Report finds Chipata, Sesheke and Livingstone most affected by cross-border labor trafficking

A baseline assessment report by the Center on Human Trafficking Research and Outreach has found that labor trafficking remained prevalent across four Zambian districts, with border towns recording the highest rates of cross-border exploitation. The study, conducted under Phase 1 of CenHTRO’s work in Zambia, covered Lusaka, Livingstone, and Chipata, Sesheke. According to the report released in Lusaka on Friday, patterns of trafficking vary by location but vulnerability was high in all four study districts and researchers identified economic hardship and limited employment opportunities as key drivers.

Chipata recorded the highest prevalence of cross-border labor trafficking victims at 48 percent and Sesheke followed at 47 percent, while Livingstone recorded 45 percent. Lusaka had the lowest at 23 percent. “The highest proportion of individuals at risk of cross-border labour trafficking was found in Sesheke at 30 percent, followed by Chipata at 23 percent, Lusaka at 19 percent, and Livingstone at 18 percent,” the baseline report stated.

For domestic labor trafficking, Livingstone recorded the highest rate at 30 percent, followed by Lusaka at 26 percent with Chipata and Sesheke each recording 12 percent. “Labor trafficking encompasses a range of activities involved when a person uses force, fraud, or coercion to exploit the labour or services of another person,” the report noted, citing the U.S. Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

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Researchers identified key vulnerabilities increasing risk among youth and young adults to include lack of basic resources, unstable employment, financial hardship, limited awareness of employment rights, and absence of a financial safety net. In response, Dr. Chishimba Mulambia, Senior Country Coordinator said CenHTRO had launched a 3-pronged FCAB intervention involving digital savings groups, working capital management, and in-kind livelihood support.

Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. “Early indicators from CenHTRO’s intervention signal significant improvements in financial literacy, trafficking awareness, social support networks, and access to safer livelihood opportunities,” she said. Mulambia stated that the project aimed to reduce cross-border labor trafficking among 18–37-year-olds by 15 percent, increase financial capability among at-risk youth and survivors by 50 percent, and increase equitable financial programs by 30 percent. “Financial inclusion and economic access and resilience are essential preventive measures against labor trafficking,” she said.

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