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Tag: African countries

  • Top 10 African countries with highest number of women in parliaments

    Top 10 African countries with highest number of women in parliaments

    The global movement for gender equality has underscored the importance of women’s inclusion in politics, particularly in national parliaments. 

    Greater representation of women in governance fosters more diverse and equitable decision-making structures, ultimately contributing to fairer societies.

    Since the early 20th century, women’s political participation has expanded significantly. Countries like New Zealand, Finland, and the United States pioneered voting rights and political opportunities for women. 

    Over time, measures such as gender quotas, reserved seats, and advocacy for equal representation have played a crucial role in boosting female participation in legislative bodies worldwide.

    In Africa, many nations have made remarkable strides in enhancing women’s involvement in political leadership. 

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    According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the following are the top 10 African countries with the highest percentage of women in their national parliaments:

    1. Rwanda – 63.8% 

    Rwanda leads both the continent and the world in women’s parliamentary representation. 

    Seats: 81 

    Women: 51 

    Percentage of women: 63.8%

    2. South Africa – 44.7% 

    Seats: 387 

    Women: 173

    3. Cabo Verde – 44.4% 

    Seats: 72 

    Women: 32

    4. Ethiopia – 41.9% 

    Ethiopia has made significant strides in increasing women’s representation in parliament. 

    Seats: 482 

    Women: 202

    5. Senegal – 41.2% 

    Senegal’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its 41.2% female parliamentary representation. 

    Seats: 165 

    Women: 68

    6. Namibia – 40.6% 

    Seats: 96 

    Women: 39

    7. Mozambique – 39.2% 

    Seats: 250 

    Women: 98

    8. Angola – 39.1% 

    Seats: 220 

    Women: 86

    9. Burundi – 38.2% 

    Seats: 123 

    Women: 47

    10. Tanzania – 37.8% 

    Seats: 392 

    Women: 148

  • Top 5 African countries that produced most oil in January 2025

    Top 5 African countries that produced most oil in January 2025

    For decades, Africa’s natural resources have been a cornerstone of the global oil market, with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) recognising the continent’s critical contributions.

    With vast oil reserves spanning deserts, river valleys, and offshore regions, Africa continues to be a major force driving both regional and global economies.

    Despite challenges such as fluctuating prices, political instability, and the transition to renewable energy, African oil producers reaffirmed their importance in January 2025, maintaining their foothold in the global energy landscape.

    From industry giants like Nigeria and Libya to smaller but steady contributors like Gabon, each country showcases resilience and adaptability amid the shifting energy dynamics.

    According to OPEC’s latest report, these are the Top 5 African countries that led oil production in January 2025.

    1. Nigeria

    Nigeria maintained its position as Africa’s largest oil producer, with a notable output of 1,495 barrels of crude oil per day in January 2025. Although this represented a slight decline of 29 barrels from previous months, Nigeria remains the dominant force in the continent’s oil industry. 

    Despite increasing diversification into non-oil sectors, oil continues to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. The country’s oil sector is further strengthened by the full operation of the Dangote Refinery, which is expected to stabilize petroleum supply and potentially reduce fuel prices. 

    With a 3.5% year-on-year economic growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s resilience shines through, even in the face of challenges like inflation, which reached 34.9% in December 2024.

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    2. Libya

    Libya ranked second, producing 1,277 barrels of crude oil daily in January 2025. Though its output saw a slight drop of 17 barrels from earlier figures, the country remains a crucial player in the oil market, drawing on its significant reserves in the Sirte Basin. 

    The future of Libya’s oil sector is closely tied to political stability, which will determine its ability to maintain or grow production levels. Libya’s role as a key energy supplier in the Mediterranean and beyond remains indispensable.

    3. Algeria

    Algeria took the third spot, with a production of 895 barrels per day in January 2025. Despite a minor dip of 8 barrels compared to December 2024, the country remains a leading energy powerhouse in North Africa. Its production is driven by the Hassi Messaoud oilfields, a critical component of its energy infrastructure. With its strategic location and strong energy networks, Algeria continues to be a key player in the global energy market.

    4. Republic of Congo

    The Republic of Congo experienced a modest increase in oil production, reaching 260 barrels per day in January 2025. This slight growth underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its energy sector, likely fueled by recent investments and partnerships. As one of Central Africa’s primary oil producers, Congo’s steady output reinforces its role as a vital contributor to the continent’s oil industry.

