Over 2.1 Million Malawian Children Trapped in Labor

In Malawi, child labor remains a significant challenge, with over 2.1 million children involved despite ongoing interventions. The Ministry of Labour highlighted this issue on Saturday, June 12, 2025, during the commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour at Madziamera Primary School in Traditional Authority Mposa in Machinga district. The theme of the commemoration was "Progress is clear but there is more to do". Recent statistics from the minister of labour indicate that 38 percent of Malawian children aged between five and 17 are involved in child labor. Agriculture is the leading sector for child labor, accounting for 72 percent of cases. The International Labour Organization (ILO) is assisting by providing education and economic support to victims to reduce the pressure that forces children into labor. The Employers’ Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM) is also working to combat child labor by sensitizing its members on the importance of child labor policies. Additionally, ECAM is constructing classrooms to accelerate access to education, thereby contributing to the reduction of child labor. Youth Impact Organisation is also playing a role in addressing the issue through advocacy and community engagement. Paramount Chief Kawinga noted that fishing remains the primary form of child labor in the Eastern Region. Children have presented a petition to the minister urging action to address the problem.