Combating child labour in Malawi: A collaborative field visit to Thyolo's tea estates

Lilongwe, 30 November 2023 – The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the ACCEL Africa project, recently undertook a significant field visit in Thyolo District to assess child labour interventions. This visit included a comprehensive briefing session by the Tea Association of Malawi (TAML) at Makandi Tea Estate, along with tours of the tea factory and junior primary schools at Makwasa Tea Estate. The delegation was led by Mr. Wezi Kayira, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Labour, and included Mr. Wellington Chibebe, ILO Director for Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. Other key participants included representatives from social partners (MCTU and ECAM), and the District Commissioner.

The primary objectives of this visit were to reinforce adherence to labour standards, bolster ongoing support from the private sector, and improve collaboration among stakeholders in promoting social justice and decent work conditions, which includes the crucial goal of eradicating child labour in the tea industry.

During the visit, the delegation received a detailed briefing from the TAML at Makandi Tea Estate. The Board Chairperson outlined the industry's comprehensive measures against child labour across all estates. He emphasized initiatives targeting the root causes of child labour, such as corporate social responsibility actions including educational support through the construction of schools. He also pointed out the importance of involving smallholder tea growers and their associations, which enhances reporting and awareness.

Mr. Chibebe, ILO’s Director, commended the effective tripartism among the social partners. He also stressed the importance of promoting local products through a ‘Buy Malawi’ initiative, which could boost local employment and reduce foreign currency expenditure. Additionally, he underscored the need for increased support in labour inspections, a critical tool in addressing child labour issues.

Mr. Kayira, Secretary for Labour, expressed appreciation for the tea industry's significant employment contributions. He emphasized the Ministry of Labour's dedication to enforcing labour laws, including those concerning child labour, through enhanced labour inspections. He also noted the recent development of a Labour Inspection manual to guide these efforts.

Key takeaways from the field visit include:

• Recognition of the private sector's vital role in eliminating child labour and promoting decent work.
• The crucial function of the labour inspectorate in ensuring compliance with labour standards.
• The importance of collaboration with smallholder associations in tackling child labour in the informal economy.
• The need for innovative strategies that extend beyond merely withdrawing children from labour, focusing on sustainable solutions.