View source for Prostitution in Africa

{{short description|Overview of the legality and practice of prostitution in Africa}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
[[Image:Prostitution in Africa2.svg|thumb|right|400px| {{legend|#00ffff|Decriminalization – no criminal penalties for prostitution}}
{{legend|#008000|Legalization – prostitution legal and regulated}}
{{legend|#336699|Abolitionism – prostitution is legal, but organized activities such as brothels and pimping are illegal; prostitution is ''not'' regulated.}}
{{legend|#ff7f00|Neo-abolitionism – illegal to buy sex and for 3rd party involvement, legal to sell sex}}
{{legend|#FF0000|Prohibitionism – prostitution illegal}}
{{legend|#585858|Legality varies with local laws}}]]
{{Portal|Prostitution|Sex work}}
The legal status of '''prostitution in Africa''' varies widely. It is frequently common in practice, partially driven by the widespread [[poverty]] in many [[sub-Saharan Africa]]n countries,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.welthungerhilfe.de/799.html |title=Increasing prostitution driven by poverty in drought-stricken Kenya – Welthungerhilfe |publisher=Welthungerhilfe.de |access-date=25 January 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070103111147/http://www.welthungerhilfe.de/799.html |archive-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> and is one of the drivers for the prevalence of [[AIDS]] in [[Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avert.org/prostitution-aids.htm |title=AIDS & Prostitution |publisher=Avert.org |date=12 November 2009 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref> (36.9% in sub-Saharan Africa)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.es/sociedad/20121212/abci-despenalizacion-prostitucion-reducirvih-201212121818.html |title=La OMS defiende la despenalización de la prostitución para reducir los contagios de VIH |publisher=ABC.es |date= 12 December 2012|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref> Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire permit the operations of [[brothel]]s. In other countries, [[prostitution]] may be legal, but brothels are not allowed to operate. In some countries where prostitution is illegal, the law is rarely enforced.

[[Transactional sexual relationship]]s are particularly common in sub-Saharan Africa, where they often involve relationships between older men and younger women or girls. In many cases, the woman in a transactional sexual relationship may remain faithful to her boyfriend, while he may have multiple sexual partners. In both of these cases, transactional sex presents an increased risk of [[HIV]] infection. As a result, transactional sex is a factor involved in the spread of [[AIDS in Africa]].

This page uses the [[United Nations geoscheme|UN system of subregions]].
{{TOC limit|2}}
{{clear}}

==Central Africa==

===Angola===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Angola}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Angola}}
Prostitution in [[Angola]] is illegal<ref name="Tlsp" /><ref name="procon" /> and prevalent since the 1990s.<ref name="sida">{{cite web|last1=Pehrsson|first1=Kajsa|last2=Cohen|first2=Gabriela|last3=Ducados|first3=Henda|last4=Lopes|first4=Paulette|title=Towards Gender Equality in Angola|url=http://www.sida.se/contentassets/e1a96dfb3f944587a60dd948b2e8a062/towards-gender-equality-in-angola_2690.pdf|website=IDA|access-date=5 January 2018|date=April 2000}}</ref> Prostitution increased further at the end of the [[Angolan Civil War|civil]] war in 2001.<ref>{{cite news|title= ANGOLA: Sex work in separatist Cabinda |work=[[The New Humanitarian|IRIN]]|url= http://www.irinnews.org/Report/77724/ANGOLA-Sex-work-in-separatist-Cabinda|access-date=12 April 2012}}</ref> Prohibition is not consistently enforced. Many women engage in [[prostitution]] due to poverty.<ref>{{cite web|title=Angola 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/118985.htm|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=5 January 2018}}</ref> It was estimated in 2013 that there were about 33,00 sex workers in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Many [[Namibia]]n women enter the country illegally, often via the border municipality of [[Curoca]], and travel to towns such as [[Ondjiva]], [[Lubango]] and [[Luanda]] to work as prostitutes.<ref name="newera">{{cite web|title=Sex trade chase the dollar into Angola|url=https://www.newera.com.na/2014/01/06/sex-trade-chase-dollar-angola/|website=New Era Newspaper Namibia|access-date=5 January 2018|language=en-ZA|date=6 January 2014}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Cameroon===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Cameroon}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Cameroon}}
Prostitution in [[Cameroon]] is illegal<ref name="spl" /> but tolerated,<ref>{{cite web|title=Sex Work in Cameroon|url=http://www.nswp.org/news/sex-work-cameroon|website=Global Network of Sex Work Projects|access-date=2 March 2018|language=en|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> especially in urban and tourist areas.<ref name="Tlsp" /> In the capital, [[Yaoundé]] the main area of prostitution is the neighbourhood of Mini Ferme.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yaounde Now Doubles As Prostitution Capital of Cameroon – Kamer Kongosa|url=http://kamerkongosa.com/yaounde-now-doubles-as-prostitution-capital-of-cameroon/|website=Kamer Kongosa|access-date=2 March 2018|date=13 July 2013}}</ref> UNAIDS estimate there are 110,000 sex workers in the country.<ref name="unaids" />

Cameroon attracts sex tourism from the West, especially for child prostitution.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nzouankeu|first1=Anne Mireille|date=30 May 2012|title=Trending: Chinese sex workers in Cameroon|url=http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/trending-chinese-sex-workers-cameroon |work=Radio Netherlands Worldwide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203063534/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/trending-chinese-sex-workers-cameroon |archive-date=3 February 2014}}</ref> The Cameroonian government has attempted to stop this trade by agreeing to [[multilateral agreement]]s such as charters against sex tourism, like signing up with the Universal Federation of Travels Agents Associations (UFTAA).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100470.htm |title=2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – Cameroon|publisher=United States Department of State|date=11 March 2008|access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Central African Republic===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Central African Republic}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in the Central African Republic}}
Prostitution is legal and common in the [[Central African Republic]].<ref name="Tlsp" /><ref name="state">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/118992.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175610/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/118992.htm |url-status=dead  |archive-date=26 February 2009 |title=Central African Republic |publisher=State.gov |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=14 July 2012}}</ref> [[Procuring (prostitution)|Procuring]]<ref name="Tlsp" /> or profiting off the prostitution of others is illegal, as is coercing people into prostitution. Punishment is a fine and up to one year in prison, or 5 years if the case involves a minor.<ref name="state" />

Human trafficking and Child prostitution is a problem in the country.<ref name="state" /><ref name="sahara" /> A study published in 2017<ref name="sahara">{{cite journal|title=Spectrum of female commercial sex work in Bangui, Central African Republic|pmc=5678296|journal=Sahara-J|volume=14|issue=1|pages=171–184|date=2017|last1=Longo|first1=J. D|last2=Simaléko|first2=M. M|last3=Ngbale|first3=R|last4=Grésenguet|first4=G|last5=Brücker|first5=G|last6=Bélec|first6=L|doi=10.1080/17290376.2017.1394907|pmid=29092678}}</ref> found that about two thirds of the prostitutes in the capitol, [[Bangui]], worked part-time to supplement their income or to pay school and college fees. Some of the full-time prostitutes visit hotels, bars and nightclubs looking for wealthy clients, especially French men. They are known as "pupulenge" (dragonflies) or "gba moundjou" (look at the white). Those who work in the poorer neighbourhoods are known as "kata".<ref name="sahara" />
{{clear}}

===Chad===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Chad}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Chad}}
Prostitution in [[Chad]] is illegal,<ref name="Tlsp" /> but common, especially in the urban centres and the south of the country.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimates there are 1,200 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Many are from Cameroon.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Houmfa|first1=Mohamadou|title=Chad: Good Business for Cameroonian Prostitutes in Chad|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201209120578.html|website=Radio Netherlands Worldwide|access-date=9 March 2018|date=12 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chad 'ghost' girls forced to choose between prostitution and hunger|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/chad-ghost-girls-forced-to-choose-between-prostitution-and-hunger-11928443|website=IOL News|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en|date=9 November 2017}}</ref>

Like many [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]n countries, HIV is a problem in Chad. Sex workers are one of the high risk groups.<ref>{{cite web|title=CHAD – Humanitarian and HIV Overview|url=http://hivinemergencies.org/?page_id=485|website=HIV in Emergencies|access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref> Lack of understanding of the infection,<ref name="irinchad">{{cite web|title=Sex workers ill-informed about HIV|url=http://www.irinnews.org/report/89609/chad-sex-workers-ill-informed-about-hiv|website=IRIN|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en|date=25 June 2010}}</ref> low usage of [[condom]]s and poor access to healthcare<ref name="unpf">{{cite web|title=HIV and SRHR Linkages Infographic Snapshot: Chad 2016|url=http://wcaro.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/chad.en_.pdf|website=[[United Nations Population Fund]]|access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref> contribute to a HIV prevalence rate of 20%.<ref name="prev" /> This figure is likely to be higher in the [[Lake Chad]] area.<ref name="irinchad" />
{{clear}}

===Democratic Republic of the Congo===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
Prostitution in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] is legal<ref name="Tlsp" /> but the Congolese penal code punishes pimping, running a bawdy house or brothel, the exploitation of debauchery or prostitution, as well as forced prostitution.<ref name="slrc">{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08964e5274a31e0000062/SLRC-Report-10-Congo-TransactionalSex-LowRes.pdf|title=Women engaging in transactional sex and working in prostitution: Practices and underlying factors of the sex trade in South Kivu, the Democratic Republic of Congo|last1=Hilhorst|first1=D|last2=Mashanda|first2=M|last3=Bahananga|first3=M|last4=Mugenzi|first4=R|last5=Mwapu|first5=I|date=1 January 2016|publisher=Secure Livelihoods Research Consortium|website=Gov.uk|access-date=26 January 2017}}</ref> Activities that incite minors or promote the prostitution of others have been criminalised.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news|title= Democratic Republic of the Congo  |work=[[US State Department]]|url= https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78729.htm|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref> UNAIDS estimated there are 2.9 million sex workers in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Many Congolese prostitutes are from abroad or homeless children who have been accused of witchcraft.<ref>{{cite news|title= Chinese prostitutes resist effort to rescue them from Africa  |work=[[Times Live]]|url= http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/article831672.ece/Chinese-prostitutes-resist-effort-to-rescue-them-from-Africa|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Congo's street kids choose prostitution over death  |work=[[Radio Netherlands Worldwide]]|url= http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/congo%E2%80%99s-street-kids-choose-prostitution-over-death|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref>

During the colonial era and the years that followed independence, the Ministry of Health issued calling cards identifying professional sex workers and provided them with medical health checks. However, this system was abandoned in the 1980s. Public order laws are sometimes used against sex workers.<ref name="spl" /> Street prostitutes report harassment, violence and extortion from the police.<ref name="spl" />
{{clear}}

===Equatorial Guinea===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Equatorial Guinea}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Equatorial Guinea]] is illegal.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimate there to be about 6,000 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids">{{cite web |title=Sex workers: Population size estimate - Number, 2016 |url=http://www.aidsinfoonline.org/gam/stock/shared/dv/PivotData_2018_7_22_636678151733621264.htm |website=www.aidsinfoonline.org |publisher=UNAIDS |access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404121947/http://www.aidsinfoonline.org/gam/stock/shared/dv/PivotData_2018_7_22_636678151733621264.htm |archive-date=4 April 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Sex trafficking is a problem in the country.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|title=Equatorial Guinea 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271183.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181234/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271183.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
Some Chinese women engage in prostitution in Equatorial Guinea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Equatorial Guinea |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2014/226718.htm |website=2014 Trafficking in Persons Report |publisher=U.S. State Department.}}</ref>

===Gabon===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Gabon}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Gabon]] is illegal.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimate there to be about 400 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Sex trafficking is a problem Gabon.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gabon 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271190.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181244/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271190.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

During his trial in [[Paris]] in 1995, Italian fashion designer [[Francesco Smalto]] admitted providing the then [[President of Gabon]], [[Omar Bongo]] with Parisian prostitutes to secure a tailoring business worth $600000 per year.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/23/world/prostitution-trial-upsets-france-gabon-ties.html | title=Prostitution trial upsets France-Gabon ties | work = New York Times}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Republic of the Congo===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Republic of the Congo}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in the [[Republic of the Congo]] is illegal but commonplace. The government doesn't enforce the prohibition effectively.<ref name="Tlsp" />

Sex trafficking is a problem in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic of the Congo, 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271169.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181211/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271169.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==East Africa==

