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Human Trafficking, a redefined mode of slavery in modern times, has continued to remain one of the growing scourges and a grave injustice to the freedom and dignity of humans especially in the continent of Africa.
Like slavery of the past, the disastrous effect of human trafficking is evident both in the total dehumanization of its victims which includes forced labour, sexual exploitation, and in several cases, organ trafficking, and the long-lasting impact it has on families and communities affected by it.
Affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, or nationality, this criminal activity, while a global issue, has become a growing concern in Africa due to its vulnerable population who due to several factors chief amongst which is the quest for a better standard of living make them easy victims to these traffickers.
In a report titled “Human trafficking and trade — a growing threat for Africa”, DW, the German International Broadcaster points out that “According to estimates by the human rights organization anti-slavery, nearly 50 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery. Out of that number, one in every four people is a child. According to the International Labor Organization, human trafficking generates $150 billion in profits annually. The driving factor behind this growth in human trafficking in Africa is the difficult political and social situation of the people”.
Africa’s Response to Human Trafficking
1. Strengthening Laws and Regional Cooperation
- Many African countries have enacted robust anti-trafficking laws. For example, Nigeria’s Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act is a model for the region.
- Regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS are working together to create strategies and protocols for cross-border collaboration, making it harder for traffickers to operate.
2. Grassroots and Community-Led Initiatives
- Local NGOs, such as HAART Kenya, have reached over 100,000 people through workshops and have assisted more than 1,000 victims, focusing on prevention, education, and survivor support.
- Survivor-led organizations, like Survivors Network Cameroon, empower women with microfinance and business opportunities, turning survivors into advocates and leaders in their communities.
3. Education and Youth Empowerment
- United Way South Africa, in partnership with A21, has developed prevention programs for youth, training teachers, social workers, and over 1,000 young people to recognize and resist trafficking tactics.
- Awareness campaigns in schools and communities are helping young people and families make informed choices and spot warning signs early.
4. International Collaboration and Support
- The Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme and networks like East & Horn of Africa Anti-Trafficking Network unite over 100 organizations, offering shelter, legal aid, and advocacy for migrants and survivors across the region.
- Global organizations such as UNICEF, IOM, and Free the Slaves provide resources, training, and emergency support to at-risk populations and survivors.
Practical Ways to Stay Safe and Empowered
- Verify Opportunities: The internet as well as offline adverts are like a marketplace where both the genuine and not-so-genuine leverage to push various forms of messages. While travel, business or job opportunities are likely to pique your interests you must do more research on the agency, employer or business deals. Sharing such messages and concerns with loved ones, friends, government agencies or embassy sources can also ensure the veracity of such information.
- Migrate Through Proper Channels: In the quest for a better life, many immigrants seek to migrate through unofficial channels due to lack of proper documentation or limited financial resources. This increases their risk of falling victims to human traffickers who lay siege at many of these or work hand in hand with supposed agents. It is vital that migrants go through reputable agencies or visit recognized immigration offices when looking to relocate abroad.
- Limit Oversharing of Personal Information: The idea that every incident, activity or update in one’s life deserves a tweet, an Instagram or facebook post can expose one to need less attention especially from strangers who are unfamiliar and seek to lure under the disguise of wanting friendship, or business deal etc. Limit the kind of personal information posted about oneself, friends or loved ones online and offline.
- Stay Vigilant While on Transit: The movie “Taken” provides a good insight on the importance of being cautious when visiting a place for the first time or receiving unsolicited help from strangers. Be wary of sharing rides with strangers, whether at Airports, or on local transportation, always approach security operatives for directions or recognized personnel at various transit stations. Always enable location sharing with loved ones or people you are visiting so that they are constantly aware of where you currently are.
- Do Not Neglect the Signals: If an environment doesn’t feel right or someone’s behaviour raises concerns within you, it is important that you heed the cautionary signals and do well to avoid such an environment or take a step back to gather more information about the person or opportunities. Safety first should always outweigh the fear of hurting someone’s feelings or losing out on an opportunity you believe is too good to be true.
- Stay Updated: Several organizations are actively engaged in the fight against human trafficking and continually run workshops and various programs that teach on how to avoid these trafficking rings as well as the various methods being used. Not only are they continually updating their pages with resourceful materials for everyone to access, but they also provide information on how to get help and support if needed. Stay informed at all times.
Key Resources and Organizations
Organization/Initiative | Focus Area | Website/Contact |
HAART Kenya | Prevention, rescue, survivor care | haartkenya.org |
Survivors Network Cameroon | Survivor empowerment, advocacy | https://survivorsnetwork.co/ |
United Way South Africa | Youth education, prevention | https://www.unitedway.org.za/ |
The East & Horn of Africa Anti-Trafficking Network | Regional anti-trafficking network | giz.de |
Better Migration Management | Safe migration, capacity building | https://migrationnetwork.un.org/projects/better-migration-management-bmm-programme |
A Future of Hope
Communities are coming together, survivors are leading the way, and every day, more people are protected and empowered. By staying informed, supporting one another, and working together, we can build a future where every African lives free from exploitation and fear.
If you or someone you know needs help or wants to get involved, reach out to any of the organizations listed above for guidance, support, and opportunities to make a difference.

Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com

Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.