By Samuel Mbewe
Lusaka, Zambia –
Zambia has reported a child labour prevalence rate of 8.6%, according to the
latest Child Labour Survey Report released by the Ministry of Labour and Social
Security.
The report,
launched by Labour and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba, also
highlights notable strides in education and child welfare.
School
enrollment rose from 4.7 million in 2021 to 5.6 million in 2023, representing
an increase of nearly one million learners.
Meanwhile, the
school dropout rate fell from 8.5% (444,426 children) in 2021 to 6% (363,575
children) in 2023, reflecting improved access to education and strengthened
child protection measures.
Speaking during
the launch of Zambia’s Comparative Assessment Report on Convention 1952 No.
102, Minister Tambatamba emphasized that the findings would provide vital
guidance for national strategies aimed at eradicating child labour.
Despite these
positive trends, the report revealed a concerning rise in hazardous child
labour, with the number of children engaged in dangerous work increasing from
217,000 in 2021 to over 272,000 in 2023.
This underscores
the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable children.
Wellington
Chibebe, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director for Zambia
and Malawi, described the report as more than a technical review, calling it a
strategic tool for aligning national laws and policies to strengthen Zambia’s
social security system and safeguard children from exploitation.
The report
serves as both a reminder of Zambia’s progress in education and a call to
action to address the persistent challenges of child labour, particularly in
its most hazardous forms.
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