African States Must Enact Laws, Policies and National Action Plans that Protect Children from Harmful Business Practices
20 November, Maseru, Lesotho — The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) today launched a new study assessing how children’s rights are integrated into National Action Plans (NAPs) on Business and Human Rights (BHRs) across the African continent.
This timely study reveals that only Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Liberia, and Ghana have developed NAPs on Business and Human Rights, each with minimal provisions on child protection. The status of all 55 African States is examined. The study identifies best practices and major gaps and offers actionable recommendations for governments and businesses to strengthen child rights protections in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s development blueprint.
Across Africa, the intersection between business and children’s welfare has emerged as one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. As African economies expand—driven by extractive industries, infrastructure, technology, and global trade—the lives of millions of children are being profoundly shaped by corporate conduct and state regulation. This is also relevant in light of the newly minted African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
“Business has immense potential to advance children’s well-being through decent work for caregivers, child-sensitive products and services, regulation of child labour, prevention of child exploitation, environmentally sensitive practices, and responsible community investments. Yet, far too often, business activities still expose children to exploitation, hazardous labour, environmental degradation, displacement, and digital harms,” said Dr. Musa Kika, Executive Director of IHRDA.
Despite children making up nearly half of Africa’s population, their unique vulnerabilities remain inadequately reflected in business and human rights frameworks. This omission is not merely an oversight—it reflects a systemic exclusion that undermines the continent’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development.
“Economic growth cannot come at the expense of the dignity, education, health, and future of children. Every business decision—whether by states, multinational corporations, or local enterprises—has real consequences for children’s lives,” said Hon. Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsin, Chairperson of the Working Group on Child Rights and Business at the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).
The study finds that while African States have made commendable commitments under key international instruments—including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)—implementation remains uneven. Limited inclusion of children’s rights in legal and policy frameworks, weak enforcement, poor corporate accountability, and the invisibility of children in policy discourse continue to hinder progress.
“States, businesses, and civil society must move beyond rhetoric and embed child rights into every aspect of economic governance—from labour and taxation to environmental protection and digital innovation,” said Dr. Oyeniyi Abe, Business and Human Rights specialist at the Centre for Comparative Law in Africa.
Children are the heartbeat of Africa’s future. Protecting their rights in all spheres, including business, is essential to achieving the vision of Agenda 2063—a prosperous, peaceful, and just Africa that leaves no child behind.
