Strengthening dialogues during COAFR visit to Zambia

On Thursday, 3 April 2025, in collaboration with Restless Development, the European Union Office in Lusaka hosted a high-level event between Zambian civil society representatives and a delegation from the Council of the European Union’s Africa Working Party (COAFR). The session brought together 30 participants, including representatives from youth-led and youth-focused civil society organizations across Zambia. This engagement formed part of COAFR’s broader initiative to deepen connections with sub-Saharan Africa. During their visit to Zambia, 14 COAFR representatives engaged directly with local civil society to better understand the regional context and the role of youth and women in shaping inclusive governance and resilient communities.

The event provided an open forum for dialogue, where Zambian civil society actors presented their work and voiced their perspectives on pressing social issues. Key points to the discussion were the thematic areas of gender equality, youth empowerment, governance, and resilience. Participants highlighted both the progress and ongoing challenges facing young people and women in civic and political spaces.

The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab programme was referenced during the meeting as an example of how youth-led initiatives can bridge intercontinental dialogue and foster meaningful participation in policymaking. This interaction strengthened mutual understanding between EU representatives and local stakeholders. It enabled COAFR delegates to understand better the priorities and operational realities faced by Zambian civil society. The session significantly contributed to sustaining engagement and cooperation in addressing development and governance challenges through inclusive and participatory approaches.