===Burundi===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Burundi}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Burundi}}
Prostitution in [[Burundi]] is illegal<ref name="Tlsp" /><ref name="ohchr">{{cite web|title=OHCHR Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women examines the reports of Burundi|url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=20774|website=[[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]]|access-date=27 February 2018|date=26 October 2016}}</ref> but is commonplace and on the rise.<ref name="burundi5">{{cite web|title=Au Burundi, la prostitution est synonyme de Pauvreté|url=https://burundi5.wordpress.com/2012/06/14/au-burundi-la-prostitution-est-synonyme-de-pauvrete/|website=Burundi5|access-date=27 February 2018|language=fr-FR|date=14 June 2012}}</ref> [[Prostitution]] is prevalent in all areas of the country,<ref name="yaga">{{cite web|title=Au Burundi, la prostitution rime avec pauvreté|url=https://www.yaga-burundi.com/2016/08/19/burundi-prostitution-rime-pauvrete/|website=Yaga Burundi|access-date=27 February 2018|language=fr-FR|date=19 August 2016}}</ref> and especially in the largest city and former capital, [[Bujumbura]],<ref name="bujumburanews">{{cite web|title=Les grands réseaux du vagabondage sexuel à Bujumbura|url=https://bujanews.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/les-grands-reseaux-du-vagabondage-sexuel-a-bujumbura/|website=Bujumbura News|access-date=27 February 2018|language=fr-FR|date=25 July 2014}}</ref> and prior to the security crisis in 2015, the tourist areas around [[Lake Tanganyika]].<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimate there are 51,00 prostitutes in Burundi.<ref name="unaids" /> Many women have turned to prostitution due to poverty.<ref name="burundi5" /><ref name="yaga" />

Previously law enforcement made little effort to curb prostitution.<ref name="Tlsp" /> Political pressures, including from the mayor of Bujumbura, Freddy Mbonimpa,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nkurunziza|first1=Dieudonné|title=La maire de Bujumbura lutte est contre la prostitution RTNB Burundi|url=http://www.rtnb.bi/fr/art.php?idapi=0/3/81|website=Radio Télévision Nationale du Burundi|access-date=27 February 2018|language=fr|date=8 August 2016}}</ref> have led to crackdowns all over the country.<ref name="bujumburanews" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Des Congolais arrêtés au Burundi pour "séjour illégal" et "actes de prostitution"|url=http://www.arib.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17274|website=ARIB|access-date=27 February 2018|language=fr|date=30 October 2017}}</ref>

HIV,<ref>{{cite web|title=Burundi 2016 Country Factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/burundi|website=UNAIDS|access-date=27 February 2018|language=en}}</ref> sex trafficking<ref>{{cite web|title=Burundi 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271157.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181149/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271157.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref> and [[child prostitution]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Underage prostitutes in Kamenge commune|url=http://www.iwacu-burundi.org/englishnews/underage-prostitutes-in-kamenge-commune/|website=IWACU English News|access-date=27 February 2018|date=10 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Arseneault|first1=Michel|title=Hundreds of Burundi girls lured into child prostitution|url=http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20130925-human-trafficking-and-child-prostitution-burundi|website=RFI|access-date=27 February 2018|date=25 September 2013}}</ref> are problems in the country.
{{clear}}

===Comoros===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Comoros}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Comoros]] is illegal.<ref name="Tlsp" /> It is openly practices in the hotels frequented by foreign nationals.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimate there are 200 prostitutes on the islands.<ref name="unaids" />

Comoros is a source country for children subjected to [[sex trafficking]] within the country. Women and girls are reportedly subjected to sex trafficking in Comoros. Comorians may be particularly vulnerable to transnational trafficking due to a lack of adequate border controls, corruption within the administration, and the existence of international criminal networks involved in human smuggling.<ref>{{cite web|title=Comoros 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271167.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181206/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271167.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Djibouti===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Djibouti}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Djibouti}}
Prostitution in [[Djibouti]] is illegal,<ref name="Tlsp">{{cite web|title=The Legal Status of Prostitution by Country|url=http://chartsbin.com/view/snb|publisher=ChartsBin|access-date=19 December 2014}}</ref> but tolerated.<ref name="ayyaantuu">{{cite web|last1=Terlingen|first1=Sanne|last2=Kooy|first2=Hannah|title=How the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Hotel facilitates prostitution -|url=http://ayyaantuu.net/how-the-djibouti-palace-kempinski-hotel-facilitates-prostitution/|website=Ayyaantuu News|access-date=9 March 2018|date=26 March 2016}}</ref> UNAIDS estimate there are 2,900 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Many work from bars and nightclubs.<ref name="ayyaantuu" /><ref name="ozy" /> There is a [[red-light district]] in [[Djibouti City]].<ref name="french">{{cite web|last1=Murray|first1=Kieran|title=Legionnaires enjoy Djibouti's red light life|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/legionnaires-enjoy-djiboutis-red-light-life-43247|website=IOL News|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en|date=14 July 2000}}</ref>

Due to its strategic position, troops from [[United States]], [[China]], [[France]], [[Japan]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Italy]]. [[Russia]], [[Spain]], [[Germany]] and the [[United Kingdom]] are stationed in bases in Djibouti.<ref name="acheson">{{cite web|last1=Acheson|first1=Ray|title=REMOTE WARFARE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN DJIBOUTI|url=https://wilpf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017_RemoteWarfareAndSexualViolenceInDjibouti.pdf|website=[[Women's International League for Peace and Freedom]]|access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref> The presence of these troops increases the demand for [[prostitution]].<ref name="french" /><ref name="acheson" /><ref name="ozy">{{cite web|last1=Egbejule|first1=Eromo|title=Djibouti's Booming Nightlife Scene — Fueled by Foreign Militaries|url=http://www.ozy.com/fast-forward/djiboutis-booming-nightlife-scene-fueled-by-foreign-militaries/83447|website=OZY|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en|date=12 February 2018}}</ref> During an investigation in 2015, it was found almost half of the Engineering Department of the [[Tennessee Army National Guard]] had used prostitutes whilst stationed in Djibouti.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Acheson |first1=Ray |title=Remote Warfare And Sexual Violence in Djibouti |url=https://wilpf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017_RemoteWarfareAndSexualViolenceInDjibouti.pdf |publisher=Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom |access-date=4 October 2019 |page=32 |date=2017}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Eritrea===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Eritrea}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal and regulated<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Eritrea}}
Prostitution in [[Eritrea]] is legal<ref name="ochchr">{{cite web|title=OHCHR Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women considers the reports of Eritrea|url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=15617&LangID=E|website=[[OHCHR]]|access-date=7 January 2018|date=26 February 2015}}</ref> and regulated.<ref name="arshad">{{cite web|last1=Arshad|first1=Dr. Md.|title=Prostitution in Africa: A sociological Study of Eritrea (North East Africa)|url=http://oldisrj.lbp.world/UploadedData/814.pdf|website=Indian Streams Research Journal|access-date=7 January 2018|date=March 2012}}</ref> Official figures state there are around 2,000 prostitutes in the country,<ref name="ochchr" /> who are not allowed to operate near schools, hospitals, and churches.<ref name="arshad" /> According to the 2009 [[United States' Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|Human Rights Reports]], [[security]] forces occasionally follow [[women]] engaged in prostitution and arrest those who had spent the [[night]] with a [[Alien (law)|foreigner]].<ref name="state.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/af/135952.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324230011/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/af/135952.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 March 2010 |title=2009 Human Rights Report: Eritrea |publisher=State.gov |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=7 May 2012}}</ref> Some women enter prostitution due to poverty.<ref name="walnet.">{{cite web|last1=Matsuoka|first1=Taro|title=Poverty forces some Eritreans into prostitution|url=https://www.walnet.org/csis/news/world_2002/reuters-021121.html|website=Walnet|access-date=7 January 2018|date=21 November 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Connell|first1=Dan|last2=Killion|first2=Tom|title=Historical dictionary of Eritrea|date=2011|publisher=Scarecrow Press|location=Lanham|isbn=978-0810859524|edition=2nd}}</ref>

Prostitutes are known locally as "shermuta" in Arabic, or "mnzerma" and "me'amn" in Tigrinya.
{{clear}}

===Ethiopia===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Ethiopia}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Ethiopia}}
Prostitution in [[Ethiopia]] is legal, but procuring (operating brothels, benefiting from prostitution, etc.) is illegal according to Article 634 of the Ethiopian Penal Code, as revised May 2005.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090226174959/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119001.htm "2008 Human Rights Reports: Ethiopia – Section 5 Discrimination, Societal Abuses, and Trafficking in Persons"], United States Department of State website (accessed 26 May 2009)</ref> Many feel it has contributed to the increased incidence of AIDS.<ref>Kathleen Griffin, [http://www.ccna.ca/cida/details.asp?ID=94 "Ethiopia – HIV/AIDS"], Canadian Community Newspapers Association (accessed 26 May 2009)</ref> UNAIDS estimate there are over 29,358 [[prostitute]]s in the major cities.<ref name="unaids" />

Ethiopia has become a magnet for sex tourism,<ref>{{cite news|title= Gay and Sex tourism growing in Ethiopia says NGO |work=[[Yeroo]]|url= http://jimmatimes.com/article/Latest_News/Latest_News/Gay_and_Sex_tourism_growing_in_Ethiopia_says_NGO/34052|access-date=12 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Igunza |first1=Emmanuel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31739907 |title=Ethiopian cinema focuses on prostitution |work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=7 April 2016|date=5 March 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewblackmagazine.com/view.aspx?index=29 |title=France:Egalite,Liberte,Raciste! |website=Thenewblackmagazine.com |date=14 January 2006 |access-date=7 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y3AqWzsQW8AC&q=ethiopia+prostitution&pg=PA184 |title=The African Poor: A History |author=John Iliffe |page=184 |date=25 December 1987 |access-date=7 April 2016|isbn=9780521348775 }}</ref> including [[child sex tourism]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ethiopia 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271186.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629061013/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271186.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=10 March 2018}}</ref>

In 2015, Ethiopian scriptwriter and film director, [[Hermon Hailay]], directed the film [[Price of Love (film)|Price of Love]], which was inspired by her experiences growing up close to prostitutes.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Igunza|first1=Emmanuel|title=Ethiopian cinema focuses on prostitution|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31739907|website=BBC News|access-date=10 March 2018|date=5 March 2015}}</ref>

===Kenya===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Kenya}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legality varies from area to area<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Kenya}}
Prostitution in [[Kenya]] is widespread.<ref name="Tlsp" /> The legal situation is complex. Although prostitution is not criminalised by National law, municipal by-laws may prohibit prostitution.<ref name="nswpken">{{cite web|title=Nairobi County Assembly Bans Sex Work in the City|url=http://www.nswp.org/news/nairobi-county-assembly-bans-sex-work-the-city|website=NSWP|access-date=17 December 2017|date=12 December 2017}}</ref> ([[Nairobi]] banned all sex work in December 2017).<ref name="nswpken" /> It is illegal to profit from the prostitution of others, and to aid, abet, compel or incite prostitution. (Sections 153 and 154 of the Penal Code).<ref name="spl" />

Many foreign men and women take part in sex tourism, which is thriving at resorts along Kenya's coast. Thousands of girls and boys are involved in full-time child prostitution<ref>[https://www.unicef.es/noticia/la-explotacion-sexual-de-menores-en-kenia-alcanza-una-dimension-horrible La explotación sexual de menores en Kenia alcanza una dimensión horrible – UNICEF España]. Unicef.es (17 January 2007). Retrieved on 9 May 2011.</ref> due to poverty in the region.
{{clear}}

===Madagascar===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Madagascar}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Madagascar}}
Prostitution in [[Madagascar]] is legal<ref name="spl" /> and common, especially in tourist areas.<ref name="Tlsp" /><ref name="state8">{{cite news|title= 2008 Human Rights Report: Madagascar |work=[[US State Department]]|url= https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119010.htm|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref> Related activities such as [[soliciting]], [[Procuring (prostitution)|procuring]], living off the earnings of [[prostitution]] or keeping a brothel are prohibited.<ref name="spl" /> Public Order laws are also used against prostitutes.<ref name="spl" /> There are recent laws against "consorting with female prostitutes".<ref name="ukgov">{{cite web|title=Madagascar travel advice|url=http://ukinmadagascar.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/travel-advicee|publisher=UK Government|access-date=10 January 2018|language=en|date=4 March 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110314124058/http://ukinmadagascar.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/travel-advicee|archive-date=14 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="findaport">{{cite web|title=General Information for Madagascar|url=http://www.findaport.com/country/madagascar|website=Findaport|access-date=10 January 2018|language=en}}</ref> People caught paying for sex with children under 14 can face criminal penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|title= Madagascar acts to curb sex tourism |work=[[BBC]]|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/331328.stm|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref> This is strictly enforced against foreign tourists.<ref name="ukgov" /> As well as in the tourist areas, prostitution also occurs around the mining towns of the interior such as [[Ilakaka]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ross|first1=Aaron|title=Madagascar, where child prostitution is common, cheap and 'trivial'|url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-01-31/madagascar-where-child-prostitution-common-cheap-and-trivial|website=Public Radio International|access-date=10 January 2018|date=31 January 2014}}</ref> and [[Andilamena]].<ref>{{cite web|title=What happens after a mining rush? Photographs from Madagascar|url=https://news.mongabay.com/2017/07/what-happens-after-a-mining-rush-photographs-from-madagascar/|website=Mongabay Environmental News|access-date=10 January 2018|date=31 July 2017}}</ref> It was estimated that there were 167,443 sex workers in the country in 2014.<ref name="unaids" />
{{clear}}