    5. Gabon

    Gabon rounded out the list with a production of 236 barrels per day in January 2025, marking a small increase of 1 barrel from previous months. Though a smaller producer, Gabon continues to manage its reserves effectively to maintain steady production. Its consistent output highlights the country’s strategic energy management and reinforces its importance within the regional oil sector.

  • Ten African countries with highest salaries for workers

    Ten African countries with highest salaries for workers

    Salary continues to be a major factor influencing individuals to accept job offers, and in many African countries, employees, especially those in salaried roles, receive competitive compensation.

    This is primarily attributed to favoirable economic growth and a high demand for specialized skills.

    This report highlights the top 10 African countries where workers earn the highest salaries, driven by robust economic performance and the growing need for skilled professionals across various industries.

    Morocco

    At the top of the list, Morocco stands with an impressive average salary of $2,031. This can be attributed to the country’s diversified economy, which includes flourishing sectors such as tourism, textiles, and mining. Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has made significant strides in improving infrastructure and creating an investment-friendly environment, which has boosted wages in key industries.

    South Africa

    South Africa follows closely, offering an average salary of $2,026. The country’s well-established financial sector, along with strong mining and manufacturing industries, drive its higher wage rates. Since its independence in 1910, South Africa has become one of the continent’s most industrialized nations, contributing to its relatively high salaries across various sectors.

    Tunisia

    With an average salary of $1,348, Tunisia ranks third. The country boasts robust healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors, alongside its strategic location near Europe. Independent since 1956, Tunisia’s focus on technology and tourism has created new job opportunities and pushed salaries higher, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals.

    Kenya

    Kenya offers an average salary of $1,291, supported by the country’s rapidly expanding economy. Key sectors like agriculture, telecommunications, and fintech, along with Nairobi’s growing reputation as a tech hub, are contributing to higher pay rates. Gaining independence in 1963, Kenya continues to experience economic growth that is reflected in its competitive salary offerings.

    Algeria

    Algeria’s economy, heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, generates substantial revenue, which results in an average salary of $1,273. Since its independence in 1962, Algeria’s natural resources have played a central role in driving economic growth and, consequently, higher wages for workers in key industries.

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    Namibia

    With an average salary of $1,168, Namibia benefits from a thriving mining industry—particularly diamonds and uranium—and its agriculture sector. Having gained independence in 1990, the country’s low population density and abundant natural resources contribute to its solid salary structure.

    Botswana

    Botswana offers an average salary of $1,000, largely due to its profitable diamond mining industry, stable political climate, and ongoing improvements in education and healthcare systems. Since achieving independence in 1966, the country’s consistent focus on economic development has allowed it to maintain competitive salaries in a variety of sectors.

    Nigeria

    Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, offers an average salary of $814. Its banking and telecommunications industries are also major contributors to its salary structure. Gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s rapidly growing economy continues to create high-paying opportunities, particularly for skilled professionals in finance and technology.

    Ghana

    Ghana, with an average salary of $748, continues to benefit from its strong oil industry, booming gold mining sector, and robust cocoa exports. Since gaining independence in 1957, the country has also focused on industrialization, and its emerging tech industry shows promise for further wage growth in the future.

    Uganda

    At the bottom of the list, Uganda has an average salary of $738, which is driven by growth in its services and agricultural sectors. Uganda gained independence in 1962 and is now focusing on expanding its energy and industrial sectors, which could help raise salaries in the coming years. However, significant economic disparities remain, meaning wages can vary greatly across the country.

    Although these figures reflect average salaries, it’s essential to keep in mind that they may not represent the economic inequalities that exist across different regions or industries within each country.

  • Ten African countries with largest labour force

    Ten African countries with largest labour force

    Africa’s labour force is a vital driver of the continent’s economic growth, with several nations boasting particularly large working populations.

    These countries play a significant role in addressing challenges like poverty, inequality, and unemployment by contributing substantially to the labour market.

    Maximizing the potential of the workforce through education, skills development, and increased job opportunities is essential for reducing poverty and advancing national development goals.

