The BBC documentary “Africa Eye: Racism for Sale” has prompted the Malawian government to launch an investigation into child rights violations that were uncovered by BBC reporter Runako Celina and Malawian investigative journalist Henry Mhango.

The in-depth documentary exposed a Chinese filmmaking industry that exploits children across the African continent, after a video surfaced that showed a group of young children chanting “I’m a black monster. My IQ is low” in Chinese, clearly unaware of what they are saying. 

This industry pays vulnerable children across the continent a minimal price to participate in the filming of so-called blessings videos in which they sometimes wish happy birthday or good luck, and other times are made to chant offensive slogans in Chinese.

These popular videos are sold on Chinese social media sites for up to $70 (£57) each.

Patricia Kaliati, Minister for Gender, Disability, Children and Social Affairs, told the BBC that the Malawian government has launched an investigation into the claims. 

“It is an insult to the Malawian children and it is also an insult to the Malawian nation," said Ms Kaliati.

Malawi’s Human Rights Defenders Coalition called this exploitation "reprehensible" and "despicable", deploring the lack of accountability for those responsible and urging the government to join forces with the UN and others to "halt" the murky video-making industry..