Leveraging finance for sustainable solutions to child labour in Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (ILO News) - A recent workshop titled "Awareness-raising workshop for financial sector stakeholders on child labour" brought together financial sector stakeholders in Côte d'Ivoire to address the persistent challenge of child labour. The event, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Agence pour la Promotion de l'Inclusion Financière (APIF-CI), underscored the critical role of financial inclusion in reducing economic pressures that drive families to rely on child labour.

Participants explored innovative financial solutions, such as access to affordable credits, community savings schemes, and investments in sustainable livelihoods, as tools to combat child labour, particularly in high-risk sectors like agriculture, artisanal mining, and domestic work.

The workshop also highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's progress in implementing its National Action Plan against child labour and initiatives like the Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (SOSTECI). Discussions emphasized the need for strengthened partnerships between financial institutions, government agencies, and civil society to create sustainable alternatives for vulnerable families.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from financial actors to align their services with ethical and inclusive practices, contributing to a future where every child can thrive free from exploitative labour.