    Nations with a sizable, skilled labour force are better equipped to attract foreign investment, boost exports, and integrate into global value chains, thereby fueling economic growth and enhancing their role in the global economy.

    According to Global Firepower, Here are the ten African countries with the largest labour force:

    1. Nigeria tops the list with a labour force of 65.1 million people. As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria’s extensive working population mirrors its expansive economy and diverse sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

    2. Ethiopia follows closely with 56.7 million individuals in its labour force. The country’s rapid economic growth is fueled by agriculture, construction, and services, contributing to its large workforce.

    3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks third with a labour force of 33.4 million. The DRC’s economy relies heavily on mining, agriculture, and forestry, employing a significant portion of its population.

    4. Egypt, in fourth place, has a labour force of 30.2 million. Egypt’s diverse economy spans agriculture, industry, and services, providing employment across multiple sectors.

    5. Tanzania holds the fifth position with a labour force of 29.9 million. Agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, employing the majority of its workforce, supplemented by growing contributions from industry and services.

    6. Kenya ranks sixth with a labour force of 23.9 million. Kenya’s economy is driven by agriculture, along with a robust manufacturing sector and a burgeoning technology industry.

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    7. South Africa is seventh with a labour force of 22.4 million workers. The country’s diverse economy supports its workforce through sectors such as mining, manufacturing, finance, and services.

    8. Uganda is in eighth place with a labour force of 17 million. Uganda’s economy is primarily agricultural, with increasing emphasis on services and industry.

    9. Madagascar ranks ninth with a labour force of 14.8 million. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, especially cash crops, while also seeing growth in industrial and service sectors.

    10. Angola rounds off the top ten with a labour force of 14.5 million. Angola’s economy is largely driven by oil production, with agriculture and services also playing key roles in employment.

  • 10 least visited African countries

    10 least visited African countries

    Africa is one of the world’s most distinctive continents with many deserts, forests, islands, waterfalls, beaches amongst other beautiful things.

    Even with its beauty and richness, many countries in Africa are inaccessible in terms of tourism owing to different reasons and probably preferences of the tourists. 

    Many people visit Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, etc on a daily basis, but then, there are some African countries that are least visited. 

    Africa is one continent where getting statistics and data is very difficult as many countries do not provide up-to-date data and so this article is based on data from the World Bank on foreign visitors’ overnight stays. 

    Personally, some of the countries on this list i am hearing for the first time but anyways, in no particular order, below is the list of the least visited countries in Africa:

    1. Equatorial Guinea

    With about 6,000 international visitors every year, the honor of being the least visited nation in Africa goes to Equatorial Guinea. 

    The nation has not drawn many tourists despite efforts to boost tourism by allowing US and American Samoan citizens entry without a visa.

    Equatorial Guinea had been colonised by Portugal and Spain. Like many other African nations, the country is beginning to market itself as an eco-friendly holiday destination with stunning beaches and animals.

    This country is unique as it is divided into two sections. The country’s capital, Malabo, is located on the island of Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea, while Rio Muni is located on the mainland. 

    2. São Tomé & Principe

    Since after Sao Tomé and Principe separated from Portugal in 1975, it has become dependent on the export of cocoa to survive.

    These two tiny islands are located south of Nigeria and west of Gabon in the Gulf of Guinea and the difficulty in obtaining a visa which requires an advance application has added a little more complexity than you might want. 

    3. Comoros

    You probably haven’t heard of this island well unless you’re a frequent visitor or a citizen of France. 

    With only about 21,000 visitors every year, it is situated north of Madagascar is the island republic of Comoros in East Africa and one of the poorest nations in the world which makes their exclusion from the tourist map a result of the dearth of amenities and opportunities in the area. 

    4. Mauritania

    Although there are plenty interesting things to see or do, Mauritania has never been a popular travel destination. 

    5. Guinea-Bissau

    With its tourism potential, it’s unfortunate that more people aren’t aware of the 20 tropical islands located in the nation. 

    Nestled between Senegal and Guinea in West Africa is the former Portuguese territory of Guinea-Bissau, the country has about 30,000 international visitors every year. 

    On many of these islands, you can see hippos and even turtles. 

    This nation has changed its direction and is positioning itself as an “eco-tourism destination” due to its great potential.

