Cairo, Egypt, 2 February 2023 - A comprehensive knowledge needs assessment lead by Angelica Munoz, ILO-ROAF M&E and Knowledge Sharing officer was conducted in Egypt. The assessment revealed a series of urgent actions needed to combat child labour in the country. The assessment aimed to identify the most pressing knowledge gaps and needs in the fight against child labour in the country and identify partnership opportunities with other ACCEL Africa countries.

In Egypt, children are reportedly being sent to work in cotton cultivation and other agricultural work, further exacerbating the issue of child labour in the country. The assessment findings indicate several pressing needs, including expanding up-to-date training programs for children of working age and collaborating with relevant institutions for the economic empowerment of families. Other needs highlighted in the assessment include the need for updated statistics on the phenomenon, community awareness campaigns, and the provision of necessary resources to combat the worst forms of child labour. The assessment also highlighted the importance of establishing community schools to overcome education dropouts, supporting existing schools, and educating parents and society about the importance of education and the risks of early work.

Media awareness campaigns and private sector involvement were also found to be crucial in the fight against child labour. Moreover, the assessment revealed the need for a comprehensive approach to policy implementation that could address all the dimensions causing child labour in the country.

In sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture plays the most important role, accounting for over four of every five children in child labour. Many African countries are improving the conditions of informal workers, but the region still lags behind in transitioning to formality. Eighty-six per cent of African jobs are in the informal economy, more than any other region.

The assessment's findings are a call to action for all stakeholders and partners to work together to combat child labour in Egypt. It is essential that all parties come together to implement the recommended urgent actions to protect the rights and well-being of children in the country. Partnership opportunities with other countries are expected to provide solutions to the highlighted needs, and discussions on these partnerships will be a key feature of the ACCEL Africa Regional Conference: Knowledge Sharing for Partnerships on the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains.

ACCEL Africa encourages development partners to join forces in supporting these efforts to combat child labour in Egypt and other African countries. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, the project aims to make a difference and ensure that all adults have decent work opportunities and that children have access to education to reach their full potential.