===Malawi===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Malawi}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Malawi}}
Prostitution in [[Malawi]] is legal<ref name="spl" /><ref name="Tlsp" /><ref name="rights">{{cite web|title=Universal Periodic Review of Malawi|url=http://www.sexualrightsinitiative.com/wp-content/uploads/Joint-stakeholder-SafariMbewe-SRI-submission-for-Malawis-review-during-the-22nd-session-of-the-UPR_Final.pdf|website=Sexual Rights Initiative|access-date=10 January 2018|date=May 2015}}</ref> and prevalent around hotels and bars in urban and tourist areas.<ref name="Tlsp" /> Living off the proceeds of [[prostitution]] is illegal.<ref name="spl" /><ref name="rights" /> In 2015, it was estimated there were 20,000 sex workers in the country.<ref name="iol">{{cite web|title=Malawi sex workers win court case|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/malawi-sex-workers-win-court-case-1862058|website=IOL News|access-date=11 January 2018|language=en|date=22 May 2015}}</ref>

Prostitution occurs around the [[logging]] centres of Luwawa, Nthungwa, Raiply and Kalungulu.<ref name="logging">{{cite web|url=http://www.malawitoday.com/news/123646-sawyers-queue-unprotected-sex-chikangawa |title=Sawyers queue for unprotected sex in Chikangawa |publisher=www.malawitoday.com |date=3 February 2012 |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420025354/http://www.malawitoday.com/news/123646-sawyers-queue-unprotected-sex-chikangawa |archive-date= 20 April 2017 }}</ref><ref name="global">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/wanderlust/sex-workers-prostitution-malawi |title=The strange life of a sex worker in Malawi |publisher=GlobalPost |date=7 February 2012 |access-date=17 October 2013}}</ref> The prostitutes work from small shacks around the villages in the forests.<ref name="logging" /><ref name="global" />

Human trafficking,<ref>{{cite web|title=Malawi 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271234.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181348/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271234.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref> HIV<ref>{{cite web|title=Malawi 2016 Country factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/malawi|website=[[UNAIDS]]|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref> and child prostitution<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/malawi-prostitution-fuelled-poverty-and-parental-neglect |title=Malawi: Prostitution fuelled by poverty and parental neglect |publisher=Rnw.nl |date=28 September 2009 |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100213182150/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/malawi-prostitution-fuelled-poverty-and-parental-neglect |archive-date=13 February 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Malawian girls queue up for sex to survive|url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/malawian-girls-queue-up-for-sex-to-survive-20160330|website=News24|access-date=11 January 2018|date=30 March 2016}}</ref> are problems in the country.
{{clear}}

===Mauritius===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Mauritius}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Mauritius]] is illegal<ref name="Tlsp" /> but practised in parts of [[Port Louis]] and other towns.<ref name="cleary">{{cite book|last1=Cleary|first1=Tom|title=Mauritius - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture|date=2011|publisher=Kuperard|isbn=9781857335460|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cWsFAQAAQBAJ&q=prostitution+in+Mauritius&pg=PT137|language=en}}</ref> Many turn to prostitution through poverty.<ref name="cleary" /> UNAIDS estimate there to be 6,223 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" />

The country is a destination for sex tourism,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rausenberger|first1=Julie|title=SELLING SEX IN A LOVER'S PARADISE - Negotiating sex tourism and bi-national relationships in Mauritius|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307980904|website=ResearchGate|access-date=11 March 2018|date=1 September 2015}}</ref> especially [[child sex tourism]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Smart|first1=Tony|title=The Dark Side of a Paradise Island|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/the-dark-side-of-a-paradise-island-2185181.html|website=[[The Independent]]|access-date=11 March 2018|date=15 January 2011}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Mayotte===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Mayotte}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Overseas France#Mayotte}}
Prostitution in [[Mayotte]] occurs on the ring road<ref name="philmayotte">{{cite web|title=Mayotte, la vérité! Attention dur !!!|url=http://philmayotte2013.unblog.fr/2013/08/31/mayotte-la-verite-attention-dur/|website=Philmayotte2013|access-date=29 December 2017|language=fr-FR|date=31 August 2013}}</ref> and in the villages of [[Mtsapere]] and [[Kaweni]] in the commune of [[Mamoudzou]].<ref name="francois">{{cite web|last1=François|first1=Fabrice|title=Mayotte : La prostitution clandestine en augmentation|url=https://www.zinfos974.com/Mayotte-La-prostitution-clandestine-en-augmentation_a51601.html|website=Zinfos 974, l'info de l'ile de La Réunion|access-date=29 December 2017|language=fr|date=4 January 2013}}</ref> Many of the prostitutes are illegal immigrants from [[Madagascar]] and [[Comoros]], who are transported to the islands at night in ''kwassa-kwassa'' boats.<ref name="francois" /> An area in [[Passamainty]], also part of the Mamoudzou commune, used for drugs and prostitution, was destroyed by locals in July 2016.<ref name="comores">{{cite web|title=Mayotte : Un quartier de la prostitution détruit par les habitants {{!}} Comores Infos|url=http://www.comores-infos.net/mayotte-un-quartier-de-la-prostitution-detruit-par-les-habitants/|website=Comores Infos|access-date=29 December 2017|language=fr-FR|date=10 July 2016}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Mozambique===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Mozambique}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Mozambique}}
Prostitution in [[Mozambique]] is legal and widely practised, and the country also contains illegal brothels. The majority of the population remains below the poverty line, a situation which provides fertile soil for the development of prostitution.<ref>{{cite news|title= Living with death in Mozambique |work=[[Salon (website)|Salon]]|url= http://www.salon.com/2003/07/14/mozambique_2/|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref>

The arrival of peacekeepers operating under the auspices of the UN resulted in an increase in the prostitution industry. In 1992, prostitution in Mozambique had reached such proportions that the post of mediator was created between the military on the one hand and pimps and prostitutes on the other.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sheila Jeffreys|date=28 January 2016|url=http://womenation.org/military-prostitution/|publisher=WOMENATION|title= Военная проституция|trans-title=Military Prostitution|language=ru|access-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> The problem of prostitution in Mozambique came under international discussion for the first time in the mid 1990s, when the deputy head of the UN mission Behrouz Sadri accused UN peacekeepers of buying sex from underage prostitutes.<ref>{{cite news|title= Prostitution Report Accuses U.N. Troops in Mozambique |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url= http://articles.latimes.com/1994-02-26/news/mn-27378_1_child-prostitutes|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= U.N. Focuses on Peacekeepers Involved in Child Prostitution |work=[[The New York Times]]|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1996/12/09/world/un-focuses-on-peacekeepers-involved-in-child-prostitution.html|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Réunion===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Réunion}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Overseas France#Réunion}}
Following the French law prohibiting "passive soliciting" in 2003,<ref name="newsindy">{{cite web|last1=Lichfield|first1=John|title=French police turn attention to 'the pimp on the corner' - Europe - World - The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/french-police-turn-attention-to-the-pimp-on-the-corner-529320.html|website=The Independent|access-date=29 December 2017|date=21 March 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014070817/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/french-police-turn-attention-to-the-pimp-on-the-corner-529320.html |archive-date= 14 October 2012}}</ref> street prostitution in [[Réunion]] was greatly reduced.<ref name="panapress">{{cite web|title=Les prostituées de La Réunion se mettent à l'heure d'Internet|url=http://www.panapress.com/Les-prostituees-de-La-Reunion-se-mettent-a-l-heure-d-internet--13-696095-18-lang3-index.html|website=Panapress|access-date=29 December 2017|language=fr|date=7 July 2003}}</ref> Many prostitutes now use classified advertisements in newspapers such as "Clicanoo" (Journal de l'île de La Réunion)<ref>{{cite web|title=Prostitution sur Clicanoo|url=https://www.lepiratedelareunion.net/Prostitution-sur-Clicanoo_a1156.html|website=Le Pirate de la Réunion|access-date=29 December 2017|language=fr|date=11 April 2011}}</ref> and the internet.<ref name="panapress" /> Some students at the [[University of La Réunion]] use prostitution to fund their way through university.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Robert|first1=Gabriel|title=Social : Etudiants : de la précarité à la prostitution|url=http://www.ipreunion.com/photo-du-jour/reportage/2013/09/02/social-etudiants-de-la-precarite-a-la-prostitution,21767.html|website=Imaz Press Réunion : l'actualité de la Réunion en photos|access-date=29 December 2017|language=fr-Fr|date=2 September 2013}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Rwanda===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Rwanda}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex illegal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Rwanda}}
Prostitution is illegal in [[Rwanda]].<ref name="procon">{{cite web|title=100 Countries and Their Prostitution Policies - Legal Prostitution|url=https://prostitution.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000772#rwanda|website=Procon|access-date=12 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="Tlsp" /> in all aspects. Prostitutes, clients and any involved third parties (such as pimps and brothel keepers) are criminalised by the Penal Code.<ref name="penal">{{cite web|title=Organic Law instituting the penal code|url=https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/rwa/1999/penal-code-of-rwanda_html/Penal_Code_of_Rwanda.pdf|website=Official Gazette|access-date=12 January 2018|date=14 June 2012}}</ref> However, a draft of a new Penal code that doesn't prohibit prostitution<ref name="ea">{{cite web|last1=Mugisha|first1=Ivan R.|title=Rwandan civil society pushes for legalisation of prostitution|url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/rwanda/News/Rwandan-civil-society-pushes-for-legalisation-of-prostitution/1433218-4181402-u8gc2qz/index.html|website=The East African|access-date=13 January 2018|language=en-UK|date=12 November 2017}}</ref> was presented for debate in the Rwandan Parliament in December 2017.<ref name="newtimes">{{cite web|last1=Kwibuka|first1=Eugene|title=Rwanda: Heated Debate as MPs Start Scrutiny of Draft Penal Code |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201711170124.html |website=The New Times (Kigali)|access-date=13 January 2018|date=17 November 2017}}</ref>

Due to the immense poverty in the country, many women have been forced into prostitution to make money.<ref name="theeye1">{{cite web|url=http://www.theeye.co.rw/sisters_of_rwanda.php |title=Sisters of Rwanda |website=The Eye Magazine |access-date=15 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110222034319/http://www.theeye.co.rw/sisters_of_rwanda.php |archive-date=22 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="igihe">{{cite web|title=Prostitution growing with us|url=http://en.igihe.com/people/prostitution-growing-with-us|website=IGIHE|access-date=13 January 2018|language=en|date=20 July 2011}}</ref> In 2012 it was estimated that there were 12,278 sex workers in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> It is thought that 45.8% of sex workers in Rwanda are [[HIV]] positive.<ref name="prev" />
{{clear}}

===Seychelles===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Seychelles}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Seychelles]] is illegal but remains prevalent. Police generally do not apprehend prostitutes unless their actions involved other crimes.<ref name=hr>[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100502.htm Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Seychelles (2007)] [[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]] (11 March 2008).</ref> Many of the estimated 586 prostitutes on the islands<ref name="unaids" /> are foreign.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prostitution in Seychelles|url=http://seychellesweekly.com/June%203,%202012/pol1a_prostitution%20in%20Seychelles.html|website=Seychelles Weekly|access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Somalia===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Somalia}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Somalia}}
Prostitution in [[Somalia]] is illegal.<ref name="Sstsese">{{cite web|title=Somalia – State Security Services|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+so0123)|publisher=Library of Congress|access-date=21 March 2013}}</ref> Although forced marriages exist in areas under insurgent control,<ref name="Asftts">{{cite web|last1=Shinn|first1=David|title=Al Shabaab's Foreign Threat to Somalia|url=http://www.fpri.org/articles/2012/08/al-shabaabs-foreign-threat-somaliaqz|publisher=Foreign Policy Research Institute|access-date=21 March 2013}}</ref> there is generally little voluntary prostitution and pre-marital sex in the country according to the African Medical Research and Education Foundation (AMREF).<ref name="Atamr">{{cite web|title=Africa Trip – AMREF|url=http://followouradventure.blogspot.ca/2007_02_01_archive.html|access-date=21 March 2013}}</ref> UNAIDS estimated there were 1957 sex workers in Somalia in 2016.<ref name="unaids" />

