Report

African Union Presidential Champion Report on Ending Child Marriage Officially Launched

Led by President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, the landmark report marks a major step forward in accelerating Africa’s collective efforts to end child marriage

Highlights

This report is presented by H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema, African Union Champion on Ending Child Marriage in Africa. The continent accounts for one in three child marriages globally and, due to rapid population growth, is projected to represent nearly 50 per cent of the world’s child brides by 2050. Progress must be accelerated 20-fold to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending child marriage by 2030. More than 30 million girls in Africa are married before the age of 18, with the highest prevalence recorded in West and Central Africa and the Sahel.

Author(s)

African Union Commission, Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Office of the AU Champion on Ending Child Marriage (President of the Republic of Zambia) & UNICEF

Publication date

February 2026