Supply chain analytics firm Everstream Analytics is partnering social enterprise the Slave-Free Alliance (SFA), part of the global non-profit Hope for Justice. Eversteam Analytics will contribute its multi-tier supplier discovery and AI-powered risk monitoring and analytics to SFA’s forced labour intelligence. This will help expose unknown risks and protect global supply chains from modern slavery and exploitation. The company has become the global strategic partner and exclusive technology partner to SFA’s supply chain working groups.

With 50 million people worldwide in modern slavery, it remains a serious problem in nearly every region, with over 40% occurring in upper-middle to high-income countries. Due to the opacity and complexity of today’s global supply networks, companies are increasingly vulnerable to the risk of forced labour. According to a study cited by Slave-Free Alliance, 77% of companies expect to find modern slavery somewhere in their supply chain.

Supply chain compliance laws such as the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act in the U.S., The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, and the upcoming EU Supply Chain Law will hold manufacturers responsible for exploitation occurring anywhere in their supply chains. Companies are at risk of hefty fines for non-compliance and the loss of consumer, employee, and investor confidence and brand value, even if they were not aware of the problem.

“It is more important than ever for organisations to identify and eliminate exploitive practices within their supply networks,” said Julie Gerdeman, CEO of Everstream Analytics. “Everstream is proud to work alongside Slave-Free Alliance and unite our missions to help companies build sustainable and ethical global supply chains.”

“This partnership will advance our ultimate goal of bringing an end to modern slavery in supply chains,” said Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance. “With the help of Everstream’s technology and our team of forced labour experts, we will create global strategies and provide thoughtful solutions to protect people and supply chains from the threat of modern slavery.”

The partnership will give enterprises deeper visibility into their potential exposure and connect them to the right expertise to swiftly address any issues. Everstream and SFA will jointly attend the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and other key industry events to share insights and expert guidance on modern slavery risks and mitigation strategies.