The African Union convened a three-day continental technical experts’ meeting to develop a new continental strategic framework and action plan on drug control and crime prevention in Maputo, Mozambique from 18th to 20th November 2025. This meeting follows the backdrop of a comprehensive end-of-term evaluation of progress by Member States in implementing the nine strategic pillars of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019 - 2025). It’s worth noting that the earlier plan of action was initially for 2019 – 2023 but was extended due to the COVID19 pandemic that stalled its implementation.

Opening the meeting, Honourable Dr Mateus da Cecília Feniasse Saize, Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Republic of Mozambique, underscored the Government of Mozambique’s commitment to strengthen justice, governance and institutional collaboration in support of regional and continental priorities against drug trafficking and use. He highlighted the urgency of the development of a new continental framework that will harmonise Member States’ collaboration in addressing the increased availability and use of psychoactive substances and related organised crime.

The Experts aim to strengthen collective responses, harmonise drug control legislation, enhance capacity building and finalise the communication strategy for the development of the drug control framework to remain responsive to emerging trends in crime and drug abuse for the next five years.

Ms. Angela Martins, the Acting Director for Social Development, Culture and Sports, African Union Commission emphasised the importance of this technical expert meeting in developing the next continental strategy for drug control. ‘’This meeting provides a vital platform for sharing technical expertise, knowledge and experiences for a harmonised regional approach and developing a revised African Union Plan of Action (2026-2030) to address drug supply and demand reduction,” the Acting Director indicated.

The technical experts meeting concluded with the following outcomes:
• Roadmap for the development, validation and presentation of documents for consideration by Policy Organs
• Outlined critical strategic pillars with detailed descriptions of core components including prevention, treatment, law enforcement, data systems, advocacy and communication, as well as the results framework,
• Institutional coordination mechanisms at continental, sub-regional and national level, and
• Sustainable financing and resource mobilisation strategies.

The technical meeting brought together experts from Member States, policymakers and international partners, including United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP), the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, Regional Economic Communities, Traditional leaders, Academia, Civil Society Cultural authorities.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Angela Martins | Ag. Director for Social Development | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission | E-mail MartinsA@africanunion.org
Mr. King David Cartey | Strategic Communication Expert| Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission | E-mail CarteyD@africanunion.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Faith Adhiambo Ochiang | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: OchiangJ@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.