Across several regions of Africa, the relationship between terrorism and illicit economies interacts with broader patterns of insecurity. In environments marked by fragile institutions, porous borders and expansive informal markets, violent extremist groups and criminal actors operate within overlapping spaces where the boundaries between legality and illegality are often blurred. These conditions create environments in which illicit economic systems can be exploited by violent extremist groups.

The OPCW strengthened its capacity to address CBRN forensic challenges through a targeted training activity, enhancing evidentiary standards and investigative preparedness under the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative.

Addressing  evolving CBRN forensic challenges

Illegal and counterfeit pesticides represent a growing transnational challenge at the intersection of crime and justice, trade, public health, and environmental protection. Often smuggled, diverted from legitimate supply chains, or falsely labelled, these products are traded across borders and in markets, undermining regulatory systems and enforcement efforts.