The 2025 World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), released Thursday, reveals a sharp rise in drug consumption across Africa, sparking concerns over worsening public health and security. The report highlights growing use of cannabis, tramadol, cocaine, and other illicit substances on the continent, driven by shifting global drug markets, porous borders, and increasing youth vulnerability. It warns that Africa is rapidly becoming both a key transit route and a growing consumer hub, especially for synthetic opioids like tramadol, whose abuse is surging in West and North Africa.
Globally, cannabis remained the most used drug in 2023, with an estimated 243 million users — 4.6% of the population aged 15 to 64. However, the report singles out Africa for its rising usage rates, particularly among adolescents and young adults, due to limited mental health services, unemployment, and inadequate drug prevention programs.
UNODC experts say Africa’s lack of investment in drug rehabilitation, enforcement capacity, and regional cooperation is compounding the problem. Without urgent policy reforms and stronger cross-border coordination, the continent risks a long-term drug crisis that could derail social and economic development.
