Rising Human Trafficking Cases Unearthed in Eastern Province

A disturbing surge in human trafficking activities has been uncovered in Zambia’s Eastern Province, where some tobacco farmers are allegedly smuggling illegal immigrants from Malawi to work in their fields under exploitative conditions.

Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UPZ) Outreach Officer Costain Chitombwe  said the illicit practice involves bringing Malawian nationals into Zambia to provide cheap labour during the cultivation season. Once the work is completed, the same farmers allegedly alert immigration authorities to have the immigrants deported as illegal entrants.

“What is happening is that these individuals are being trafficked to work for little or no pay. When the job is done, they are reported to immigration officers and deported, creating a cycle of exploitation,” Mr. Chitombwe explained.

He added that beyond labour exploitation, other forms of trafficking have taken root in the region, including sexual exploitation and early marriages, particularly targeting vulnerable women and young girls.

Mr. Chitombwe has urged the government to strengthen and decentralize reporting mechanisms in rural communities, where most victims remain silent due to limited awareness and long distances to police and social service offices.

“Communities in remote areas need accessible channels to report trafficking cases. Without that, perpetrators will continue to exploit the most vulnerable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Undikumbukire Project Zambia Project Technical Lead, Eve Liswaniso, expressed concern over inadequate funding for awareness campaigns and victim support programmes, noting that limited resources hinder the organization’s ability to consistently reach affected rural populations.

“There is not enough financial support to sustain outreach and rehabilitation efforts. We need stronger partnerships and government backing to make a lasting impact,” Ms. Liswaniso said.

Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing human rights issues in Zambia, with non-governmental organizations calling for stronger law enforcement, public education, and cross-border collaboration to combat the crisis.

By Samuel Mbewe