Founding Charter of the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol in Zambia

We, representatives from organizations across all sectors of Zambia – public, private, and social – recognize that illicit alcohol poses a fundamental threat to our nation.

We acknowledge that while the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol is a global challenge, and thus not unique to our country, the data shows that Zambia struggles more than most with the widespread use and abuse of illicit alcohol, in particular low-cost, high-ABV illicit spirits commonly known as junta.

The long-lasting impact of the consumption of illicit spirits poses an immense risk to the future growth and prosperity of Zambia, as it cuts down the productivity, purpose, and hope of the largest demographic group in our nation: our youth. We, as concerned citizens and residents of Zambia, cannot stand idly by while over 70% of young people ruin their health and lives by consuming illicit alcohol on a regular basis.

Addressing this challenge requires all of us. It requires renewed political will. It requires companies and industries to overcome their commercial differences and put their voices and resources together. It requires civil society, religious institutions, and traditional leaders to reach communities and everyday Zambians to join this movement. It requires academics and the public health sector to work with non-traditional partners to create holistic solutions. This challenge truly requires all of us.

Our objective as the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol in Zambia is to build a social movement that will transform our country by stopping the sales and consumption of illicit alcohol – especially low-cost, high-ABV illicit spirits – galvanizing communities, families, and individual citizens to take a stand.

The guiding principles of this Coalition are few, but binding:

• We need all voices & perspectives | Public sector, private sector, social sector, all religious groups and organizations, all industries, traditional leaders, groups representing any age and gender are all welcome and important.
• We respect all contributions | No single organization can solve the problem of illicit alcohol alone.
• We value action | We are united in our desire to create measurable impact in Zambian society.

The Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol in Zambia will adhere to the aforementioned principles in all that we do, with membership contingent upon their acceptance.

And, to this effect, we hereby agree to become members of the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol in Zambia, to initiate and mobilize our collective strengths to accelerate the fight against illicit alcohol so that we rid our nation of its effects and create a brighter future for all.

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