Sex trafficking<ref>{{cite web|title=Somalia 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271280.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181505/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271280.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=3 February 2018}}</ref> and child prostitution<ref>{{cite web|last1=Anne|first1=Hanley|title=Somali children sold in Europe 'for prostitution'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/somali-children-sold-in-europe-for-prostitution-1362551.html|website=The Independent|access-date=3 February 2018|date=9 September 1996}}</ref> are problems in the country.
{{clear}}

===South Sudan===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|South Sudan}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in South Sudan}}
Prostitution in [[South Sudan]] is legal but related activities such as soliciting or brothel-keeping are illegal.<ref name="sykes">{{cite web|last1=Sykes|first1=Brittany Venchelle|title=Whore or Homemaker? The Rocky State of Illegal Prostitution in the Newly-Formed South Sudan and a Practical Resolution to Curtail the Epidemic|url=http://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1098&context=gjicl|publisher=University of Georgia School of Law|access-date=13 January 2018|date=2013}}</ref>

Since independence from Sudan in July 2011, prostitution has expanded considerably, mainly due to an influx of prostitutes from nearby African countries.<ref name="sykes" /><ref name="tribune">{{cite news|title= Sex workers tell their stories about growing prostitution in South Sudan |work=[[Sudan Tribune]]|url= http://www.sudantribune.com/Sex-workers-tell-their-stories,36487|access-date=14 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="observer">{{cite news|title= Girls trafficked to South Sudan   |work=[[The Observer|Observer]]|url= http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24258:girls-trafficked-to-south-sudan&catid=34:news&Itemid=114|access-date=13 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="star">{{cite news|title= Kenyan Call Girls Exporting Sex To Juba   |work=[[The Star (Kenya)|The Star]]|url= http://www.the-star.co.ke/lifestyle/128-lifestyle/57316-kenyan-call-girls-exporting-sex-tojuba|access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120524075918/http://the-star.co.ke/lifestyle/128-lifestyle/57316-kenyan-call-girls-exporting-sex-tojuba |archive-date=24 May 2012 }}</ref><ref name="newsa">{{cite news|title= Who is Responsible for Illegal Immigration into South Sudan?   |work=[[South Sudan News Agency]]|url= http://www.southsudannewsagency.com/opinion/editorials/who-is-responsible-for-illegal-immigration-into-south-sudan|access-date=14 July 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160307063522/http://southsudannewsagency.com/opinion/editorials/who-is-responsible-for-illegal-immigration-into-south-sudan |archive-date=7 March 2016 }}</ref><ref name="star2">{{cite news|title= Prostitution in Juba, the inside story|work=[[The Star (Kenya)|The Star]]|date= 8 August 2012 | last1= Wangui| first1= Joyce Joan|url= http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-7109/prostitution-juba-inside-story|access-date=13 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131010204755/http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-7109/prostitution-juba-inside-story |archive-date=10 October 2013}}</ref> In the capital, [[Juba]], the number of prostitutes rose from a few thousand at the time of independence to an estimated 10,000 in 2014.<ref name="sykes" /> Juba has a large percentage of foreign residents including aid workers and UN personnel. Many of these are single men, or married men living away from home. Their relative wealth has attracted women and girls from within South Sudan and also from Kenya, Congo, Uganda, and [[Khartoum]].<ref name="sykes" />

Sex workers are subject to police harassment and brutality.<ref name="sykes" />
{{clear}}

===Tanzania===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Tanzania}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Tanzania}}
Prostitution in [[Tanzania]] is illegal but widespread.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/15759-prostitutes-adopt-new-trick-to-milk-customers |title=DailyNews Online Edition - 'Prostitutes' adopt new trick to milk customers |publisher=Dailynews.co.tz |date=23 March 2013 |access-date=11 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/dailynews/17482-prostitution-shames-the-nation-it-must-be-banned |title=DailyNews Online Edition - Prostitution shames the nation, it must be banned |publisher=Dailynews.co.tz |date=16 May 2013 |access-date=11 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Tlsp" /> Many women and young girls are forced into prostitution due to poverty, lack of job opportunities, culture, and the disintegration of the family unit.<ref>{{cite report|chapter-url=http://www.pdhre.org/cedaw/chapter4.html|title=Between their stories and our realities|chapter=Chapter 4: Safari - The Journey|date=January 1999|publisher=The People's Decade of Human Rights Education}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TANZANIA: Prostitutes work the graveyard shift in Dar es Salaam|url=http://www.plusnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=39562|website=IRIN|access-date=15 January 2018|date=28 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110728084514/http://www.plusnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=39562| archive-date= 28 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="sosthenes" /> Many university students have to turn to prostitution for economic reasons.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.trust.org/item/?map=tanzanian-students-turn-to-prostitution-for-economic-survival |title=Thomson Reuters Foundation &#124; News, Information and Connections for Action |publisher=Trust.org |date=28 February 2013 |access-date=11 February 2014}}</ref>

Sex trafficking<ref>{{cite web|title=Tanzania 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271296.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181530/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271296.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> and child prostitution<ref name="sosthenes">{{cite web|last1=Mwita|first1=Sosthenes|title=Tanzania: When Needy Girls Opt for Redlight|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201510051177.html|website=Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)|access-date=15 January 2018|date=5 October 2015}}</ref> are a major problems in Tanzania.

The country is a destination for sex tourism, including [[Female sex tourism|female]] and child sex tourism, especially in the coastal resorts and Zanzibar.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tairo|first1=Apolinari|title=Italians and their "sexcapades" in East Africa|url=https://www.eturbonews.com/13892/italians-and-their-sexcapades-east-africa|website=eTurboNews (eTN)|access-date=15 January 2018|date=9 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Crous|first1=Marisa|title=Sex tourism in Africa: European women who pay for sex with locals|url=http://www.w24.co.za/Love/Sex/sex-tourism-in-africa-european-women-who-pay-for-sex-with-locals-20160715|website=W24|access-date=15 January 2018|date=15 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Francoeur|first1=Robert T.|last2=Reiss|first2=Ira L.|last3=Noonan|first3=Raymond J.|last4=Opiyo-Omolo|first4=Beldina|last5=Perper|first5=Timothy|title=The Continuum complete international encyclopedia of sexuality|date=2006|publisher=Continuum|location=New York, NY|isbn=978-0826414885|edition=Updated, with more countries.}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Uganda===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Uganda}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Uganda}}
Prostitution in [[Uganda]] is illegal<ref name="spl" /> according to Uganda's 1950 Penal Code,<ref name="guyson">{{cite web|last1=Guyson|first1=Nangayi|title=Sex trade becomes easy source of income for urban Ugandans. - Alleastafrica|url=https://www.alleastafrica.com/2017/05/02/sex-trade-becomes-easy-source-of-income-for-urban-ugandans/|website=All East Africa|access-date=18 January 2018|date=2 May 2017}}</ref> but is widespread despite this.<ref name="Tlsp" /><ref name="violence">{{cite web|last1=Mabel|first1=Winnie|title=Kenyan prostitutes take over Kampala, Ugandans are not happy|url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/138090-kenyan-prostitutes-take-kampala-ugandans-not-happy.html|website=Tuko - Kenya news.|access-date=18 January 2018|date=8 June 2016}}</ref> Many turn to prostitution because of poverty and lack of other opportunities.<ref name="guyson" /> A study of Kampala teachers in 2008 showed that teachers were turning to prostitution to increase their income. A sex worker can earn around 1.5 million Ugandan shillings (£439) per month, whereas this would be a yearly wage for a secondary school teacher.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200804281488.html|title=Uganda: Teachers Turn to Prostitution|first1=Jane|last1=Nafula|date=28 April 2008|via=AllAfrica}}</ref> There are many Kenyan prostitutes in the country.<ref name="violence" />

Sex trafficking,<ref>{{cite web|title=Uganda 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271305.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181544/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271305.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> HIV,<ref>{{cite web|title=Uganda 2016 Country factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/uganda|website=UNAIDS|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> and Child prostitution<ref>{{cite web|last1=Oloya|first1=Opiyo|last2=Businge|first2=Conasn|title=12,000 child prostitutes in Uganda|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1158808/-child-prostitutes-uganda|website=New Vision|access-date=18 January 2018|date=17 August 2007}}</ref> are problems in the country.
{{clear}}

===Zambia===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Zambia}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Zambia}}
Prostitution in [[Zambia]] is legal<ref name="spl" /><ref name="Tlsp" /> and common.<ref name="livingstone">{{cite web|title=Prostitution in Livingstone still rife|url=https://www.daily-mail.co.zm/prostitution-in-livingstone-still-rife/|website=Zambia Daily Mail|access-date=16 March 2018|date=26 October 2016}}</ref> Related activities such as [[soliciting]] and [[Procuring (prostitution)|procuring]] are prohibited.<ref name="spl" /> [[UNAIDS]] estimate there are 9,285 prostitutes in the capital, [[Lusaka]].<ref name="unaids" /> Many women turn to [[prostitution]] due to poverty.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ncube|first1=Sipilisiwe|title=Poverty pushing prostitution, abortion to alarming levels – activist|url=https://diggers.news/lifestyle/2017/11/29/poverty-pushing-prostitution-abortion-to-alarming-levels-activist/|website=Zambia: News Diggers!|access-date=16 March 2018|date=29 November 2017}}</ref> Sex workers report law enforcement is corrupt, inconsistent and often abusive.<ref name="spl" />

In Lusaka, some prostitutes enrol in colleges to obtain a campus room to work from.<ref>{{cite web|title=Too Much Prostitution IN Lusaka Colleges|url=http://www.kitwetimes.com/2017/01/too-much-prostitution-in-lusaka-colleges/|website=Kitwe Times|access-date=16 March 2018|date=15 January 2017}}</ref>

Zambia has a huge problem relating to [[child prostitution]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Executive Summary Zambia|url=http://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/legacy/Ex_Summary_ZAMBIA_FINAL.pdf|website=[[ECPAT]]|access-date=16 March 2018}}</ref> There is a mistaken belief that having intercourse with a [[virgin]] will cure [[AIDS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avert.org/aids-zambia.htm |title=The history of HIV and AIDS in Zambia|date=13 May 2010|access-date=16 June 2010}}</ref> [[HIV]]<ref name="unaidszam">{{cite web|title=Zambia 2016 Country Factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/zambia/|website=www.unaids.org|access-date=16 March 2018|language=en}}</ref> and [[sex trafficking]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Zambia 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271315.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181557/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271315.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=16 March 2018}}</ref> are also problems in the country.
{{clear}}

===Zimbabwe===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Zimbabwe}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Zimbabwe}}
Prostitution in [[Zimbabwe]] and related acts, including solicitation, procuring, and keeping a brothel, are illegal<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18234.htm |title=Zimbabwe - Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2002 |publisher=United States Department of State |date=31 March 2003 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/CsaZimbabwe.pdf |title=Legislation of Interpol member states on sexual offences against children - Zimbabwe |publisher=Interpol |access-date=25 January 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070714222520/http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/CsaZimbabwe.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2007}}</ref>
but thriving.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3624252.ece |title=Zimbabwean children who sell their bodies ten times a day just to buy bread |first1=Catherine |last1=Philp |work=The Times |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=25 January 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref>[http://www.zimbojam.com/pics-video/in-pictures/everyday-zimbabwe/item/473-moving-prostitution-behind-closed-gates Moving Prostitution behind Closed Gates Zimbo Jam Oct 5 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114221930/http://www.zimbojam.com/pics-video/in-pictures/everyday-zimbabwe/item/473-moving-prostitution-behind-closed-gates |date=14 January 2013 }}</ref> 
Zimbabwe's dire economic situation has forced many women into sex work.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.trcbnews.com/mothers-in-zimbabwe-turn-to-prostitution-despite-aids-epidemic/118777/ |title=Mothers In Zimbabwe Turn To Prostitution Despite AIDS Epidemic |work=TRCB News |date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019031020/http://www.trcbnews.com/mothers-in-zimbabwe-turn-to-prostitution-despite-aids-epidemic/118777/ |archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref>

In 1983 there was a major effort to eliminate sex work in post-independence Zimbabwe by rounding up hundreds of women and detaining them until they could prove they were not involved in the trade, otherwise they were sent to resettlement camps. A number of women's groups supported this as strengthening marriage.<ref>{{cite journal|jstor=3178033|title=Women in Zimbabwe: Postindependence Struggles|first1=Gay W.|last1=Seidman|date=13 April 1984|journal=Feminist Studies|volume=10|issue=3|pages=419–440|doi=10.2307/3178033}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | first1=C S |last1=Jacobs |first2=T |last2=Howard |chapter=Women in Zimbabwe: Stated policy and State action |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nwItHXkm25cC&pg=PA28 |editor-first=Haleh |editor-last=Afshar |edition=9 |title=Women, State, and Ideology: Studies from Africa and Asia |publisher=SUNY Press |year=1987 |isbn=9780791494332}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Northern Africa==
===Algeria===
{{Infobox
| abovestyle       = background:#cfc;
| subheaderstyle   = align-left
| above            = {{Flagu|Algeria}}
| subheader        = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Algeria}}
Prostitution in [[Algeria]] is legal but most related activities such as brothel keeping and solicitation are criminalised.<ref name="spl" />

