Drug abuse threatens productivity | Business Times

SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO

 

Drug and substance abuse is increasingly emerging as a serious economic and productivity threat in Zimbabwe, with authorities warning that the growing scourge is weakening the country’s labour force, driving up healthcare costs and fuelling criminal activities that undermine economic development.

 

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Ezra Chadzamira said the province was intensifying the implementation of the National Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan to safeguard communities and protect Zimbabwe’s human capital.

 

Chadzamira described drug and substance abuse as a threat that extends beyond public health and social stability, posing significant risks to economic growth, workforce development and national prosperity.

 

“Drug and substance abuse is a growing threat to the nation’s health, security, economy and social stability,” he said.

 

The government’s response is anchored on the National Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, approved by Cabinet in April 2024, which seeks to coordinate interventions involving government ministries, local authorities, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, communities and development partners.

 

Masvingo Province has already trained district drug and substance abuse technical committees in Chiredzi, Masvingo and Bikita, while training programmes in the remaining districts are expected to be completed by the end of June.

 

The economic implications of drug abuse are becoming increasingly evident, particularly among young people who constitute a critical segment of Zimbabwe’s productive workforce. According to statistics presented by Chadzamira, the majority of individuals affected by substance abuse are youths, raising concerns about future labour productivity, skills development and entrepreneurship growth.

 

Under the supply reduction pillar of the programme, law enforcement agencies arrested 162 suspects between January and the first quarter of 2026, comprising 125 males and 37 females. During the same period, authorities secured 83 prosecutions and convictions.

 

The province also recorded substantial seizures of illicit substances, including more than 533 000 kilogrammes of cannabis and over 7 500 bottles of illegal cough syrups. The total value of recovered drugs exceeded US$7 million.

 

Economists note that illicit drug markets divert financial resources away from productive sectors of the economy while strengthening criminal networks and informal financial flows. The economic burden is further compounded by reduced workplace productivity, absenteeism, workplace accidents and rising healthcare costs associated with substance abuse.

 

To tackle demand, the government has expanded youth-focused empowerment programmes aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and reducing vulnerability to drug and substance abuse.

 

Since the beginning of the year, the province has reached 36 336 young people through awareness campaigns and prevention initiatives. In addition, 859 youths have received vocational and entrepreneurial training in areas such as hotel and catering, sewing, welding and motor mechanics.

 

Chadzamira said life-skills training programmes had benefited more than 5 400 young people, while financial literacy initiatives reached over 5 200 youths.

 

Development partners, including Care Zimbabwe and the United Nations Development Programme, have supported some of the interventions, underscoring the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing the challenge.

 

Access to finance is also being integrated into the province’s response strategy. Through the EmpowerBank facility, 16 youths received loans worth more than US$26 000 to support income-generating projects and entrepreneurship ventures.

 

Analysts say such empowerment programmes can strengthen economic resilience by reducing unemployment and providing alternative pathways for young people vulnerable to drug abuse.

 

The social and health costs associated with substance abuse remain significant. The Ministry of Health and Child Care has deployed four psychologists and 14 social workers across the province to strengthen rehabilitation and psychosocial support services.

 

Authorities have also introduced a mental health screening tool that incorporates drug and substance abuse assessments across health facilities.

 

Provincial statistics show that 32 individuals have successfully completed rehabilitation programmes, while 81 others remain under rehabilitation. Efforts are underway to establish rehabilitation centres in every district to improve access to treatment and recovery services.

 

Masvingo City Council has already allocated four hectares of land for a rehabilitation centre, while several districts have identified facilities that can be upgraded to provide rehabilitation services.

 

Recognising the need for sustainable funding, Masvingo Province has launched an anti-drug and substance abuse fundraising campaign that has attracted pledges amounting to US$27 000 from corporates and individuals.

 

Chadzamira urged stakeholders who have not yet fulfilled their commitments to do so, saying the resources would help strengthen rehabilitation services, support aftercare programmes and facilitate the training of additional mental health professionals.

 

Business leaders and development practitioners increasingly view the fight against drug abuse as an investment in human capital development. A healthy, skilled and productive workforce remains central to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations and the country’s broader industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.

 

“The fight against drug and substance abuse is everyone’s responsibility,” Chadzamira said, calling on families, communities, businesses, faith-based organisations and development partners to intensify collaboration.

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