    6. Guinea

    (56,000 INTERNATIONAL VISITORS EVERY YEAR) 

    Of the three countries in Africa named Guinea, this is the most visited, with about 56,000 visitors yearly yet it still sees very few foreign visitors.

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    Guinea is roughly the size of the United Kingdom; however, getting around is very challenging due to the lack of infrastructure. The former French colony has an abundance of natural resources, but it also offers stunning beaches, and local house stays to appeal to adventurous travelers.

    7. Djibouti (63,000 FOREIGN VISITORS ANNUALLY)

    Due to the fact that it is one of the driest places on earth, Djibouti isn’t particularly inviting, hence why, it only records about 63,000 foreign visitors yearly.

    8. Central African Republic

    With 71,000, foreign visitors yearly, the Central African Republic is regretfully one of the least visited countries in the continent especially due to fact that there appears to be no end in sight to the bloody civil war in the nation.

    9. Sierra Leone 

    Although Sierra Leone boasts some of the best beaches in the world, it still does not draw in a lot of international visitors. 

    10. Libya 

    Since Gaddafi was overthrown by Western nations, the nation has been rapidly destabilizing, which has also affected how often people travel to Libya. 

  • 10 safest African countries to visit in 2024

    10 safest African countries to visit in 2024

    According to The Global Peace Index (GPI), here are the top ten safest countries to visit, according to the World Population Review insights for 2024.

    1. Ghana

     With a GPI score of 1.759, Ghana is the second-safest country in Africa and sits at position 40 on the Global Peace Index. Although Ghana fell five positions between 2018 and 2019, it has rebounded since and is now considered safer than several popular travel destinations, including France, Greece, Jamaica, Argentina, South Korea, and the United States.

    The West African country offers a wide range of attractions, from wildlife viewing and safaris to sun-soaked beaches and on to vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions.

    2. Mauritius

     Mauritius is Africa’s safest country to visit, with a GPI score of 1.570. It is also ranked as the 28th safest country in the world. Mauritius is a multicultural island nation that is family-friendly, peaceful, and secure for visitors.

    The East African nation is a haven for tourists, with attractions that include beaches and lagoons, reef dives, water activities, the “seven-coloured earth” of the Chamarel, and lush forests filled with wildlife. Mauritius has a very low crime rate overall, and what minor crime does occur tends to be non-violent, such as petty theft.

    3. Gambia

    With a population of about 2.28 million people and a GPI score of 1.792, The Gambia ranked as the 45th-safest country in the world and third in Africa.

    Leisure tourism is a huge part of the Gambia economy, known for its mix of “sun, sand, sea, nature, and varied cultural experience.”

    4. Botswana

    Botswana is the fourth safest African country. Ranked at position 48 on the GPI with 1.801, Botswana is a popular tourist destination due to attractions that include Chobe National Park, game reserves, and the Tsolido World Heritage site.

    The Southern Africa nation’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve, with its fossilised river valleys and undulating grasslands, is home to numerous animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs.

    5. Sierra Leone

     Sierra Leone, with 1.803 GPI, is a coastal nation in West Africa, known for its vast and numerous beaches, as well as its rainforests and wildlife preserves.

    The country has a GPI ranking of 50th in the world. While Sierra Leone is traditionally safe to visit, local police often lack the training and capacity to respond effectively to violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery, which occur most often in Freetown, its capital city, and civil unrest can provoke demonstrations and protests that could be best avoided.

    6. Zambia

     With a 1.841 GPI score, Zambia is Africa’s sixth safest country and the 56th safest in the world. The country itself is landlocked, but gifted with spectacular waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, as well as vast open spaces and abundant wildlife, and is a top safari destination.

    7. Malawi

    The East African nation, the eighth safest African country, posted a GPI ranking of 66 with a 1.895 score, placing the country between France 65th and Cyprus 67th.

    Malawi ranked in the top 10 of travel site Lonely Planet’s Top Ten Countries list due to the country’s mix of “lake, landscape, wildlife, and culture.” Crime in Malawi is generally low, with purse-snatching and petty thefts being the largest threats.

    8. Equatorial Guinea

     One of Equatorial Guinea’s greatest tourist attractions is Monte Alen National Park, a 2000 km² preserve filled with rainforest flora, lakes and waterfalls, and wildlife ranging from gorillas to elephants. Equatorial Guinea ranked 59th in the world with 1.863 as its GPI.