As a result of [[Arabization]] of the country, the rise of [[Islamism]]<ref name="santetropicale">{{cite web|last1=Abid|first1=Larbi|title=Des maladies vénériennes, de la prostitution|url=http://www.santetropicale.com/santemag/algerie/poivue47.htm|website=Sante Tropicale|language=fr|date=12 January 2007}}</ref> and the civil unrest following the economic downturn caused by the [[1980s oil glut]], brothels were banned in 1982.<ref name="bouraque" /> This forced many of the prostitutes to work on the streets.<ref name="santetropicale" /> There are however two brothels that continue to operate under the former French occupation rules of registration and medical examination with the complicity of the Algerian authorities.<ref name="bouraque">{{cite web|last1=Bouraque|first1=Tarek|title=Prostitution: le paradoxe algérien|url=http://telquel.ma/2015/01/05/prostitution-paradoxe-algerien_1428582|website=Telquel|access-date=26 February 2018|language=fr-FR|date=5 January 2015}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Egypt===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Egypt}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Egypt}}
Prostitution in [[Egypt]] is illegal.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070714201301/http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaEgypt.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2007 |title=Legislation of Interpol member states on sexual offences against children - Egypt |url=http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaEgypt.pdf|website=Interpol|access-date=2 April 2018|date= 2006}}</ref> Police department officially combats prostitution but, like almost all other countries, prostitution exists in Egypt. The prostitutes in Egypt are Egyptian, Russian, and of many other nationalities.<ref name=alahram>[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2001/537/chrncls.htm "A Diwan of contemporary life"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326225302/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2001/537/chrncls.htm |date=26 March 2013 }} ''Al Ahram'', 7–13 June 2001</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2070639.stm "Egypt deports 'east European prostitutes'"] BBC News, 27 June 2002</ref><ref>[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2007/833/eg5.htm Devil in the detail"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325134312/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2007/833/eg5.htm |date=25 March 2013 }} by Shaden Shehab, ''Al Ahram'', 22–28 February 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/28109 "The Virgin Prostitute!"] by Marwa Rakha, ''American Chronicle'', 29 May 2007</ref>

Prostitutes in Ancient Egypt were respected and even considered sacred as the first institutions where prostitution flourished were the temples of the Gods.<ref name="unesco">{{cite web
 | url = http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0006/000661/066103eb.pdf
 | title = Prostitution in Egypt
 | last1 = El Saadawi
 | first1 = Narwal  
 | date = 1985
 | publisher = UNESCO
 | access-date = 22 April 2017
}}</ref> The god [[Amun]] indulged in sexual activity with many women under a religious guise. Families often gave their most beautiful daughters to the priests of his temple. As soon as they grew too old for the tastes of the priests they were allowed to leave. Many practised prostitution until they were married.<ref name="unesco" />
{{clear}}

===Libya===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Libya}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Libya}}
Prostitution in [[Libya]] is illegal,<ref name="WeeklyBlitz">{{cite news |last1=Choudhury |first1=Salah Uddin Shoaib |date=22 August 2011 |title=Removing curtains of Arab harems - III |url=http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1680/removing-curtains-of-arab-harems-iii |newspaper=[[Weekly Blitz]] |location=Dhaka |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510043623/http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1680/removing-curtains-of-arab-harems-iii |archive-date=10 May 2012 |access-date=28 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Morgan|first1=Robin|title=Sisterhood is global : the international women's movement anthology|date=1996|publisher=Feminist Press|location=New York|isbn=978-1558611603|edition=Feminist Press|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/sisterh_xxx_1996_00_7746}}</ref><ref name="Tlsp" /> Since the "Popular Revolution" in 1973,<ref name="temehu">{{cite web|title=Colonel Gaddafi: Muammar Abuminyar Alqaddafi (معمر القذافي)|url=https://www.temehu.com/brother-leader-Gaddafi.htm|website=Temehu.|access-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> laws based on [[Sharia]]'s ''[[zina]]''<ref>{{cite book|last1=Joseph|first1=Saud |title=Encyclopedia of Women and Islamic Cultures: Family, Law and Politics|date=2005|publisher=Brill Academic Pub|location=Leiden [u.a.]|isbn=978-9004128187}}</ref> are used against prostitutes; the punishment can be 100 lashes.<ref name="ilkkaracan">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NggpDAAAQBAJ&q=Prostitution%20in%20Libya&pg=PA36|title=Deconstructing Sexuality in the Middle East: Challenges and Discourses|first1=Pinar|last1=Ilkkaracan|date=13 May 2016|publisher=Routledge|access-date=26 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781317153702}}</ref> Exploitation of prostitutes, living off the earnings of prostitution or being involved in the running of brothels is outlawed by Article 417 of the Libyan Penal Code.<ref name="spl">{{cite web|title=Sex Work Law - Countries|url=http://spl.ids.ac.uk/sexworklaw/countries|website=Sexuality, Poverty and Law|access-date=9 January 2018|language=en}}</ref> Buying sexual services isn't prohibited by law, but may contravene Sharia.<ref name="spl" />

Many of the sex workers are from Nigeria (over 1,000 in 2015).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Agha|first1=Eugene|title=1,000 Nigerian girls working as prostitutes in Libya – Police|url=https://www.dailytrust.com/daily/news/53370-1-000-nigerian-girls-working-as-prostitutes-in-libya-police|website=Daily Trust|access-date=9 January 2018|date=29 April 2015}}</ref> There are also sex workers from other [[sub-Saharan Africa]]n countries such as Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Desperate to flee the poverty of their countries, they have often been trafficked to Libya with the promise of a job in Italy. Some are working as prostitutes in Libya to pay off [[debt bondage]] in the hope of travelling on to Italy.<ref name="WeeklyBlitz" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/articel-charlesnforgang_en.pdf |title=Libya: African Women in "chains" |website=Ec.europa.eu |access-date=26 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CUMhDcgeg2wC&q=Prostitution%20in%20Libya&pg=PA213|title=Trafficking in Persons Report (10th Ed. )|date=26 January 2017|publisher=DIANE Publishing|access-date=26 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9781437937169}}</ref> 
{{clear}}

===Morocco===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Morocco}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Morocco}}
Prostitution has been illegal in [[Morocco]] since the 1970s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100602.htm |title=2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – Morocco |publisher=United States Department of State |date=11 March 2008 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref> In 2015 the Moroccan Health Ministry estimated there were 50,000 prostitutes in Morocco, the majority in the Marrakech area.<ref>
{{cite web |url= https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/06/189730/french-documentary-shows-life-of-two-moroccan-prostitutes/ |title= French Documentary Shows Life of Two Moroccan Prostitutes |date= 22 June 2016 |website= Morocco World News |access-date= 8 October 2017 }}</ref>

Many children are vulnerable as adoption laws in Morocco are very rigid and difficult. Morocco's increasing reputation for attracting foreign [[pedophiles]] made it sign various international treaties to deal with the problem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/prisoner-pardon-shows-how-much-morocco-has-changed |title=Prisoner pardon shows how much Morocco has changed &#124; The National |publisher=Thenational.ae |access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Worldcrunch.com |url=http://www.worldcrunch.com/culture-society/after-bangkok-marrakesh-forced-to-face-plague-of-sex-tourism/marrakech-morocco-pedophilia-sex-tourism-/c3s9762/#.VAPF8sVdW |title=After Bangkok, Marrakesh Forced To Face Plague Of Sex Tourism |publisher=Worldcrunch.com |date=5 October 2012 |access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Tennent |first1=James |url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/is-morocco-replacing-southeast-asia-as-a-haven-for-european-paedophiles |title=Is Morocco the Latest Haven for European Paedophiles? &#124; VICE &#124; United Kingdom |publisher=Vice.com |date=3 September 2013 |access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Magharebia">{{cite web |url=http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2007/12/28/feature-01 |title=New report addresses causes of sex tourism in Morocco |last1=Binoual |first1=Imrane |last2=Touahri |first2=Sarah |date=27 November 2008 |website=[[Magharebia]] |publisher=[[United States Africa Command]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502201520/http://magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2008/11/27/feature-01 |archive-date=2 May 2012 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=13976 |title= Morocco Clamps Down On Sex Tourism |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070919015022/http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=13976 |archive-date=19 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/people/highlights/streetlife.shtml |title=streetlife |publisher=BBC World Service |date=1 July 2000 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref> Male prostitution exists but is stigmatised.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/MeetingAbstracts/ma?f=102221216.html |title=Study of the characteristics of male prostitution in Morocco and development of appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention strategies |vauthors=Boushaba A, Imane L, Tawil O, Himmich H |publisher=Gateway.nlm.nih.gov |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref> Health services for Moroccan sex workers include OPALS.<ref name="Magharebia" /><ref>{{cite news|title= Moroccan prostitutes focus of controversial AIDS education effort  |work=[[Magharebia]]|url= http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/reportage/2010/07/23/reportage-01|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Child Sex Tourism in Morocco  |work=[[France 24]]|url= http://www.france24.com/en/20110623-debate-child-sex-tourism-in-morocco-paedophilia|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Morocco – Travel|work=[[Gay Times]]|url=http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/HotSpots/Travel-sectionid-1-articleid-25-page-0.html|access-date=11 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108021600/http://www.gaytimes.co.uk/HotSpots/Travel-sectionid-1-articleid-25-page-0.html|archive-date=8 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Sudan===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Sudan}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Sudan]] is illegal but widespread.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimate there to be 212,493 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" />
{{clear}}

===Tunisia===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Tunisia}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex illegal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Tunisia}}
Prostitution was legal and regulated until 2022 when it was banned by the government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2022/03/17/tunisia-bans-sex-work-endangering-sex-workers|title=Tunisia bans sex work, endangering sex workers|newspaper=The Economist |date= 17 March 2022 |access-date= 29 December 2022}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Southern Africa==

===Botswana===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Botswana}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Botswana}}
Prostitution in [[Botswana]] is not illegal per se, but laws such as public disorder, vagrancy, loitering and state recognised religious provisions are used to prosecute prostitutes.<ref name="spl" /> Related activities such as soliciting and brothel keeping are illegal.<ref name="spl" /> Botswana has made proposals to make prostitution legal to prevent the spread of AIDS.<ref name="bbeb">{{cite news|title= Botswana mulls legalising prostitution to fight HIV  |work=[[BBC]]|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11888992|access-date=12 April 2012}}</ref> However, there has been mass opposition to it by the Catholic Church. Prostitution is widespread and takes place on the street, bars, hotels, brothels and the cabs of long-distance trucks.<ref name="bbeb" /><ref name="times">{{cite news|title= Push to legalise prostitution in Botswana  |work=[[Times Live]]|url= http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/2011/11/08/push-to-legalise-prostitution-in-botswana|access-date=12 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116035136/http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/2011/11/08/push-to-legalise-prostitution-in-botswana |archive-date=16 November 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Legalising prostitution will benefit the rich |work=[[The Botswana Gazette]]|url= http://www.gazettebw.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11806%3Alegalising-prostitution-will-benefit-the-rich&catid=3%3Aletters&Itemid=2|access-date=12 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219222034/http://www.gazettebw.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11806%3Alegalising-prostitution-will-benefit-the-rich&catid=3%3Aletters&Itemid=2 |archive-date=19 December 2012}}</ref>

The Gaborone West shopping complex and the streets surrounding it, are the main area of prostitution in the capital, [[Gaborone]].<ref name="monitor">{{cite web|last1=Mooketsi|first1=Lekopanye|title=The sex hub of Gaborone|url=http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=42169|website=The Monitor|access-date=5 January 2018|date=23 June 2014}}</ref> The Itekeng ward of [[Francistown]] (locally known as 'Doublers') is the main area of prostitution in the city. The majority of the prostitutes in both cities are from Zimbabwe.<ref name="monitor" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Jakes|first1=Stephen|title=Zimbabwean women blamed for rampant prostitution in Botswana, as one round costs P20|url=https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-africa-byo-65382-article-zimbabwean+women+blamed+for+rampant+prostitution+in+botswana,+as+one+round+costs+p20.html|website=Bulawayo24 News|access-date=5 January 2018|date=1 April 2015}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Eswatini===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Eswatini}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Eswatini}}
Prostitution in [[Eswatini]] is illegal, the anti-prostitution laws dating back to 1889,<ref name="crimesact">{{cite web|title=Swaziland Crimes Act-61 of 1889|url=http://www.osall.org.za/docs/2011/03/Swaziland-Crimes-Act-61-of-1889.pdf|website=Organisation of South African Law Libraries|access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> when Swaziland was a [[protectorate]] of South Africa. Law enforcement is inconsistent, particularly near industrial sites and military bases.<ref name="Tlsp" /> Police tend to turn a blind eye to prostitution in clubs.<ref name="credit">{{cite web|title=Swaziland-prostitutes: Swazi prostitutes offer credit to 'esteemed customers'|url=http://www.aegis.com/news/afp/2001/AF010870.html|publisher=Agence France-Presse|access-date=14 January 2018|date=27 August 2001 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030425185347/http://www.aegis.com/news/afp/2001/AF010870.html| archive-date=25 April 2003}}</ref> There are periodic clamp-downs by the police.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dlamini|first1=Jabulisa|title=Day, night raids on Manzini sex workers|url=http://www.times.co.sz/news/114395-day-night-raids-on-manzini-sex-workers.html|website=Times Of Swaziland|access-date=14 January 2018|date=7 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Malinga|first1=Lindelwa|title=Cops swoop on Mbabane, Lobamba sex workers|url=http://www.times.co.sz/news/114452-cops-swoop-on-mbabane-lobamba-sex-workers.html|website=Times Of Swaziland|access-date=14 January 2018|date=10 August 2017}}</ref>

