The Activating Youth Voices for Accountability Project is a youth-focused initiative implemented by the Transparency & Accountability Lab (TAL) in Choma District, Southern Province, Zambia. The project seeks to strengthen the participation of young people in governance processes and empower them to actively engage public institutions, demand accountability, and contribute to transparent, inclusive, and responsive service delivery.

Supported by ActionAid Zambia under the European Union-funded Meaningful Youth Participation (MY PART) project, the initiative recognises young people as essential partners in promoting democratic governance and holding public institutions accountable. It responds to the need for meaningful youth participation in decision-making, moving beyond simply having young people present in governance spaces to ensuring their voices are heard, their concerns are considered, and their contributions influence decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Through civic awareness, community engagement, advocacy, and capacity-building activities, the project equips young people with the knowledge and skills to understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for participation in local governance. It creates opportunities for youth to engage local authorities, elected representatives, and relevant public institutions on issues affecting their communities, including access to quality public services, the management of public resources, and the implementation of development priorities.

The project also promotes constructive dialogue between young people and duty bearers, helping to bridge the gap between citizens and public institutions. By encouraging evidence-based advocacy and citizen-led accountability, it seeks to foster a culture in which young people can raise concerns, seek information, monitor public service delivery, and participate in finding practical solutions to community challenges.

At its core, the project is driven by the belief that accountable governance requires active, informed, and empowered citizens. Young people have the potential to influence public decisions, strengthen democratic institutions, and champion positive change when provided with the right platforms, information, and support.

Through the Activating Youth Voices for Accountability Project, TAL is working towards a generation of young people who do not merely observe governance but actively shape it, champion transparency, and hold leaders accountable for the commitments they make to citizens.