    9. Namibia

     With a population of 2.5 million, Southern Africa landed in the 68th position, with 1.908 as its Global Peace Index. Namibia boasts some of Africa’s most rugged and picturesque landscapes and wildlife viewing.

    Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a vast, scenic desert on the other, Namibia’s attractions include scenic beaches and mountains, towering dunes perfect for sunrise photos, some of the world’s least light-polluted skies for stargazing, and ample opportunities to view giraffes, lions, rhinos, and more.

    10. Senegal

    Admired for its mix of scenic beaches and forests, animal sanctuaries, and archaeological attractions, Senegal has relatively low levels of crime and disease and its people are known for being generous hosts.

    Like the Gambia, Senegal has lingering concerns about land mines and crime in the Casamance region, but is quite safe overall with 1.916 as its Global Peace Index.

  • Imperialists’ imprint on African countries

    Imperialists’ imprint on African countries

    SIR: Western ideology and influence has done nothing but enrich African politicians and elites, yet the general populace are impoverished and oppressed. Education, religion and politics which spear-headed, speeded up development, civilization and technological advancements in the West turned out to be a curse, scam and sort of harbinger of poverty in many African countries. Isolating the separate struggles in countries like Niger, Togo, Guinea, Sudan, Mali, South Africa, Angola, Burkina Faso and Liberia narrate stories of third world countries who take one step forward and two steps backwards.
    Banditry, kidnapping, terrorism even insurgency has persisted in Nigeria due to socio-economic grievances. Ethnic and religious tensions contribute to violence as Christians/Muslims vie for power, resources or autonomy. A songwriter once said; “mushroom mentality is the problem killing Nigeria. It is the cause of tribal wars, it goes with the entitlement of born-to-rule and born-to-serve.”
    The bane of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria are Islamic fundamentalists. We can link them to ISIS, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda, Islamic network, Fulani herdsmen and Islamic terrorists. Nigeria was a British colony (1882-1960) and they cooperated with the Fulani who came through the desert in 18th century. The two imperialists worked together for a common purpose and interests in Nigeria. We may be ignorant of sponsors of terror in the 21st century but it was clear to America and other powerful nations that Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden sponsored terrorism in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s through rebels, anti-imperial groups, guerrillas and Al-Qaeda network. In 1980, President Ronald Reagan ended the cold war.

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    We may not believe every imagination or what the mind conjures, yet the situation of things in Nigeria portends danger, destruction and disaster. As we stand and gaze with our eyes fixed upon the farther shore, there’s no towering height nor glimmer of light coming from Africa. Political leaders do well to protect themselves and their loot (spoils). What then can save African countries if not an imminent shake-up and turnaround? Voters often put their lives at risk in the face of the police, army and other security apparatuses trying to choose who will lead them while the incumbent takes a frustrating decision for re-election and continuity affecting results and outcome of every election.
    Decolonizing Africa in the 21st century is a multifaceted endeavor that requires concerted efforts at political, economic, cultural, and environmental levels. It involves reclaiming identity, sovereignty, and agency in the face of historical injustices and contemporary challenges. Democratic elections in almost all the African countries are shams, plunging the citizenry in shambles. By addressing leadership challenges, Africa can forge a path towards true independence, prosperity, and dignity for its people.


    •Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu Awka

  • Seven African countries with best healthcare

    Seven African countries with best healthcare

    The healthcare system in Africa is not one that we are really proud of as we can definitely do better in that sector. Based on this, most of the elites, wealthy, rich and everyone who can afford it tend to look at healthcare outside the continent when they need to. This has been described as medical tourism.

    This is not to say that the fact that millions of Africans prefer to seek medical treatment abroad means that the health sector in Africa is completely bad. To the contrary, some African countries have better health care systems than others.

    Listed below are seven African countries with the best health care systems based on Numbeo’s health care index.

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    Google says Numbeo is the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries that calculates a health score for each country based on technology, medical personnel qualifications, medical equipment, waiting times, accessibility of medical locations, and staff friendliness.

    According to Numbeo, the health care index is defined as “an estimation of the overall quality of the health care system, health care professionals, equipment, staff, doctors, cost, etc.”