Senator Thuli Mswane<ref>{{cite web|title=SWAZILAND: Controversy Over Calls To Legalise Sex Work|url=http://www.cabsa.org.za/content/swaziland-controversy-over-calls-legalise-sex-work-211009|website=CABSA|access-date=14 January 2018|date=21 October 2009}}</ref> and NGOs [[Swaziland AIDS Support Organisation]] (SASO), [[Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce]] (SWEAT) and Mpumalanga Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) have recommended that prostitution be legalised in Swaziland, in order to allow it to be regulated to reduce harm to the prostitutes and limit the spread of HIV.<ref>{{cite web|title=Swaziland Told To Legalise Prostitution, Gay Marriage|url=http://swannet.org/node/1588|publisher=African Eye News Service, Swaziland.|access-date=14 January 2018|language=en|date=30 September 2009}}</ref>

Sex trafficking,<ref>{{cite web|title=Swaziland 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271290.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181520/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271290.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> child prostitution<ref name="uderage">{{cite web|last1=Chawane|first1=Nomvula|title=Under-age prostitution rife in the city |url=https://mpumalanganews.co.za/249471/under-age-prostitution-rife-in-the-city/|website=Mpumalanga News|access-date=14 January 2018|date=23 October 2015}}</ref> and HIV<ref>{{cite web|title=Swaziland 2016 Country factsheet|url=http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/swaziland|website=UNAIDS|access-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> are problems in the country.
{{clear}}

===Lesotho===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Lesotho}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
Prostitution in [[Lesotho]] is legal but solicitation and 3rd party involvement are criminalised by section 55 of the Penal Code.<ref>{{cite web|title=Penal Code Act, 2010|url=https://www.lesotholii.org/ls/legislation/act//penalcodeact_docx_10407.docx|website=Lesotho Legal Information Institute|access-date=10 March 2018}}</ref> There are estimated to be 6,300 prostitutes in [[Maseru]] and the [[Leribe District]].<ref name="unaids" />

HIV is endemic in the country, especially amongst sex workers, who are estimated to have an HIV prevalence of 71.9%.<ref name="prev">{{cite web |title=HIV prevalence amongst sex workers |url=http://www.aidsinfoonline.org/gam/stock/shared/vc/vcshare.html?id=d9c0ff12-f62c-44e7-8e2c-dbe736bbea30 |website=www.aidsinfoonline.org |publisher=UNAIDS |access-date=22 July 2018 |date=2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722130109/http://www.aidsinfoonline.org/gam/stock/shared/vc/vcshare.html?id=d9c0ff12-f62c-44e7-8e2c-dbe736bbea30 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Namibia===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Namibia}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Namibia}}
Prostitution in [[Namibia]] is legal<ref name="spl" /><ref name="Tlsp" /><ref name="nid">{{cite web|last1=Kiremire|first1=Merob Kambamu|title=Prostitution in Windhoek, Namibia: An exploration of poverty|url=http://www.nid.org.na/images/pdf/analysis_views/Prostitution_in_Windhoek.pdf|website=Namibia Institute for Democracy|access-date=11 January 2018|date=February 2007}}</ref> and a highly prevalent common practice.<ref name="nid" /> Related activities such as solicitation, procuring and being involved in the running of a brothel are illegal.<ref name="spl" /> A [[World Bank]] study estimated there were about 11,000 prostitutes in Namibia.<ref name="unaids1">{{cite web|title=Sex Work and HIV in Namibia: Review of the literature and current programmes|url=http://www.nswp.org/sites/nswp.org/files/Literature_Review.pdf|publisher=UNFPA Namibia & UNAIDS Namibia|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref>

Prostitution takes place all over the country, particularly in border areas, transport corridors, [[Walvis Bay]] and the capital [[Windhoek]].<ref name="nid" /> Most prostitutes are Namibian, but there are also a significant number from [[Zambia]], [[Botswana]] and [[Angola]].<ref name="unaids1" /> Most women work independently and few have [[pimps]].<ref name="unaids1" />

Most prostitutes in [[Namibia]] meet their clients either on the [[Street prostitution|street]] or in bars.<ref>{{cite web|title=Whose body is it?: commercial sex work and the law in Namibia|url=http://www.lac.org.na/projects/grap/Pdf/commsex.pdf|publisher=Legal Assistance Centre (Namibia)|access-date=12 January 2018|date=2002}}</ref> Bars often have a room on the premises for the prostitutes to use, and brothels usually have a bar, so the line between a bar and a brothel is often blurred.<ref name="unaids1" /> Some, more up-market, sex workers are contacted by cell phone or the internet and work in high-end clubs and hotels.<ref name="unaids1" />
{{clear}}

===South Africa===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|South Africa}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex illegal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in South Africa}}
Prostitution is illegal in [[South Africa]] for both buying and selling sex, as well as related activities such as brothel keeping and pimping<ref name="spl" /> However, it remains widespread.<ref name="Tlsp" /> Law enforcement is poor.<ref name="spl" />

In 2013 it was estimated that there were between 121,000 and 167,000 prostitutes in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|title=Estimating the size of the sex worker population in South Africa, 2013|url=http://www.sweat.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Sex-Workers-Size-Estimation-Study-2013.pdf|publisher=SWEAT|access-date=9 December 2017}}</ref>

HIV,<ref name="sowetanlive">{{cite web|title=No condoms, more money say prostitutes|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2015-09-11-no-condoms-more-money-say-prostitutes/|website=Sowetanl Lve|access-date=10 December 2017|date=11 September 2015}}</ref> [[child prostitution]] (including [[sex tourism]])<ref name="ecpat">{{cite web|title=Executive Summary South Africa|url=http://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/legacy/Ex_Summary_AF_S-AFRICA_FINAL.pdf|website=[[ECPAT]]|access-date=10 December 2017}}</ref> and [[human trafficking]]<ref name="state2">{{cite web|title=2017 Trafficking in Persons Report|url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271281.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181506/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2017/271281.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2017|publisher=US Department of State|access-date=10 December 2017}}</ref> are problems in the country.
{{clear}}

==Western Africa==
===Benin===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Benin}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Benin}}
Prostitution in [[Benin]] is legal but related activities such as brothel keeping and benefiting from the prostitution of others are illegal.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimates there to be about 15,000 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Most of these are migrants from neighbouring countries, mainly Nigeria, Togo and Ghana. Only 15% of the prostitutes are Beninese.<ref name="kroone">{{cite web|last1=Kroone|first1=Maria Huberta|title=Prostitution in Benin, Benin (West-Africa)|url=http://www.aktiebenin.nl/userfiles/file/Papers/prostitution%20in%20Benin.pdf|website=Stichting Aktie Benin (SAB)|access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref> Prostitution occurs on the streets, in bars, restaurants, hotels and brothels.<ref name="kroone" /> With advent of the [[smartphone]], many prostitutes use [[Mobile app|apps]] to make arrangements with clients.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Khalil|first1=Fawaz|title=Au Bénin, le racolage passe désormais par les smartphones|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2017/07/06/au-benin-le-racolage-passe-desormais-par-les-smartphones_5156841_3212.html|website=Le Monde.Africa|access-date=27 February 2018|language=fr|date=6 July 2017}}</ref>

Many women enter prostitution for economic reasons. Some young Beninese women learn [[English language|English]] so they can go to Nigeria to work as prostitutes as Nigeria has a thriving sex industry.<ref name="kroone" />

In rural areas widows will discretely turn to prostitution to support her family. This is a cultural and social tradition that is not regarded as prostitution by the community, but is regarded as a method of preserving the family name. Any children born from these liaisons take the dead husband's name. It's not uncommon for a widow to have five children after her husband has died.<ref name="kroone" />

===Burkina Faso===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Burkina Faso}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Burkina Faso}}
Prostitution in [[Burkina Faso]] is not specifically prohibited by the law,<ref name="Tlsp" /> but soliciting and pimping are illegal.<ref name="state9">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/af/135940.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315154616/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/af/135940.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 March 2010 |title=2009 Human Rights Report: Burkina Faso |publisher=State.gov |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=15 October 2011}}</ref> Burkinabe society only accepts sexual intercourse within marriage.<ref name="child-hood1">{{cite web|url=http://www.child-hood.com/index.php?id=704 |title=Burkina Faso |publisher=Child-hood.com |date=31 August 1990 |access-date=15 October 2011}}</ref> In 2009, [[Voice of America]] reported that the number of prostitutes in Burkina Faso had increased as a result of the country's poverty.<ref>{{cite news|title=Burkina Faso Residents Lament Rise in Prostitution|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2008-05-22-voa31/335109.html|author=Ricci Shryock|date=1 November 2009|publisher=Voice of America}}</ref> The increase in prostitution has given rise to fears of an increase in the number of Burkinabés infected with HIV and AIDS.

In the capital, [[Ouagadougou]], the main area of prostitution is in the Dapoya district.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exposé en Anglais sur la prostitution au Burkina Faso by Kader Rabo - mon exposé|url=http://monexpose.canalblog.com/archives/2017/02/16/34944819.html|website=Mon Expose|access-date=7 January 2018|date=16 February 2017}}</ref>

Although [[homosexuality]] is illegal in the country, [[male prostitution]] takes place, especially in the tourist areas.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Prods|first1=Filaos|title=Le Burkina Faso en ligne|url=http://www.planete-burkina.com/prostitution_burkina_faso.php|website=Planete-Burkina|access-date=7 January 2018|language=fr}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Cape Verde===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Cape Verde}}
 |subheader    = No prostitution laws
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Cape Verde}}
Prostitution in [[Cape Verde]] is legal<ref name="Tlsp" /> and commonplace.<ref name="irin" /><ref name="real" /> There are no prostitution laws on the islands except for those concerning trafficking and child prostitution.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cabo Verde: Código Penal (aprovado pelo Decreto Legislativo N° 4/2003 de 18 de Novembro de 2003)|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=206287|website=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]]|access-date=5 March 2018|language=pt|date=18 November 2003}}</ref> UNAIDS estimate there are 1,400 prostitutes in Cape Verde,<ref name="unaids" /> many were from Ghana and Senegal before being expelled by the police.<ref name="irin">{{cite web|title=Sex tourism on the rise?|url=http://www.irinnews.org/news/2007/08/08/sex-tourism-rise|website=[[The New Humanitarian|IRIN]]|access-date=5 March 2018|language=en|date=8 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ghanaians traveling to Cape Verde Islands and Senegal warned|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghanaians-traveling-to-Cape-Verde-Islands-and-Senegal-warned-27715|website=Ghana Web|access-date=5 March 2018|language=en|date=21 September 2002}}</ref> Some turn to prostitution through poverty.<ref name="unhcr">{{cite web|title=Universal Periodic Review Cape Verde|url=http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session16/CV/UNHCR_UPR_CPV_S16_2013_UNHCR_E.pdf|website=[[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]]|date= September 2012 |access-date=5 March 2018}}</ref>

