Metro

148,000 Moroccan children victims of child labour – Commission

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2022

A report by the Moroccan Higher Commission for Planning (HCP), has revealed that out of the country’s 7,493,000 child population aged between seven and 17, around 148,000 were engaged in some form of child labour and of economic activity.

The report which was released on Monday notes that the share of Moroccan children victims of child labor is higher within the rural areas where the demographics show that as much as 119,000 children in were working in the informal economy, making up 3.8% of the country’s rural population.

Going by the HCP’s data, the rate is relatively low in urban areas, where 29,000 children take part in economic activities, making up 0.7% of the rural population.

The report which was issued on the occasion of the World Day against Child Labor, explains that 80.4% of children victims of child labor are rural males, and 87.5% of them are aged 15 to 17.

In terms of education, the HCP data indicate that 12.1% of children engaged in economic activities in Morocco are attending school while 85.7% have dropped out of school and 2.2% have never been enrolled in schools.

“Meanwhile, close to 65% of the children engaged in economic activities benefit from medical coverage, with the percentage getting slightly higher among the 7-17 age group reaching 75%,” it added.

Further breaking down child labor by sector, the report details that “82.2% of working children are active in agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

Morocco’s industrial sector employs 24.7% of working children in the country, and three-quarters of working children in rural areas support their families financially, according to the report.

It added that six out of 10 working children, making up 59.4% or 88,000 children, perform hazardous work which represents 1.2% of children in this age group, adding that among the children engaged in hazardous forms of work, 73.7% are rural, 88.6% male, and 81.9% aged between 15 and 17 years.

Related Topics:Child Labour Children Featured Morocco

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

5 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.