Date: 14th March 2025
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Project: Advocacy for the Enactment of the Tobacco Control Bill (Y-ACT)
The Y-ACT Youth in Action coalition, supported by Amref Health Africa, continues to build momentum
in its advocacy for the enactment of the Tobacco Control Bill in Zambia. At the forefront of this effort
are passionate youth-led organizations, including the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia
(AAAZ), working to create a healthier, tobacco-free future.
During the recent National Youth Indaba, held under the theme “Youth Empowerment and Participation
in National Development,” the Y-ACT coalition actively engaged government officials, civil society actors,
development partners, and fellow youth advocates. The central message was clear: Zambia needs
strong, evidence-based tobacco control legislation,now more than ever.
The most powerful moment of the event came when His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema,
visited the Y-ACT exhibition stand. This high-level engagement served as both validation and motivation
for the coalition’s advocacy efforts.
❝ This was more than a symbolic moment,it showed that our voices are being heard at the highest
levels. It reaffirmed that youth have the power to influence national policy and drive healthier futures
for all Zambians, ❞
— Annie Kapolyo, Y-ACT Coalition Project Lead
Throughout the Indaba, the coalition showcased its awareness campaigns, policy engagement
strategies, and grassroots mobilization efforts focused on tobacco control. The team also commended
the government for its continued commitment to advancing the Tobacco Control Bill and called for its
swift enactment.
Highlights & Acknowledgments
At the National Youth Indaba, the Y-ACT coalition,which includes AAAZ and other youth-led partners—
successfully engaged stakeholders and amplified advocacy for the Tobacco Control Bill.
The coalition received nationwide attention when President Hichilema visited the Y-ACT stand,
signaling increased recognition of youth leadership in public health.
Thanks to the support of Amref Health Africa, the engagement:
• Sparked stronger political and public interest in the Bill
• Showcased youth-driven solutions to reducing tobacco harm
• Reinforced collaboration between civil society and government
This milestone reinforces the coalition’s commitment to meaningful youth participation and highlights
the impact of donor-supported action in shaping Zambia’s health policies.
Coalition Members
The success of this advocacy effort is the result of collaboration across a dynamic youth-led network. YACT’s Zambia coalition includes:
• Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ)
• TOFAZA – Tobacco Free Association of Zambia
• Scope Zambia
• Powering Young Initiatives
• Youth Arise Zambia
• Mcover Solutions
• ADHEC – Adolescent Health and Development Centre
• Lizu Community
Together, these organizations continue to push for policies that prioritize health, especially for Zambia’s
younger generation
Join the Movement
Zambia’s youth are not waiting for the future—they are shaping it now.
Support the push for a tobacco-free Zambia. Learn more. Get involved. Stay engaged.