Sex tourism, including child sex tourism, is a major occurrence in Cape Verde, especially in [[Santa Maria, Cape Verde|Santa Maria]] and the tourist beach resorts on the Cape Verdian island of [[Sal, Cape Verde|Sal]].<ref name="irin" /><ref name="real">{{cite web|last1=Dret|first1=Tud|title=Sex Tourism & Prostitution|url=http://realcapeverde.uk/sex-tourism-prostitution/|website=Real Cape Verde|access-date=5 March 2018|date=19 January 2018}}</ref> The islands are also a destination for female sex tourism.<ref name="irin" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Cape Verde - A Paradise near the North Africa, wonderful and cheap|url=http://www.holidaytime-missionevacanze.com/cape-verde/|website=MissioneVacanze|access-date=5 March 2018|language=it-IT|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209221858/http://www.holidaytime-missionevacanze.com/cape-verde/|archive-date=9 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Ivory Coast}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Ivory Coast}}
In [[Côte d'Ivoire]], prostitution itself (exchanging sex for money) is legal, but associated activities, such as soliciting, pandering or running brothels, are illegal.<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/118997.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226174837/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/118997.htm |url-status=dead  |archive-date=26 February 2009 |title=2008 Human Rights Report: Cote d'Ivoire |publisher=United States Department of State |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref> Sex workers report law enforcement is sparse and corrupt. Police sometimes harass sex workers and demand bribes or sexual favours.<ref name="spl" /><ref name="auto3"/> [[Transgender]] prostitutes are often targeted by police and soldiers and subjected to violence.<ref name="taiwan">{{cite web|last1=Corey-Boulet|first1=Robbie|title=Transgender prostitutes face abuse in Ivory Coast|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/2095198|website=Taiwan News|access-date=8 January 2018|date=12 October 2012}}</ref> It was estimated in 2014 that there were 9,211 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> The [[First Ivorian Civil War|civil war]] has left many women in need for wages, so some have resorted to prostitution, as there is high unemployment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78730.htm |title=2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices " Africa " Cote d'Ivoire |publisher=United States Department of State |date=6 March 2007 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref>

In the capital, [[Abidjan]], most of the prostitutes come from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Mali, Senegal and other West African states,<ref name="ency" /> the largest group being from Ghana.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kouame|first1=K|title=[Migration and prostitution in the Abidjan region]|url=https://www.popline.org/node/295915|publisher=Laval University|access-date=8 January 2018|date=1994}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===The Gambia===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Gambia}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in the Gambia}}

Prostitution in [[the Gambia]] is widespread but illegal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201602111253.html|title=Gambia: A Call for Eradication of Sex Tourism|date=11 February 2016|website=Allafrica.com|access-date=14 March 2017|via=AllAfrica}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2013/215466.htm|title=Gambia, The|website=State.gov|access-date=14 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/29/happy-hour-and-drinks-are-still-flowing-in-the-gambia-the-newest-islamic-state|title=Happy hour and drinks are still flowing in the Gambia, the newest Islamic state|first1=Harriet|last1=Sherwood|date=29 January 2016|access-date=14 March 2017|via=The Guardian}}</ref> Most of the prostitutes in the Gambia are from Senegal.<ref name="study" /> Prostitution takes place on the beach, in bars and hotels on the coast.<ref name="tele">{{cite web|last1=Haines|first1=Gavin|title=How Gambia plans to shed its sleazy reputation|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/africa/the-gambia/articles/how-gambia-plans-to-shed-its-sleazy-reputation/|website=Daily Telegraph|access-date=17 December 2017|date=24 May 2017}}</ref> Away from the coast, prostitution mainly takes place in bars.<ref name="study" /> The bars are frequently raided and the foreign prostitutes deported. They often return within a few days.<ref name="study">{{cite news|citeseerx=10.1.1.636.4058|title=Prostitutes And Their Clients: A Gambian Survey|author1= H. Pickering |author2= J. Todd |author3= D. Dunn |author4= J. Pbpin |author5= A. Wilkins}}</ref>

The HIIV infection rate for prostitutes is high.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Prostitutes and their clients: a Gambian survey|first1=H.|last1=Pickering|first2=J.|last2=Todd|first3=D.|last3=Dunn|first4=J.|last4=Pepin|first5=A.|last5=Wilkins|date=1 January 1992|journal=Soc Sci Med|volume=34|issue=1|pages=75–88|pmid=1738859|doi=10.1016/0277-9536(92)90069-3}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Ghana===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Ghana}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Ghana}}
Prostitution in [[Ghana]] is illegal but widespread,<ref name="usstate">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119004.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175349/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119004.htm |url-status=dead  |archive-date=26 February 2009 |title=2008 Human Rights Report: Ghana|publisher=State.gov|date=25 February 2009|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="trust">{{cite report|url=http://www.trust.org/contentAsset/raw-data/1035fde5-b945-49ed-8cd4-166bc1ec156b/file |format=PDF |title=Overview of Trafficking and Prostitution Laws in the Middle East and Africa |publisher=Thomson Reuters Foundation|date=November 2012|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref> so much so that many Ghanaians are unaware that it's prohibited.<ref name="redef">{{cite web |url= https://www.atria.nl/epublications/1997/Redefining_Prostitution.pdf |title= Redefining Prostitution as Sex Work on the International Agenda |last1= Bindman |first1= Jo |last2= Doezema |first2= Jo |date= 1997 |website= Atria |access-date= 28 November 2017 }}</ref> There are growing problems of [[sex tourism]], [[child prostitution]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pulse.com.gh/news/unicef-report-cape-coast-tops-child-prostitution-in-ghana-survey-id4122073.html|title=UNICEF report: Cape Coast tops child prostitution in Ghana – Survey – News – Pulse|first1=Emmanuel|last1=Tornyi|access-date=23 January 2017}}</ref> and [[human trafficking]].<ref name="gweb">{{cite web|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Prostitution-in-Ghana-279295|title=Prostitution in Ghana|access-date=23 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2013/215470.htm|title=Ghana|access-date=23 January 2017}}</ref> High rates of unemployment and poverty in Ghana are believed to be causing a growth in the sex industry.<ref>{{cite thesis|title=Gender and Livelihoods: Mapping the Economic Strategies of Porters in Accra, Ghana|first1=Muriel A.|last1=Yeboah|date=1 January 2008|degree=PhD |publisher=West Virginia University|id = {{ProQuest|304446957}}}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/682212/relationship-between-unemployment-and-prostitution-in-ghana.html|title=Relationship Between Unemployment And Prostitution In Ghana|first1=Albert|last1=Opare|date=24 March 2016|publisher=modernghana.com|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref> Unemployment is a reason teenage workers engage in sex work.<ref name=DW/><ref name="ency">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5WyPfynlwMC&q=prostitution%20in%20ghana&pg=PA534|title=Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work|first1=Melissa Hope|last1=Ditmore|date=1 January 2006|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|access-date=23 January 2017|via=Google Books|isbn=9780313329708}}</ref> A high percentage of sex workers are vulnerable to [[HIV]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thepath.unaids.org/wp-content/themes/unaids2023/assets/files/thematic_fs_hiv_sex_workers.pdf |title=IOM Study shows HIV vulnerability among female sex workers in Ghana|publisher=HIV and sex workers|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref>

Some prostitutes in Ghana are campaigning for the sex trade to be legalised,<ref name="DW">{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.com/en/prostitutes-in-ghana-battle-for-recognition/av-17036797|title=Prostitutes in Ghana battle for recognition|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=21 August 2013|author=Isaac Kaledzi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghanatrade.gov.gh/Latest-News/make-prostitution-legal-prostitutes-urge-govt.html|title=Make Prostitution Legal - Prostitutes Urge Gov't|publisher=ghanatrade.gov.gh|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref> and discussions have taken place.<ref name="trust" />
{{clear}}

===Guinea===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Guinea}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Guinea]] is illegal.<ref name="Tlsp" /> There are estimated to be 8,357 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" />

According to the 2014 [[Trafficking in Persons Report]], Women from Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese are also forced prostitution in Guinea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guinea |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2014/226732.htm |website=2014 Trafficking in Persons Report |publisher=U.S. State Department.}}</ref> <ref name="state18">{{cite web |title=China 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report |url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2018/282632.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726234125/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2018/282632.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 July 2018 |website=U.S. Department of State |access-date=26 July 2018}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Guinea-Bissau===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Guinea-Bissau}}
 |subheader    = No prostitution laws
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Guinea-Bissau}}
Prostitution in [[Guinea-Bissau]] is common and there are no prostitution laws.<ref name="Tlsp" /> In 2016 it was estimated there were 3,138 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Often it is associated with other crimes: Many pimps are also reported to be [[drug dealers]]. Poverty leads many women to be tempted into prostitution and [[cocaine addiction]].<ref name="pulitzer">{{cite news|title=Guinea Bissau: Crack and prostitution, cocaine's other face  |work=[[Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting|Pulitzer]]|date=30 June 2009|author=Marco Vernaschi|url= http://pulitzercenter.org/blog/untold-stories/guinea-bissau-crack-and-prostitution-cocaine%E2%80%99s-other-face|access-date=13 April 2012}}</ref>

Many of the prostitutes in [[Bissau]] and other towns in Guinea-Bissau are Manjako women from [[Caio (Guinea-Bissau)|Caio]] in the [[Cacheu Region]].<ref name="buckner">{{cite web|last1=Buckner|first1=Margaret|title=Village women as town prostitutes: cultural factors relevant to prostitution and HIV epidemiology in Guinea-Bissau|url=https://www.codesria.org/IMG/pdf/22LBUCKNER_.pdf|website=Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa|access-date=7 January 2018|date=1999}}</ref><ref name="ency" /> They tend to be over 30 and wait in designated rooms in their houses for clients. Occasionally they will go to a local bar in search of clients.<ref name="buckner" /> Prostitutes from Caio also travel to [[Ziguinchor]] in Senegal and [[Banjul]] in The Gambia to work.<ref name="ency" />
{{clear}}

===Liberia===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Liberia}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution is illegal but widespread in [[Liberia]].<ref name="Tlsp" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78742.htm |title=2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices -Liberia |publisher=United States Department of State |date=6 March 2007 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref> There are estimated to be 1,822 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Like its neighbor, Sierra Leone, child prostitution has seen an increase in the aftermath of civil war.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sexual abuse threatens Liberia's recovery|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/may/12/outlook.development1|date=10 May 2006|publisher= Guardian|access-date=25 July 2010 | location=London | first1=Alphonso | last1=Toweh}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Mali===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Mali}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Mali}}
Prostitution is legal in [[Mali]],<ref name="Tlsp" /> but third party activities such as procuring are illegal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.droit-afrique.com/images/textes/Mali/mali+-+code+penal.pdf|title=Droit-Afrique - Portail du droit des 24 pays d'Afrique francophone|website=Droit-Afrique|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009235615/http://www.droit-afrique.com/images/textes/Mali/mali%20-%20code%20penal.pdf|archive-date=9 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Prostitution is common in Malian cities.<ref name=reportmali>[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78745.htm Report on Human Rights Practices 2006: Mali]. United States [[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]] (6 March 2007)</ref> UNAIDS estimate there to be 35,900 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Prostitution is on the rise,<ref>{{cite web|title=Prostitution increasing in Mali|url=https://www.upi.com/Prostitution-increasing-in-Mali/44841370449159/|website=UPI|access-date=11 March 2018|language=en|date=5 June 2013}}</ref> many having turned to prostitution because of poverty.<ref>{{cite web|title=Les Carnets Secrets de la prostitution au Mali : Fifi explique avoir couché avec 2 780 hommes * Niarela.net * Mali|url=https://niarela.net/societe/les-carnets-secrets-de-la-prostitution-au-mali-fifi-explique-avoir-couche-avec-2-780-hommes|website=Niarela|access-date=11 March 2018|language=fr|date=26 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Neubauer|first1=Inès|title=Prostitution in Bamako, Mali|url=http://www.wusgermany.de/de/globales-lernen/informationsstelle-bildungsauftrag-nord-sued/bildungsangebote/buecher/prostitution-bamako-mali|website=World University Service|access-date=11 March 2018|language=de|date=2014}}</ref>

