Top 20 African Countries With The Highest Prevalence of Modern Slavery, 2024

Modern slavery, a heinous practice that deprives individuals of their freedom, dignity, and basic human rights, continues to persist in various parts of the world, including Africa. Despite global efforts to combat this grave issue, millions of people across the continent remain trapped in situations of exploitation, forced labor, and servitude. In this article, we delve into the top 20 African countries with the highest prevalence of modern slavery in the year 2024, shedding light on the stark realities faced by vulnerable populations in these nations.

Top 20 African Countries With The Highest Prevalence of Modern Slavery, 2024

1. Eritrea – 90.3 per 1,000 population

Topping the list is Eritrea, where a staggering 90.3 individuals per 1,000 population are estimated to be victims of modern slavery. The country’s authoritarian regime, coupled with widespread human rights abuses, contributes to the prevalence of forced labor, particularly in the form of national service conscription and forced labor camps.

2. Mauritania – 32.0 per 1,000 population

Mauritania ranks second in terms of modern slavery prevalence, with 32.0 individuals per 1,000 population affected by this scourge. Deeply entrenched caste-based slavery, despite being officially abolished, continues to persist in remote areas of the country, perpetuating the exploitation of marginalized communities.

3. South Sudan – 10.3 per 1,000 population

In South Sudan, a prevalence rate of 10.3 per 1,000 population underscores the challenges faced by a population already grappling with the aftermath of prolonged conflict and instability. Vulnerable groups, including women and children, are particularly susceptible to exploitation, including forced labor and human trafficking.

4. Republic of the Congo – 8.0 per 1,000 population

The Republic of the Congo is confronted with a prevalence rate of 8.0 per 1,000 population, indicative of the widespread prevalence of forced labor, including in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and domestic work. Limited enforcement of labor laws exacerbates the vulnerability of marginalized populations to exploitation.

5. Nigeria – 7.8 per 1,000 population

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, grapples with a prevalence rate of 7.8 per 1,000 population, reflecting the complex dynamics driving modern slavery within its borders. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and organized crime contribute to the exploitation of individuals, including through forced labor and sex trafficking.

6. Equatorial Guinea – 7.8 per 1,000 population

In Equatorial Guinea, a prevalence rate of 7.8 per 1,000 population underscores the challenges faced by a population contending with a lack of adequate legal protections and oversight mechanisms. Exploitative labor practices, including in the oil and construction sectors, persist despite efforts to address the issue.

7. Gabon – 7.6 per 1,000 population

Gabon grapples with a prevalence rate of 7.6 per 1,000 population, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and indigenous communities subjected to forced labor and exploitation in various sectors, including logging, construction, and domestic work.

8. Burundi – 7.5 per 1,000 population

Burundi’s prevalence rate of 7.5 per 1,000 population underscores the challenges posed by systemic poverty, conflict, and political instability, which exacerbate the risk of exploitation, including forced labor and child trafficking. Limited access to education and economic opportunities further compound the vulnerabilities of at-risk populations.

9. Côte d’Ivoire – 7.3 per 1,000 population

In Côte d’Ivoire, a prevalence rate of 7.3 per 1,000 population reflects the challenges posed by the cocoa industry’s reliance on child labor and forced labor practices. Despite efforts to address these issues, including through international initiatives and corporate supply chain reforms, significant challenges persist in ensuring the protection of vulnerable workers.

10. Djibouti – 7.1 per 1,000 population

Djibouti contends with a prevalence rate of 7.1 per 1,000 population, with vulnerable migrant workers, particularly from neighboring countries, facing exploitation in sectors such as construction, domestic work, and agriculture. Limited legal protections and oversight mechanisms exacerbate the challenges in addressing modern slavery within the country.

11. Libya – 6.8 per 1,000 population

Libya’s prevalence rate of 6.8 per 1,000 population reflects the vulnerabilities faced by migrants and refugees, including those subjected to forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitation in detention centers and informal work sectors. Prolonged conflict and political instability have created fertile ground for criminal networks to thrive, perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.

12. Gambia – 6.5 per 1,000 population

Despite being a relatively small country, Gambia grapples with a prevalence rate of 6.5 per 1,000 population, indicative of the challenges posed by poverty, unemployment, and irregular migration. Vulnerable populations, including women and children, are particularly susceptible to exploitation, including in the tourism and agricultural sectors.

13. Ethiopia – 6.3 per 1,000 population:

Ethiopia’s prevalence rate of 6.3 per 1,000 population underscores the challenges posed by systemic poverty, drought, and displacement, which exacerbate the risk of exploitation, including forced labor and child trafficking. Efforts to address these issues are hampered by limited resources and capacity, as well as the complex socio-economic landscape.

14. Somalia – 6.2 per 1,000 population:

In Somalia, a prevalence rate of 6.2 per 1,000 population highlights the challenges posed by prolonged conflict, insecurity, and displacement, which create fertile ground for human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation. Vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons and marginalized communities, are particularly at risk.

15. Chad – 5.9 per 1,000 population:

Chad contends with a prevalence rate of 5.9 per 1,000 population, reflecting the challenges posed by poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation, which exacerbate the risk of exploitation, including forced labor and child trafficking. Limited access to education and economic opportunities further compound the vulnerabilities of at-risk populations.

Top 20 African Countries With The Highest Prevalence Of Slavery, 2024

Revised in November 2024