Malawi strengthens tobacco transparency amid child labor concerns

Malawi is strengthening efforts to improve transparency in its tobacco industry. The Media Network on Tobacco cited figures indicating that an estimated 2.1 million children aged five to 17 are engaged in child labor in tobacco-growing communities. Furthermore, research cited by the network identified over 31,000 children working within tobacco tenancy arrangements.

Concerns over child labor threaten Malawi's ability to protect its tobacco industry and maintain access to international markets. The Media Network on Tobacco warned that children must not be exposed to hazardous tobacco farming activities, including handling leaves and exposure to pesticides.