Government Highlights Education's Role in Combating Child Labour
On June 12, 2026, the Zambian government emphasized the critical role of education in preventing and eliminating child labour during the observation of the World Day Against Child Labour. The event, held at Kasenga Primary School in Chipangali District, was themed "Red Card to Child Labour; Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults."
Angela Kawandami, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, attributed the decrease in child labour cases to the introduction of free education by the United Party for National Development (UPND) government. She highlighted that child enrollment rose from 5.9 million in 2023 to 6.5 million in 2024, with early childhood enrollment doubling from 336,000 in 2021 to over 651,000 in 2024.
Ms. Kawandami stated, "The Government is investing heavily in infrastructure via the Constituency Development Fund, building schools and classrooms, especially in rural areas. Government is also recruiting teachers, expanding school feeding programs, and providing desks and learning materials to improve quality and protect children from child labour."
She also noted that the introduction of the competence-based curriculum equips learners with practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, thereby strengthening efforts to keep children in school. The new curriculum emphasizes practical skills, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to prepare learners for future opportunities.
Ms. Kawandami called upon employers to uphold labour laws and reject child labour, urging, "Let us renew our commitment to giving a firm and united red card to child labour. Let us build a Zambia where every child is protected from exploitation; every family has access to a decent livelihood, and every child grows into a responsible and productive citizen."
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Greatson Chipalo, emphasized that sustainable development cannot be built on the exploitation of children. Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Lewis Mwape, highlighted the importance of reintegrating children who drop out of school due to early pregnancy, as it strengthens the fight against child labour by safeguarding their right to education and reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Representatives from the Zambia Federation of Employers and the Federation of Free Trade Unions Zambia also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for decent jobs and social protection for adults to eliminate child labour. International Labour Organization Country Director for Zambia and Malawi, Wellington Chibebe, noted that despite global progress, the world remains off track to end child labour by 2030, with agriculture continuing to account for the majority of child labour cases.
Traditional leaders, including Chief Chanje, pledged to champion the fight against child labour by ensuring that children are not engaged in work that deprives them of their childhood and education, and that participation in cultural dances does not hinder their learning.
