Zimbabwean youth are stepping up in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse, bringing forward inventive solutions at the 2025 Smart Drinking and Moderation Innovation Challenge held in Harare.
The event coordinated by the BOOST Fellowship in collaboration with Delta Corporation, gathered university students and young entrepreneurs developing approaches to promote responsible drinking and curb the growing crisis of substance abuse in the country.
Speaking at the event, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe affirmed that government-led efforts to dismantle drug supply networks are already in motion. He emphasized that youth-driven initiatives are essential to reversing the rising availability of illegal substances.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is taking decisive action in addressing the scale of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Kazembe also highlighted the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The plan aims to enforce a zero-tolerance approach using a four-tier system that reaches from national institutions to community levels. He further indicated that government intends to strengthen laws targeting drug suppliers, moving beyond lenient penalties that fail to break distribution chains.
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Participants at the challenge showcased a range of innovations, including drink-tracking mobile apps, alcohol-free entertainment alternatives, and peer-led education models designed to steer young people away from harmful habits. Live demonstrations offered guests a chance to experience the proposed solutions firsthand, and top entries were awarded for their potential real-world impact.
BOOST Fellowship Executive Director Tinashe Mushonga noted that the programme has already worked with students from 14 universities to develop tools aimed at preventing underage drinking, reducing alcohol-related violence, and building safer communities.
“Through our work with universities, schools, out-of-school youth, and rural groups, the Smart Drinking and Moderation Innovation Challenge has reached over 20,000 people across Zimbabwe. Our programmes are empowering young people to reject drugs and harmful drinking practices, and more innovations are still on the way,” he said.
Young participants echoed the urgency of addressing the crisis. Venus, a recent A-level graduate, shared her goal of mobilising youth groups to advocate for healthier lifestyles and safeguard their future ambitions.
“I want to build a group that says no to drugs and no to destroying dreams through substance abuse,” she said.
Social work students from the Women’s University in Africa also raised concerns that rising drug and alcohol misuse is undermining academic performance and damaging institutional reputations.
Organisers say the innovation challenge is part of a wider national effort to build healthier communities and reshape social attitudes toward alcohol. Both BOOST Fellowship and Delta Corporation pledged continued support for youth-led solutions tackling one of Zimbabwe’s most pressing social issues.
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