two-thirds of all child labourers worldwide as global elimination targets are missed.
A staggering 87 million African children are trapped in child labour instead of attending school, according to alarming new UN data that reveals the continent now bears the heaviest burden of this global crisis. The figures, released jointly by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, show Africa accounts for 63% of all child labourers worldwide – a proportion that has grown significantly in recent years.
While global numbers have nearly halved since 2000, dropping from 246 million to 138 million children, progress in Africa has stalled against the backdrop of rapid population growth. The continent’s child labour rate remains shockingly high at 21.5%, with millions of children working in dangerous conditions on farms, in mines, or as domestic servants.
“The African child is being left behind in the global fight against child labour,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “While other regions have made significant strides, our data shows African children are increasingly bearing the brunt of this crisis – robbed of their education, their safety, and their childhood.”
The report highlights how economic pressures, conflict, and climate shocks are pushing vulnerable African families to rely on children’s labour. Agriculture remains the dominant sector, employing an estimated 61 million African children, many working long hours with hazardous tools and chemicals. Another 15 million are trapped in domestic work or street vending, while millions more toil in artisanal mines and quarries.
Experts warn the crisis has far-reaching consequences for Africa’s development. “Every child in a workplace represents a lost future for our continent,” said Dr. Joan Nyanyuki, child rights expert at the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. “We’re seeing generations of African children grow up without basic literacy or skills, perpetuating cycles of poverty.”
The gender gap presents another concern – while more boys are in paid labour, girls shoulder the invisible burden of excessive household chores. When domestic work exceeding 21 hours weekly is counted, African girls face greater overall workloads that often force them to drop out of school.
Despite the grim statistics, the report identifies solutions that have worked elsewhere. Countries like Ethiopia and Ghana have reduced child labour through cash transfer programs that help families keep children in school. Expanded access to free education and stronger child protection laws have also proven effective.
“Africa doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel,” said ILO’s Africa director Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon. “We know what works – social protection, quality education, and decent work for parents. What we need now is the political will and investment to scale these solutions.”
With current progress rates, Africa would need until 2040 to eliminate child labour – 15 years behind the global target. As world leaders prepare to mark World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, activists demand urgent action to prevent another generation of African children from being lost to exploitation.
Key Facts:
- 87 million African children in child labour (63% global share)
- 61 million working in agriculture
- 21.5% prevalence rate in Africa (vs 3.1% in Asia Pacific)
- Elimination now projected for 2040 without accelerated action
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