First Lady Dominique Ouattara officially launched the new National Action Plan (PAN) 2025-2029 to combat child trafficking, exploitation and labor, on Wednesday June 4, 2025, at the Espace Latrille Events des Deux Plateaux.

The ceremony was attended by Me Adama Kamara, Minister of Employment and Social Protection and Chairman of the Interministerial Committee for the Fight against Child Trafficking, Exploitation and Labor (CIM), as well as members of the diplomatic corps, international partners, civil society organizations, elected officials, traditional and religious leaders, and various child protection players.

In a speech filled with determination, the First Lady hailed the strong mobilization.  “I am particularly pleased to be with you this morning, to launch the new 2025-2029 National Action Plan to combat child trafficking, exploitation and labor”, declared Mrs Ouattara, recalling that this plan is a continuation of the commitment made since 2011, when the National Monitoring Committee (CNS) was created to combat this scourge.

An ambitious plan, supported by tangible results

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, presented the new National Action Plan (NAP) 2025-2029, while taking stock of the three NAPs already implemented. The NAP 2025-2029, with a budget of 165 billion FCFA, is based on a multi-sectoral approach. It aims to step up efforts in awareness-raising, prevention, protection, law enforcement and improving living conditions in rural communities.

To date, the actions undertaken have already led to significant progress. More than 4 million people have been reached through communication campaigns. 212,069 actors trained in the detection and protection of child victims. 43,703 classrooms built, as well as community colleges, school canteens and teachers’ housing.30,541 children rescued thanks to alert mechanisms, help lines and reception centers. 3,322 people arrested, including 233 convicted of child labor offenses. In addition, the various previous NAPs have led to better traceability of cocoa, which is now more sustainable, with a notable improvement in farmers’ living standards.

The First Lady also paid tribute to the national and international partners for their support. There are UNICEF, ILO, IOM, WCF, the ICI Foundation, as well as companies in the cocoa and chocolate sector. She also welcomed the new framework for action signed in November 2024, bringing together Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, the US Department of Labor and the international cocoa industry for a coordinated response to child labor in production zones.

A strong call for commitment from all

The First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, made a solemn appeal to producers in all sectors, urging them to be vigilant and responsible: “We will continue to fight together to ensure that this scourge is totally eliminated from our country, whether in cocoa, cashew or coffee plantations, in mining, transport or services. For our children must not be used in any field whatsoever.”

Mr Adama Kamara, Minister of Employment and Social Protection and Chairman of the Interministerial Committee to Combat Child Trafficking, Exploitation and Labor (ICM) praised the First Lady’s social commitment to the poorest. “You are on all fronts to provide solutions and give hope to the destitute,” declared Mr. Adama Kamara.  He hailed the significant progress made by the country. However, given the importance of the challenge, he argued that a more coherent response was needed. And this is precisely where the new NAP stands out from the rest.

UNICEF representative Jean-François Basse also thanked the First Lady for her social and humanitarian commitment. He reaffirmed the support of the United Nations agencies in the fight against child trafficking, exploitation and labor.

Mr. Agossou Coffie, ILO Deputy Regional Director also reiterated his organization’s commitment to supporting the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in the fight against child labor. He maintained that the elimination of child labor is possible, but it is now within reach in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr. Amani Konan Michel Ange, national consultant in charge of child labor in the First Lady’s Office, reviewed the three NAPs already implemented, before presenting the new one, which will run from 2025 to 2029, over 5 years.