About Operation
Young Vote
A youth-led movement born in 1999 to ensure young Zambians claim their rightful place in democracy, governance, and national development.
Born from a Generation's Demand to Be Heard
Operation Young Vote was established by young people who recognised that their peers — the majority in Zambia's population — were severely underrepresented in democratic processes. What started as a voter registration campaign became a national movement.
Founded as a Voter Registration Campaign
Young Zambians launch OYV to mobilise their peers across the country and increase youth participation in elections.
Formally Registered
OYV is officially registered under Certificate No. ORS/102/35/2258, establishing itself as a recognised civil society organisation.
First National Election Mobilisation
OYV engages in its first national election cycle, beginning a continuous track record of youth electoral mobilisation.
Growth Across All Provinces
OYV builds chapters across all provinces, districts, constituencies, and most wards — recruiting over 98,900 members from communities, institutions, and churches.
AGM & Strategic Renewal
OYV holds its Annual General Meeting, entering a new chapter of evolution and strengthened governance as the organisation continues to grow.
Officially Registered NGO
Registration Certificate: ORS/102/35/2258
Date of Registration: 11th August 2000
Address: Plot #742, Baobab Road, Lilanda Estate, Lusaka
What Drives Everything We Do
Three statements that define OYV's purpose, its picture of a transformed Zambia, and its overarching aim.
"A Young People focused NGO, working in partnership with Young People across the country and sectors to ignite and enhance their involvement in life endeavours, improve their livelihood and ensure their participation in decision-making at all levels — through advocacy, leadership development, capacity building, research and information dissemination."
"A prosperous and inclusive Zambia led by empowered, motivated, patriotic and innovative young people with fundamental rights for all upheld."
"Empowering Zambia's citizens, especially the young people, to fully participate in the country's decision-making processes and development, while advocating for their rights and well-being, to drive positive change and inclusive governance."
Our Commitments to Zambia's Youth
OYV's seven strategic objectives set out measurable targets to drive youth empowerment, representation, and democratic participation through 2030.
By 2027, ensure at least 70% of eligible young people (16–35 years) have acquired National Registration Cards to fully claim their civic rights.
Achieve a minimum 20% increase in youth voter registration and turnout in every electoral cycle to guarantee young voices shape Zambia's future.
Influence national leaders to adopt two or more youth-responsive policies by 2030, addressing inequality, discrimination, and vulnerability.
Establish youth forums and chapters across all provinces by 2027 to create platforms for meaningful political and democratic participation.
Advocate for young people to hold at least 30% of decision-making roles in civic, political, and economic institutions by 2030.
Champion reforms securing three major policy or legal changes by 2030 to strengthen accountability, good governance, and rule of law.
Drive annual national campaigns on cyber/digital spaces, climate change, HIV/AIDS, and public health to equip youth for emerging challenges.
How OYV Is Organised
OYV operates through democratically formed structures from national to community level, ensuring accountability and inclusive representation at every tier.
Chapters are active across all provinces, districts, constituencies, and most wards in Zambia.