    South Africa: Has a health care index score of 63.97.

    Kenya: Has a health care index score of 63.40.

    Tunisia: Has a health care index score of 56.54.

    Algeria: Has a health care index score of 52.88.

    Nigeria: Has a health care index score of 48.49.

    Egypt: Has a health care index score of 47.01.

    Morocco: Has a health care index score of 46.69.

  • 53 African countries for trade expo

    Expo Changsha, the capital city of central China’s Hunan province, hosts the first China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo from June 27 to 29.

    A total of 53 African countries are expected to attend the event, aiming to expand their economic and trade relationship with the world’s second-largest economy.

    He Baoxiang, Hunan’s deputy governor, said that more than 1,500 foreign guests, over 5,000 domestic guests, as well as more than 3,500 exhibitors, buyers, and professional visitors are expected to attend the prestigious event.

    Representatives of international organisations like the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the World Food Programme, and the World Trade Organisation will also participate in the event.

    The expo is themed “win-win cooperation, forging ahead with the China-Africa economic and trade relations” and it is expected to focus on trade, agriculture, investment and financing, industrial parks, and infrastructure construction.

    The event will include 14 sub-forums and an exhibition that will discuss new steps to boost the economic and trade cooperation between Africa and China. The event will promote countries from Africa and cities in China.

    Investments and trade projects are expected to be signed during the event. So far, there have been a collection of cooperation projects between China and Africa. The event is also expected to cement the influence of the Belt and Road initiative of President Xi Jinping.

    Africa is one of the key partners of China for the initiative that aims to boost the economic and trade relationship of China to other continents including Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

    The Hunan province is the perfect setting for the first China Africa Economic and Trade Expo.it is the home province of New China’s founding leader Mao Zedong.

    It played an important role in China’s reform and opening up. It is located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in South Central China with an area of 211,800km2 and has a population of over 73 million.

    The Hunan province boasts its rich culture where mausoleums of Yan Emperor and Shun Emperor lie. It has abundant places of interest that are famous for both Local and foreign tourists. The province also has reliable and convenient transport systems that make moving around easy.

    It has two high-speed railways that connect Beijing and Guangzhou and Shanghai and Kunming. The province is open for foreign investments. It has established economic and trade contact with more than 180 countries and areas worldwide.

  • Child trafficking: ILO executes £28m project in Nigeria, four other African countries

    The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has begun a 28-million-euro project, sponsored by the Netherlands, to accelerate the fight against child labour in Nigeria and four other African countries.

    This was announced by the Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, Marion Kappeyne van de Coppello, on the side line of a two-day workshop on the project in Abuja on Friday.

    The project, Acceleration of Action in the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa (ACCEL), was also being carried out in Mali, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt and Uganda.

    The ambassador said the project was a long term one which focuses on the causes of child labour.

    “Netherlands is financing this project; it is actually a project that is going to be undertaken in five different countries in Africa; Nigeria is one of them.

    “The total funding for this project from the Netherlands for these five countries is 28 million euros.

    “It is a long-term project and is expected to take at least five years to reach the results that are expected.

    “We think that a child should have the opportunity to go to school, to be a child but we also understand, we had the same situation in Europe two centuries ago, that it is not just child labour.

    “It has to do with the whole of the economy, with the social situation, the economic situation of the parents and so forth,” she said.

    She said that ILO was trusted by the government of Netherlands to facilitate the project in African countries.

    “It is a complicated project; that is why we are happy that the ILO is taking this up, they have a good track record on joining employers, employees and state authorities to work together.

    “I also see here in this workshop, preparing the work for Nigeria that all the stakeholders are present and that is collaborative effort that will bring the most chance of success,” she said.

    Mr. Dennis Zulu, Director, ILO Country Office for Nigeria, said the organisation had been working with the federal government to develop a policy on child labour.

    Zulu explained that the project would focus on the supply chains in cocoa and mining in the country and work with local authorities to facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Addressing newsmen, ILO Chief Technical Adviser, ACCEL Africa, Mr. Minoru Agasawara, said the project would work with stakeholders according to the priorities identified in the different countries.

    “We are looking at legal framework, policy framework, capacity building, awareness raising, community mobilisation and also working with employers,” he said.