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The Issue of Human Trafficking in Africa
According to the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (2024), an estimated 3.5 million people are trapped in situations of human trafficking in Africa. Most victims of trafficking in Africa are exploited within their own countries or trafficked to regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Key Statistics and Exploitation Forms
- Over 75% of victims of human trafficking in West Africa are children, primarily from vulnerable rural areas.
- Women and girls represent 60% of human trafficking victims in Africa, exploited mainly for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.
- About 64% of those affected by human trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa are trafficked for forced labor in agriculture, mining, and domestic work.
- Nearly 30% of trafficking victims in Africa experience sexual exploitation, especially in urban centers and conflict zones.
- Emerging trends in human trafficking in Africa include forced criminal activities such as cyber scams, drug trafficking, and organized crime.
Root Causes and Vulnerabilities
- Poverty: 431 million people in Africa live in extreme poverty, a major driver of trafficking.
- Conflict and Displacement: 38 million Africans were displaced in 2024, increasing their vulnerability.
- Unemployment: With youth unemployment at 16%, many are vulnerable to trafficking risks.
Trafficking Routes and Trends
- Over 80% of trafficking in Africa occurs within national or regional borders, often to cities or mining areas.
- Victims are trafficked transnationally to Europe (34%), the Middle East (26%), and other regions.
Survivor Leadership in Africa
Survivors of human trafficking in Africa face stigma, discrimination, and limited support when rebuilding their lives. Yet, survivor leadership in Africa is rising as a powerful force—amplifying voices, shaping solutions, and driving policy change. The African Survivor Coalition empowers survivor leaders in Africa with training, resources, and networks to overcome barriers and lead the fight to end human trafficking in Africa.