Technical Experts Meeting on the Development of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2026-2030)

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November 18, 2025 to November 20, 2025

Introduction

African Union (AU) has been at the forefront in guiding national drug policy development and its implementation across the continent through strategic continental frameworks on drug control and crime prevention. These frameworks align with international conventions, global standards, and regional aspirations.

Since 1997, the AU has coordinated this effort through five successive continental drug action plans: The first framework (1996-2000), It focused on aligning African drug control efforts with global standards and addressing emerging drug-related challenges. The second framework (2002-2007) emphasizes institutional strengthening and regional cooperation. The third framework (2007-2012), which introduced a more structured approach to demand and supply reduction while integrating crime prevention and public health dimensions. The fourth framework (2013-2018), built on the 2009 United Nations Political Declaration and Plan of Action and pushed a multi-sectorial, balanced and integrated approach, harm reduction and international cooperation. The fifth control framework (2019-2025), which focused on promoting a balanced, integrated, and evidence-based approach to drug control that prioritizes public health, human rights, and sustainable development.

About the Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2026-2030)

The action on drug control and crime prevention held on 18-20 of November 2025 in Maputo, Mozambique, with the framework closely aligned with the development framework “Agenda 2063 - The Africa We Want”, by supporting inclusive, people-centred policies that strengthen institutions, reduce harm, and foster peace and security across the continent. By incorporating the 2016 UNGASS principles and the 2019 Ministerial Declaration, the framework works to reduce cannabis use and medical and pharmaceutical opioids from being widely used and reduce the Projections that suggest that by 2030, Africa will bear a disproportionately high burden of drug-related challenges, among its youth population, which constitutes over 60% of the continent's population under the age of 25.

The 2026-2030 is the next stage for drug control and management, using previous report from 2016 and 2019 from the United Nations General Assembly Special Session. Additionally, new psychoactive substances are emerging, complicating treatment and enforcement efforts. Weak regulatory systems, limited access to treatment services, and under-resourced law enforcement further exacerbate the crisis.

Objectives

The primary objective of this technical experts’ meeting is to identify and define priority areas for inclusion in the next African Union Continental Drug Action Plan. Also, the achieving and implementation of the 2019-2025 of the UN ministerial delegation and the agenda-2063 of the commission.

Specific Objectives

Agree on the overall structure and format of the successor continental drug action plan.
Identify and articulate the key strategic pillars, including core elements under each pillar.
Define measurable indicators and means of verification at the continental, regional economic community, and national levels.
Establish a roadmap and timeline for drafting, validating, and adopting the successor framework.
Propose mechanisms for improved coordination, monitoring, and reporting across Member States and regional bodies.
Identify capacity-building needs and technical support requirements for effective implementation of the next plan.

Expected Outcomes

A consensus-based outline of the plan’s structure (e.g., vision, goals, pillars, implementation framework) and agreed formatting standards and terminology for consistency across sections.
A list of strategic pillars (e.g., prevention, treatment, law enforcement, data systems, advocacy and communication, Alcohol etc.) along with detailed descriptions of core components and thematic focus areas under each pillar.
A matrix of indicators aligned with each pillar and objective.
Defined means of verification and data sources for monitoring progress at all levels.
A clear timeline with milestones for drafting, stakeholder consultations, validation, and adoption.
Assigned responsibilities and coordination mechanisms for each phase.
Recommendations for institutional coordination structures and reporting lines.
A list of priority capacity gaps and training needs by thematic area.
Proposed strategies for mobilizing technical assistance and resources.
A prioritized list of emerging issues and challenges to be addressed in the new plan.