Human Trafficking in Africa

Africa has an estimated 7 million people living in modern slavery, including forced labor and forced marriage, with a regional prevalence of 5.2 per 1,000 people. Most trafficking across the continent is domestic or intra-regional. Roughly 83% of victims are exploited within their own national borders.

Forced labor is the most widespread form, affecting 3.8 million individuals, followed by 3.2 million in forced marriages. In parts of the Sahel, particularly Mauritania, Niger, and Mali, descent-based slavery still persists.

Children are especially at risk. Sub-Saharan Africa has approximately 86.6 million child laborers, and more than 60% of identified trafficking victims in the region are children, the highest share globally. Women and girls also face widespread exploitation, making up around 65% of all trafficking victims in Africa. They are frequently subjected to forced marriage and sexual trafficking, both within Africa and through transnational routes to Europe and the Middle East.