ZAMBIA: Zambia Harnesses Digital Tools to Combat Human Trafficking on St. Bakhita Feast Day
Sr. Mirriam Nkole O.P.
As the world marks the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita on February 6-7, 2026, Zambia is leveraging digital platforms to combat human trafficking and promote human dignity. The country is a source, transit, and destination for trafficking, with women, children, and young men vulnerable to exploitation.
Traffickers exploit victims through forced labour in open-pit mines, sex trafficking, domestic servitude, and other forms of exploitation. Porous borders, unemployment, and poverty facilitate trafficking, with victims lured by false promises of employment.
As part of the Pan-African Catholic Theology Pastoral Network, efforts to Combat Trafficking have been made and continue. In Africa, Anti-Human Trafficking Clubs in schools, universities, and communities have been established, and these are raising awareness about trafficking risks. “Educating communities on safe social media use is crucial to counter traffickers’ tactics,” highlighting the importance of digital outreach.
As a Network, we appreciate the gift of social media, which has become a major tool in the fight against human trafficking. ‘Digital Evangelisation for Human Dignity: Ending Human Trafficking in Africa being the theme for this year’s celebration, will help us amplify our voices. Social media will allow survivors, advocates, and different organizations to share their stories, experiences, and warnings, reaching a vast audience and putting human trafficking in the spotlight. Countering Traffickers’ Tactics Traffickers use social media to recruit victims; by raising awareness and monitoring online activity, we are ready to disrupt their tactics.
As we celebrate the feast of St. Bakhita, we are reminded to persevere in fighting human trafficking. “Her courage and forgiveness demonstrate the importance of compassion and support for survivors.”
