Voices of ACCEL Africa beneficiaries in Ivory Coast

In Soubre in Ivory Coast, significant change is underway. Thanks to the ACCEL Africa project, led by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the fight against child labor in the cocoa and gold supply chains is bearing fruit.

The ACCEL Africa project, implemented by the ILO in Côte d'Ivoire, aims to eradicate child labor in the cocoa and gold supply chains. This project is a direct response to the challenges posed by child labor in artisanal mining and cocoa farming. It supports the implementation of the 2019-2021 national action plan to combat child trafficking, exploitation and labour.

Community testimonies

Why eliminate child labor?

During a follow-up visit to Soubré in February 2024, we met with several community members who shared their experiences and perspectives on the importance of this initiative.

"Stopping child labor is to prevent illnesses among children, we must bring them back."

"When you give birth to a child, you have to prepare for their future. We must ensure the child's future, we must work for her/him to be in good health conditions. This is why children are strictly prohibited from doing work that is not at their level."

Social finance efforts

An essential component of the ACCEL Africa project is the strengthening of intervention models in solidarity finance. The project supports cooperatives, savings and loans, and worker groups, while extending its activities to banks, microfinance institutions, insurance companies, and fintech.

How did Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) enable women to become economically independent?

I'm happy, because the VSLA groups created in the village help us a lot. Especially at the end of the year. They allow us to take care of our children, because at this time, having money to pay for the child's party is difficult, but with the VSLA, we get by.

Community member in the Soubré region

Gender mainstreaming

The project places particular emphasis on integrating the gender dimension into all its social finance initiatives. The main objective is to create an innovation fund in inclusive finance, encourage the engagement of the local financial industry and develop financial products and services adapted to the specific needs of beneficiaries.

The improvement in women's living conditions has given us more courage to work. We save money every day, which motivates and encourages us.

Community member in the Soubré region

Social protection as a pillar

The project recognizes the direct impact that social protection has on the prevention and elimination of child labor. The social protection component of ACCEL Africa aims to expand coverage for workers in lower levels of supply chains, including benefits such as health care, health and maternity insurance.

The ACCEL Africa project continues to make significant progress in eliminating child labor in Côte d'Ivoire. Thanks to innovative initiatives and strong collaboration between the government, development partners and the private sector, the future of children in Côte d'Ivoire looks promising.