Group of people stand outside the Diani Convention Centre in Kenya. They hold a banner reading “AU–EU Youth Voices Lab: Power of the Collective.

AU–EU Youth Voices Lab Annual Review Meeting 2026

26-30 January 2026 – Mombasa, Kenya

The AU–EU Youth Voices Lab convened its 2026 Annual Review Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, bringing together consortium partners and members of the Youth Advisory Board for a pivotal moment in the programme’s journey.

Year 2 marks a shift from design to delivery, and the programme’s Annual Review Meeting provided the space needed to reflect on progress and co‑design the priorities that will guide Year 3 (2026–2027).The week-long gathering focused on assessing how the programme is advancing youth engagement, advocacy influence, and collaboration across the AU–EU partnership. Participants worked together to reflect on achievements, co-design the Year 3 Workplan and Roadmap, validate and update indicators and targets.

Throughout the meeting, the Youth Advisory Board’s active participation was essential. Their insights ensured that youth perspectives shaped every discussion and decision made.

How the Work Was Achieved

Over five days, partners and YAB members collaborated through a mix of structured and interactive sessions:

  • Joint reflection sessions where partners and YAB members assessed progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities 
  • Co-design working groups that developed the Year 3 Workplan, including actons, timelines, and operational procedures 
  • Finalization of the MEAL Framework, to ensure alignment on planning, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptation.
  • Team-building activities to reinforce trust and collective purpose. 
  • Cultural exchanges that celebrated diversity and deepened connection among participants

The meeting generated a set of strategic outputs that will guide the programme into its next phase.

These achievements were made possible through the dedicated collaboration of Oxfam International, Restless Development, Search for Common Ground, Youthmakers Hub, and ComDev Africa, who worked side by side with the Youth Advisory Board, whose insights ensured that young people remained at the heart of every decision.

Let Year 3 begin!