There is a high prevalence of both child sex tourism (CST) and trafficking in children for sexual purposes in Africa. Civil and political conflicts, poverty and HIV/AIDS have left many African countries politically, economically and socially fragile. In this volatile state, families must struggle for survival and children can become more vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation.

Children often have to contribute to the family’s income as well as take care of their siblings and other family members. A recent ECPAT research study suggested that orphanhood due to HIV/AIDS is likely to lead a child into commercial sex within two to three years of his/her parents’ death. These children can easily become the victims of child sex tourism and trafficking for sexual purposes.