41 million Children in Eastern and Southern Africa Trapped in Child Labour

Nairobi, 10 February 2026 - Nearly 1 in five children, an estimated 41 million, are engaged in child labour in Eastern and Southern Africa, according to a new UNICEF Data Brief, with the region accounting for almost one-third of the global total and the highest number of children in hazardous work, including mining and construction.

“Children belong in classrooms, not in workplaces,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli. “Although child labour declined from 26 per cent in 2020 to 20 per cent in 2024, progress remains fragile. Economic pressures, climate shocks, conflict and global funding cuts threaten to reverse hard-won gains.”

The impact on education is devastating; at least six in ten adolescents engaged in child labour are out of school, compared with just two in ten of their peers.

Child labour persists despite continental commitments under Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, Agenda 2040 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, all of which call for its elimination.

“Ending child labour demands a whole-of-society approach that strengthens education systems, expands social protection and delivers robust child protection services,” said Kadilli. “Supporting parents with decent work is essential so children can go to school, learn, play and build a brighter future. We urgently need governments, the private sector, civil society and communities to work together and implement a joint roadmap aligned with national and continental commitments to end child labour.”