The 2025 World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) paints a concerning picture for Africa, as drug use on the continent continues to rise amid shifting global dynamics.
According to the report released Thursday, the continent is grappling with increasing consumption of substances like cannabis, tramadol, and cocaine. These trends are fueled by market diversification, expanding trafficking networks, and evolving patterns of drug use, especially among young populations.
Globally, cannabis remains the most commonly used drug, with 243 million people — or 4.6% of the global population aged 15 to 64 — using it in 2023. But in Africa, the growing prevalence of synthetic opioids like tramadol, combined with weak regulatory frameworks and limited rehabilitation infrastructure, is intensifying public health and security concerns.
Experts warn that unless swift policy interventions and regional cooperation are implemented, the continent may face a deepening drug crisis with long-term social and economic consequences.
