28 Aug 2025

Africa must work collectively to combat the rising menace of synthetic substances, which threaten the safety, health, and future of the continent’s populations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day continental consultation organised by the African Union Commission on synthetic drug supply reduction, Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting described the rise of potent synthetic drugs as a stark and alarming trend.

She pointed to the sophisticated methods employed by transnational criminal networks, which exploited borders, infrastructure, and digital spaces to facilitate their illicit activities.

Ms Mophuting stressed the devastating impact the substances had on communities, particularly the young people whose lives and potential were being stolen.

The assistant minister said that safeguarding youth and strengthening national resilience must be at the heart of all efforts.
Ms Mophuting outlined clear actions emerging from the consultation, which included bolstering national and regional legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by traffickers, and enhancing cross-border intelligence sharing and joint operations, recognising that criminal networks disregarded national borders.
She called for increased investment in the capacity of law enforcement agencies, judiciary, customs authorities, and health sectors to ensure they were equipped to respond effectively.

Importantly, Ms Mophuting stressed that all interventions must be rooted in robust data and evidence to guarantee targeted, efficient solutions.

Equally important, she said, was the active engagement of communities.

Enforcement alone cannot stem the tide of synthetic drugs prevention, education, and awareness campaigns are essential components of a comprehensive strategy, Ms Mophuting said and explained that Botswana’s recent legislative reforms, such as the Illicit Drugs Amendment Bill, and the establishment of the National Drug Control Master Strategy, exemplified the nation’s commitment.

She also highlighted efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and conduct nationwide awareness initiatives to empower citizens.

Ms Mophuting said the fight against synthetic drugs transcended border security and was fundamentally about protecting public health, safeguarding national security, and preserving the future of Africa’s youth.

She acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by well-organised and well-financed traffickers but reaffirmed Africa’s unwavering resolve to win the fight against synthetic drug supply. ENDS