• Honourable Justice Mateus da Cecília Finiasse Saíze, Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs of the Republic of Mozambique
• His Royal Highness Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, Chairperson of the Southern Africa Network of Traditional Leaders in Drug Demand Reduction
• Ms Joanna Travis-Roberts, Chief Executive, International Society of Substance Use Professionals
• Mr Antonio De Vivo is the Head of Office for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Mozambique.
• Madam Director Filomena Chitsonzo, Director-General of the Central Office for the Prevention and Combating of Drugs, Republic of Mozambique and other Government Officials here present.
• Distinguished Experts and Participants,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is with great honour and deep appreciation that I welcome you all to this pivotal meeting of experts convened to lay the groundwork for the next African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2026 to 2030). This meeting also marks a defining moment in our collective journey to strengthen Africa’s resilience against the intertwined challenges of drug control, organized crime, and public health.

Let me begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Mozambique for graciously agreeing to host this important meeting- the first-ever AU drug control meeting to be held in this country. We are especially thankful for the warm courtesies extended to all participants and for the unwavering support in making this gathering possible.

We also acknowledge our long-standing partners, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the custodians of the international drug control conventions and standards. Your collaboration continues to be instrumental in shaping Africa’s response to the rapidly evolving drug and crime landscape.

To the distinguished experts gathered here - many of whom have offered their time and expertise pro bono - we salute your commitment. Your presence here today is a testament to the shared resolve to craft a robust, responsive, and progressive continental drug control architecture. One that not only guides policy and legislation but also drives operational responses across our Member States and Regional Economic Communities.

Our experts are drawn from across society: government, public and private sectors, pharmacology, academia, civil society, youth, and the judiciary. As a woman myself, allow me to take special pride in recognizing Hon. Lady Justice Florence Kabiru, Judge of the High Court in Kenya who is also with us today. Hon. Lady Justice, we have not invited you to preside over civil or criminal matters, but rather to help us incorporate critical measures to address challenges within the criminal justice system - particularly around deflection, diversion, and reintegration. You will not issue a sentence here but rather offer guidance on the issues that shape justice responses to drug-related challenges.

Let us also not forget to leverage the presence of traditional leaders - important pillars of African society - whose influence and wisdom can significantly widen the reach of interventions for both drug demand and drug supply reduction. We are honoured to have the Chairperson of the Southern Africa Network of Traditional Leaders in Drug Demand Reduction with us, and we look forward to hearing their insights on community-based approaches and interventions.

While here in Maputo, I encourage all participants to take time to explore the sights and signs of this vibrant city, a place rich in culture, history, and hospitality.

This meeting is not just a technical exercise - it is a moment of continental reflection and ambition. We must confront reality on the ground:

• The increasing use of the dark web to facilitate illicit drug trade.
• The proliferation of synthetic psychoactive substances, many of which are clandestinely manufactured within Africa.
• The UNODC’s projection of a 30% increase in drug use across the continent by 2030.
• The growing vulnerability of our children, youth, and women to drug use, as reported by the Pan African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use.
• The potential erosion of our demographic dividend if we fail to act decisively.

Our Plan of Action must be multi-sectoral and balanced - addressing both drug supply and demand reduction with equal vigour. It must include:

• A clear, actionable results framework at continental, sub-regional, and Member State levels, aligned with Agenda 2063 and the 2019 UN Ministerial Declaration.
• Integration of the 2023 Lusaka High-Level Session Declaration on addressing drug use and related mental health challenges among youth, women, and children.
• A strong advocacy strategy to mobilize political will and community engagement.
• A dedicated pillar on alcohol and other psychoactive substances, which are increasingly reported among those admitted for treatment
• Measures to ensure the availability of controlled medicines for palliative care, safeguarding the right to health and dignity.
• A commitment to mainstream gender, youth, and human rights considerations across all interventions.
• Mechanisms for peer review, monitoring, and capacity building to ensure accountability and measurable progress.

We count on this group - not only for your technical acumen but for your shared desire for peace, prosperity, and resilience across Africa. Let this meeting be the beginning of a transformative journey. One that places Africa at the forefront of innovative, humane, and effective drug control and crime prevention strategies.

Together, let us build a future where our communities are protected, our youth are empowered, and our continent thrives.

I thank you.