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The 2023 Child Labour Survey Report has revealed a worrying increase in children engaged in hazardous work, rising from 216,945 in 2021 to 272,432 in 2023, highlighting the need for intensified efforts to combat child labour in Zambia.
The report, presented alongside the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention 102 Gap Analysis, also showed encouraging trends in education: the number of children attending school increased from 4.7 million in 2021 to 5.7 million in 2023, while the school dropout rate fell from 8.5 percent to 6 percent during the same period.
The overall child labour prevalence rate now stands at 8.6 percent, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Child Labour Department.
“The Child Labour report provides us with the statistics necessary for future planning and programming. It is a call to action to safeguard our children’s future and ensure that every child enjoys their right to education and protection,” said Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba.
Tambatamba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and called for increased advocacy and technical support from development partners.
“Ratifying Convention 102 demonstrates our commitment to providing comprehensive social security to all citizens, ensuring protection against various life risks. It also aligns with our national goals to extend social security coverage and reduce poverty,” she said.
The Minister urged all stakeholders—including employers, trade unions, civil society, and cooperating partners—to support reforms aimed at expanding social security coverage, enhancing compliance, and ensuring financial sustainability.
She described Convention 102 as the flagship ILO instrument for promoting social security worldwide.
“Our government remains committed to addressing the plight of pensioners and increasing budgetary allocations to social protection,” Tambatamba added, noting that the reforms are anchored in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) and the UPND Manifesto.
Read More: Zambia reaffirms commitment to decent work, social justice at ILO conference
Speaking on the Child Labour Report, ZCTU Deputy Secretary General Dr. Evans Chungu said it underscores the urgent need to ensure every Zambian child grows up free from exploitation and with access to quality education.
“ZCTU believes that a strong social protection system is not a luxury but a fundamental right and an essential element of economic justice. The quality of life for every Zambian worker must not deteriorate after retirement,” Chungu said.
ILO Country Office Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, described the report as a roadmap for harmonizing policy and legal frameworks to advance social security for all Zambians.
“Convention No. 102 is the cornerstone of ILO’s efforts to build robust and inclusive social protection systems that provide adequate protection when life contingencies or social risks materialize,” Chibebe said.
The reports highlight Zambia’s dual challenge of reducing child labour while strengthening social protection systems, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social welfare, economic resilience, and equitable growth.
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