In the capital, [[Bamako]], a large number of the prostitutes are from Nigeria<ref>{{cite book|title=Global Perspectives on Prostitution and Sex Trafficking: Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Oceania|date=2011|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=9780739132777|page=24|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z0uRsGnTMnwC&q=prostitution+in+Mali&pg=PA24|language=en}}</ref> and other West African countries.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Röschenthaler|first1=Ute|last2=Schulz|first2=Dorothea|title=Cultural Entrepreneurship in Africa|date=2015|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781317529620|page=168|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qMz4CgAAQBAJ&q=prostitution+in+Mali&pg=PA168|language=en}}</ref> In July and August there is an influx of students from various areas of West Africa who work as prostitutes during the summer vacation.<ref name="ency" /> There are also many Chinese bars in the country where prostitution occurs. It is estimated that the Chinese sex workers send 2 billion [[West African CFA franc|Cfa]] back to China annually.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Thera|first1=Kady|title=La prostitution à bon marché à Bamako|url=http://bamada.net/la-prostitution-a-bon-marche-a-bamako|website=Bamada|access-date=11 March 2018|language=fr}}</ref> Many Nigerian prostitutes work in the area around the [[Morila Gold Mine]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Plasse|first1=Stéphanie|title=Quand les mines d'or du Mali profitent à la prostitution|url=http://www.afrik.com/article14103.html|website=Afrik|access-date=11 March 2018|language=fr|date=24 May 2008}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Mauritania===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Mauritania}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[Mauritania]] is illegal.<ref name="Tlsp" /> There are estimated to be 315 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> in the capital, [[Nouakchott]], there is a red-light district in the [[El Mina, Mauritania|El Mina]] district. Law enforcement is ineffective and corrupt.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sex work for survival and profit |url=http://www.irinnews.org/feature/2005/02/17/sex-work-survival-and-profit |website=IRIN |access-date=4 January 2019 |language=en |date=17 February 2005}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Niger===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Niger}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Niger}}
Prostitution in [[Niger]] is illegal<ref name="indy">{{cite news|title= Niger's border prostitutes and the profits of Islam  |work=[[The Independent|Independent]]|date=5 May 2001|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nigers-border-prostitutes-and-the-profits-of-islam-683723.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090719130155/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nigers-border-prostitutes-and-the-profits-of-islam-683723.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 19 July 2009|access-date=12 April 2012|location=London}}</ref> but common in the cities, near mines and around military bases.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS estimate there are 46,630 sex workers in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> Many have turned to prostitution because of poverty.<ref>{{cite web|title=Famine heightens prostitution in Niger|url=http://www.panapress.com/Famine-heightens-prostitution-in-Niger--13-573383-18-lang4-index.html|website=Panapress|access-date=2 February 2018|date=9 September 2005}}</ref>

Some Nigerian prostitutes ply their trade on the Niger border as many prostitutes are persecuted in their homeland and Niger is perceived as being more amiable and less likely to prosecute them for their trade.<ref name="indy" /> Nigerian men prefer to cross the border to seek sex as the punishment in [[Islam]]ic Nigeria is 50 lashes for "procuration of woman".<ref name="indy" />

In 2017 the government ordered a clampdown on prostitution throughout the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Court convicts 11 prostitutes in Niger - Vanguard News|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/02/court-convicts-11-prostitutes-niger/|website=Vanguard News|access-date=2 February 2018|date=6 February 2017}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Nigeria===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Nigeria}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal in Northern States<br>Prostitution legal in Southern States<br>Buying sex illegal in Northern States<br>Buying sex legal in Southern States<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal
}}
{{Main|Prostitution in Nigeria}}
Prostitution in [[Nigeria]] is illegal in all Northern States that practice [[Sharia|Islamic penal code]]. In Southern Nigeria, the activities of pimps or madams, underage prostitution and the operation or ownership of brothels are penalised under sections 223, 224, and 225 of the Nigerian Criminal Code.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeria-law.org/Criminal%20Code%20Act-Tables.htm|title=Criminal Code Act-Tables|access-date=31 October 2016}}</ref> Even though [[Law of Nigeria|Nigerian law]] does not legalize commercial sex work, it is vague if such work is performed by an independent individual who operates on his or her own accord without the use of pimps or a brothel.<ref name="Ebun">{{cite news |last1=Sessou |first1=Ebun|date=15 October 2011|title=Legalising Prostitution: Women give Ekweremadu hard knocks|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/legalising-prostitution-women-give-ekweremadu-hard-knocks/ |newspaper=Vanguard |location=Lagos }}</ref>

Nigeria has become a major exporter of women for prostitution.<ref name="WeeklyBlitz" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Alaba Rago: Where Prostitution Has Overtaken Trading|work=[[Nigerian Tribune]]|url=http://tribune.com.ng/sat/index.php/news/7019-alaba-rago-where-prostitution-has-overtaken-trading.html|access-date=14 April 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402202808/http://tribune.com.ng/sat/index.php/news/7019-alaba-rago-where-prostitution-has-overtaken-trading.html|archive-date=2 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nigeria's largest sex market|work=[[The Sun (Nigeria)]]|url=http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/living/2011/apr/02/living-02-04-2011-001.htm|access-date=14 April 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513191601/http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/living/2011/apr/02/living-02-04-2011-001.htm|archive-date=13 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=60% of prostitutes in Italy and Belgium are Nigerians|work=[[Daily Times of Nigeria]]|url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/60-prostitutes-italy-and-belgium-are-nigerians |access-date=29 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nigeria has highest victims of forced labour, prostitution|work=[[Nigerian Tribune]]|url=http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/labour-today/18585-nigeria-has-highest-victims-of-forced-labour-prostitution|access-date=29 December 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219022902/http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/labour-today/18585-nigeria-has-highest-victims-of-forced-labour-prostitution|archive-date=19 December 2012}}</ref> Deputy president of Senate [[Ike Ekweremadu]] has proposed a bill to legalise prostitution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ekweremadu regrets prostitution comments|work=[[Daily Times of Nigeria]]|url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/ekweremadu-regrets-prostitution-comments |access-date=29 December 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111017153919/http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/ekweremadu-regrets-prostitution-comments |archive-date= 17 October 2011}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===São Tomé and Príncipe===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|São Tomé and Príncipe}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution illegal<br>Buying sex legal
}}
Prostitution in [[São Tomé and Príncipe]] is illegal.<ref name="Tlsp" /> UNAIDS report there are 89 prostitutes in the capital, [[São Tomé]].<ref name="unaids" /> When the islands were settled on by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] in 1493 under [[Álvaro Caminha]], prostitutes were amongst the ''[[degredados]]'' sent to the colony.<ref>{{cite web|title=Culture of São Tomé e Príncipe - history, people, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social, marriage|url=http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/S-o-Tom-e-Pr-ncipe.html|website=Every Culture|access-date=11 March 2018}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Senegal===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Senegal}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal & regulated<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Senegal}}
Prostitution in [[Senegal]] is legal and regulated. Prostitutes must be at least 21 years of age, register with the police, carry a valid sanitary card, and test negative for sexually transmitted infections.<ref name="state1">{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119021.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175550/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119021.htm |url-status=dead  |archive-date=26 February 2009 |title=2008 Human Rights Report: Senegal|publisher=US Department of State|date=25 February 2009}}</ref> It has been legal since 1969 to sell sex as long as prostitute has registered, over 21 years old, has a regular medical check-up, and can present an up-to-date medical report card to the police upon request according to Under Senegal's Penal Code (articles 318 to 327 bis).<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2202&context=ilj |journal=Fordham International Law Journal |volume= 33 |date=2011 |title=Sex Work and Human Rights in Africa |author1=Chi Mgbako |author2=Laura A. Smith |access-date=13 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nswp.org/timeline/event/sex-work-legalised-senegal|title=Sex work is legalised in Senegal|date=27 April 2015|website=Nswp.org|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119021.htm|title=Senegal|website=State.gov|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref> The average age for a sex worker in Senegal is 28 years old and female.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U9oFRFoh244C&q=prostitution%20senegal&pg=PA14|title=Senegal: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper|first1=International Monetary|last1=Dept|date=1 January 2013|publisher=International Monetary Fund|access-date=12 March 2017|via=Google Books}}</ref> Senegal has the distinction of being the only country in Africa to not only legalise prostitution but regulate it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/senegal-vigilant-against-hiv-aids-despite-success/1382032.html|title=Senegal Vigilant Against HIV/AIDS Despite Success|first1=Anne|last1=Look|website=Voanews.com|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref><ref name=PRI>{{cite web|url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2010-04-29/senegal-draws-tourists-sun-sea-and-sex|title=Senegal draws tourists with sun, sea and sex|website=Pri.org|access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref> The only condition that it is done discreetly. Prostitution was first legalised in 1966.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Senegal: where "card-carrying" sex workers are legal|date=1 June 1995|journal=AIDS Anal Afr|volume=5|issue=3|pages=10–11|pmid=12289033}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Sierra Leone===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Sierra Leone}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Sierra Leone}}
Prostitution in [[Sierra Leone]] is legal<ref name="Tlsp" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Benjamin|first1=Gabriel|title=Freetown's dens of commercial sex workers|url=http://slconcordtimes.com/freetowns-dens-of-commercial-sex-workers/|website=Sierra Leone Concord Times|access-date=14 March 2018|date=6 July 2015}}</ref> and commonplace.<ref name="sierraloaded">{{cite web|title=Sierra Leone Prostitutes Accuses Policemen Of Demanding For Free S^x, Harassment & More|url=http://sierraloaded.net/sierra-leone-prostitutes-decries-abuse-by-policemen/|website=Sierra Loaded|access-date=14 March 2018|date=9 August 2016}}</ref> [[Soliciting]] and 3rd party involvement are prohibited by the [[Sexual Offences Act]] 2012.<ref name="sierra">{{cite web|title=Sexual Offences act 2012|url=http://www.sierra-leone.org/Laws/2012-12.pdf|website=Sierra Leone Gazette|access-date=13 March 2018}}</ref> [[UNAIDS]] estimate there are 240,000 prostitutes in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> They are known locally as 'serpents' because of the hissing noise they use to attract clients.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Graham|title=Hissing And Sighing: The Lament Of Sex Workers In Sierra Leone|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2014/11/26/366765982/hissing-and-sighing-the-lament-of-sex-workers-in-sierra-leone|website=NPR.org|access-date=14 March 2018|language=en|date=26 November 2014}}</ref>

Since the end of the [[Sierra Leone Civil War|ten-year civil war]] in Sierra Leone, there has been an increase in [[child prostitution]], especially among children who are struggling to survive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/af/8402.htm |title=Sierra Leone|publisher=State.gov|date=4 March 2002|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref> This has happened in spite of the fact that child prostitution is illegal in the country.<ref name="Trafficking in Persons Report">{{cite news|title=Trafficking in Persons Report|work=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/123365.pdf |access-date=31 July 2010}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Togo===
{{Infobox
 |abovestyle = background:#cfc;
 |subheaderstyle = align-left
 |above        = {{Flagu|Togo}}
 |subheader    = Prostitution legal<br>Buying sex legal<br>Brothels illegal<br>Procuring illegal<br>Solicitation illegal
}}
{{main|Prostitution in Togo}}
Prostitution in [[Togo]] is legal<ref name="penaltogo" /> and commonplace.<ref name="brovo">{{cite web|title=Prostitution au Togo : Progression de plus 180% en 10 ans. Bravo, Faure ! - 27avril.com|url=http://www.27avril.com/blog/culture-societe/societe/prostitution-au-togo-progression-de-plus-180-en-10-ans-bravo-faure|website=Actualité au Togo, Monde|language=fr-FR|date=21 August 2015}}</ref> Related activities such as solicitation, living off the earnings of prostitution or procuring are prohibited.<ref name="penaltogo">{{cite web|title=Togo: Code pénal du Togo (révisé en avril 2000)|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=201336#LinkTarget_488|website=Wipo|access-date=15 January 2018|language=en}}</ref> Punishment is up to 10 years imprisonment if minors or violence is involved.<ref name="penaltogo" />

In 2014, it was estimated there were 10,284 sex workers in the country.<ref name="unaids" /> A 2011 survey found 51% worked in bars and 26% in brothels.<ref name="hiv11" /> About half of the country's sex workers are in [[Lomé]].<ref name="hiv11">{{cite journal|last1=Pitché|first1=Palokinam|last2=Gbetoglo|first2=Komi|last3=Saka|first3=Bayaki|last4=Akakpo|first4=Séfako|last5=Landoh|first5=Dadja Essoya|last6=d'Alméida|first6=Stéphane|last7=Banla|first7=Abiba Kere|last8=Sodji|first8=Dométo|last9=Deku|first9=Kodzo|title=HIV prevalence and behavioral studies in female sex workers in Togo: a decline in the prevalence between 2005 and 2011|pmc=3809967|journal=The Pan African Medical Journal|volume=15|pages=62|doi=10.11604/pamj.2013.15.62.2457|pmid=24198868|date=21 June 2013}}</ref> According to research published in 2015, between 2005 and 2015, prostitution in the country increased 180%,<ref name="brovo" /> and that three quarters of the prostitutes are Togolese, and Ghanaian women 15%.<ref name="brovo" /> It is not uncommon for prostitutes travel between Togo and neighbouring countries to find work.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Prostitutes leave Lome bases for Ghana |url=http://www.modernghana.com/news/156607/1/prostitutes-leave-lome-bases-for-ghana.html |newspaper=Modern Ghana |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=14 September 2015 }}</ref>
{{clear}}

==See also==
*[[Transactional sex]]
*[[Prostitution in South Africa]]
*[[Prostitution in Cape Town, South Africa During the Late Victorian Era]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*''The History of Prostitution in Ethiopia'', RICHARD PANKHURST, ''[[Journal of Ethiopian Studies]]'', Vol. 12, No. 2 (JULY 1974), pp.&nbsp;159–178

{{Africa in topic|Prostitution in}}

[[Category:Prostitution in Africa| ]]
[[Category:Sexuality-related lists]]