Tea association of Malawi launches child labour policy to strengthen zero-tolerance commitment in the tea sector

Blantyre, Malawi (ILO News) – The Tea Association of Malawi Limited (TAML) has officially launched its Child Labour Policy on the 23rd of May, reinforcing the Association’s longstanding commitment to a child labour-free tea value chain.

The Policy builds on TAML’s zero-tolerance stance on child labour and aims to sustain the progress made in the industry while addressing persistent perceptions of child labour, particularly among smallholder producers. It applies to all TAML members—including estates and over 23,000 smallholder growers—as well as contractors, service providers, and clients engaging with the tea sector.

This effort was supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the ACCEL Africa Project, implemented from 2020 to 2024 with financial support from the Government of the Netherlands. The Policy draws on the lessons and mechanisms established during this period, including the Child Labour Monitoring System (CLMS), District Compliance Taskforces, and continuous awareness-raising activities.

The Policy sets clear minimum age requirements:

• 18 years for employment in fieldwork,
• 21 years for employment involving factory work and machinery handling,
• Proof of age through a government-issued National Identity Card is mandatory prior to recruitment.

The Policy also recognizes legal provisions for light work and the passing of familial skills among smallholder farmers, while outlining strict reporting, enforcement, and compliance mechanisms to prevent and remediate child labour.

TAML will oversee the implementation of the Policy through its Secretariat, in collaboration with the National Smallholder Tea Growers Association (NSTGA), member estates, and other stakeholders such as the Plantation Agricultural Workers Union (PAWU). Monitoring will be guided by a dedicated framework, and non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, including exclusion from TAML membership.

The launch of this Policy marks a significant step in consolidating the gains made towards a child labour-free tea industry in Malawi and ensuring responsible and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.