Reflecting on our first Annual Review Meeting in Lusaka

From January 21 to 23, our Consortium partners gathered in Lusaka, Zambia, for the first Annual Review Meeting. This has been a significant milestone in our journey as it brought together Oxfam, Restless Development, Search for Common Ground, Youthmakers Hub, and ComDev Africa for an intensive three-day session focused on evaluating progress, strengthening collaboration, and shaping the future of the programme. During the meeting, Consortium representatives assessed the impact of the programme to date, examined and restructured key procedures, welcomed new team members, and mapped out the next steps for 2025. This gathering was more than just an evaluation – it was an opportunity to reinforce partnerships and realign strategies to ensure continued success.

A key highlight of the event was the active participation of youth representatives, reinforcing our commitment to youth-led development. Hope Mukwinda, a member of the YVL Youth Advisory Board, played a crucial role in the discussions. Her presence ensured that all decisions aligned with the aspirations and needs of young people across Africa. Speaking at the meeting, she emphasized the importance of youth voices in shaping the programme’s direction, stating: “I’m honored to participate in this meeting as this is a place where young people have a solid voice. And today, I represent all African youth. We all face similar challenges and have similar needs.” Another inspiring youth representative, Mputa Ngalande, also contributed meaningfully to the sessions, further highlighting the significance of youth leadership in the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab.

As we approach the first anniversary of our programme’s implementation, this meeting served as a key moment to celebrate progress and set ambitious goals for the future. The experience of connecting with partners, sharing insights, and collectively planning the next phase of our journey was truly invaluable. The energy, passion, and commitment displayed during these three days reaffirmed our shared dedication to empowering young people across Africa. With strengthened partnerships and a clear roadmap ahead, we are more motivated than ever to drive meaningful change in 2025 and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this transformative journey together.