Ivorian government strengthens social traceability in cocoa sector to combat child labor
via Abidjan.net8 min read
The Ivorian National Monitoring Committee for Actions Against Trafficking, Exploitation, and Child Labor CNS launched a capacity-building workshop for Social Traceability Operations Agents AOTS in Yamoussoukro from July 12 to 16, 2026. These agents, deployed in production zones in partnership with the Coffee-Cocoa Council, monitor social practices, verify the absence of child labor in plantations, and educate producers on human rights. The workshop, following an evaluation by the Public-Private Partnership Platform's technical secretariat that identified operational difficulties, includes two phases: validating AOTS tools and activities, and training on the social aspects of cocoa production. Dr. GBONGUE Mamadou, Deputy Director for Projects and Monitoring-Evaluation at the Coffee-Cocoa Council, emphasized the need to equip this surveillance brigade to ensure optimal social traceability and eradicate child labor. Mr. Amani KONAN, national consultant to the Office of the First Lady, highlighted the Ivorian authorities' commitment to this fight, led by Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, and presented CNS initiatives. Mrs. AIPO Melissa Djama, Technical Secretary of the Public-Private Partnership Platform, stated the workshop aims to define a clear roadmap and strengthen coordination, commending the CNS, ILO, and ICI Foundation's involvement. Social traceability in the coffee-cocoa sector encompasses mechanisms to monitor producers' living and working conditions throughout the supply chain
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