The report claims that progress was made towards better integration of the various systems used across the sector to monitor and respond to child labour.
The alignment of private sector mechanisms, such as the Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation Systems (CLMRS) implemented by many industry actors, with government systems like the Ghanaian Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (GCLMS) in Ghana and SOSTECI in Côte d’Ivoire, is regarded as critical to delivering more effective and coordinated support to cocoa-growing families.
As of the latest ILO–UNICEF estimates released on World Day Against Child Labour (June 12, 2025), approximately 138 million children worldwide are engaged in child labour, of whom around 54 million are involved in hazardous work that threatens their health and development.
Child labour in cocoa production
The latest figures (2018–19) suggest that approximately 1.48 million children were engaged in hazardous work on cocoa farms in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana—using sharp tools, handling agrochemicals, and carrying heavy loads.
For comparison, a 2016 assessment estimated that approximately 2.1 million children were involved in hazardous cocoa farm work across West Africa.
Scaling ICI’s collective reach
The ICI Annual report highlights how, through coordinated action with members and partners, ICI enhanced its impact and expanded its reach across the sector.
“In 2024, thanks to the efforts of the collective, ICI and its members covered 1.17 million cocoa-farming households across West Africa with systems designed to prevent and address child labour,” said ICI Executive Director Matthias Lange.
“This milestone reflects the increasing momentum of ICI members in scaling responsible practices. We remain convinced that collective efforts and collaboration will drive further progress in the sector.”
Framework of Action
ICI facilitated the signing of the new 2024–2029 Framework of Action to contribute to the prevention and progressive elimination of child labour in cocoa-growing communities of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.
The framework was developed by the Child Labour in Cocoa Coordinating Group (CLCCG), which brings together the Governments of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, the cocoa and chocolate industry, and the US Department of Labor, and focuses on strengthening monitoring systems, increasing access to education, improving social services and social protection, and supporting household incomes —core pillars in the effort to fight against child labour in cocoa-growing areas.
Anthony Myers
ICI achievements in child labour prevention
In 2024, ICI reported making significant strides in addressing child labour in cocoa-growing communities, affecting over 1.17 million households. The organisation implemented Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation Systems (CLMRS) to support families and children effectively.
- ICI and its members covered 1.17 million cocoa-farming households across West Africa.
- 347,018 households were specifically supported by ICI's CLMRS.
- 26% of children in the system were found in child labour, while 77% received support to address it.
- 44% of children previously in child labour stopped after receiving support over two consecutive visits.
ICI advocacy and policy development efforts
In 2024, ICI engaged in advocacy efforts to influence policies and standards related to child and forced labour in the cocoa sector. This included collaboration with various stakeholders to promote effective legislation.
- ICI contributed to the development of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence DirectiveCS3D) and the EU Forced Labour Regulation.
- The organisation played a crucial role in reviewing national action plans in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
- ICI supported the implementation of the African Regional Standard for Sustainable Cocoa (ARS-1000) in both countries.
Significant growth
In 2024, ICI reported a total revenue of CHF 15.4 million ($18.96m), reflecting growth from the previous year, with a significant portion coming from member contributions and project funds.
The ICI said it also welcomed new members in 2024, representing both industry and civil society. “Welcoming four new corporate members — small and large companies — from various regions, including the US, Europe, and West Africa, along with one civil society member, strengthens our collective impact,” said Sarah Dekkiche, ICI Director for Policy and Partnerships.
“These additions signify an increasing commitment to addressing child labour and forced labour across value chains, further establishing our position as a trusted partner for collaboration and shared learning.”
- Read the ICI 2024 Annual Report
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Anthony Myers