Is Africa fighting the symptoms and not the source?

Across many African nations, the war on drugs continues to focus heavily on punishing users rather than dismantling the larger, more dangerous networks fuelling the trade. This approach has been criticized by public health advocates and policy experts who argue that criminalizing addiction does little to address the root causes or disrupt the powerful supply chains moving illicit substances across borders.

From poorly coordinated drug raids to overcrowded prisons filled with low-level offenders, the current strategy has proven both costly and ineffective. Meanwhile, the real threat international drug trafficking syndicates remains largely untouched, thriving in the shadows of weak surveillance and outdated enforcement tactics. Experts now agree that what is needed is a smarter, more targeted approach that addresses both supply and demand with equal force.

   

In this complex fight, traceability is emerging as a crucial tool. It helps authorities track the movement of controlled substances, monitor pharmaceutical supply chains and detect anomalies that could signal diversion into the black market. With proper systems in place, it becomes easier to trace a product back to its source, flag suspicious transactions and hold the right actors accountable whether in manufacturing, distribution or retail.

If Africa is to turn the tide in the war on drugs, it must shift from reactive policing to intelligent control. Strengthening traceability systems can help the continent move from guesswork to precision, targeting the right players and protecting communities more effectively.