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Global Alcohol Policy Conference

SAAPA South Africa Showcases Community-Driven Alcohol Policy Advocacy at Global Alcohol Policy Conference 2026

Johannesburg, South Africa, April 2026

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance-South Africa proudly participated in the Global Alcohol Policy Conference 2026, held in Brazil from 8 to 10 April, marking a significant milestone in advancing African-led solutions to alcohol harm on a global stage.

A delegation of five SAAPA South Africa representatives attended the conference, contributing meaningfully across multiple high-level platforms. SAAPA SA was selected for an impressive range of engagements, including one plenary presentation, two oral presentations, participation in two panel discussions, facilitation of one panel, and two poster presentations.

Plenary Presentation

Plenary Presentation SAAPA SA delivered a compelling plenary presentation on the value of monitoring liquor licenses as a tool for community empowerment. The presentation highlighted how strengthening community oversight can:

  • Enable communities to assert their rights.
  • Foster constructive engagement in alcohol-related conversations.
  • Support efforts to reduce alcohol availability.
  • Build collaborative relationships with liquor authorities

Oral Presentations

The delegation also delivered two oral presentations, showcasing innovative advocacy approaches:

  • Emotional Storytelling as a Bridge to Alcohol Policy Change in South Africa 
  • Traditional Leadership, Civil Society, and Fiscal Policy Advocacy in South Africa 

These presentations emphasized the importance of culturally grounded advocacy and strategic alliances in shaping effective alcohol policies.

Panel Participation

In addition, SAAPA SA facilitated a panel on:

  • Strategic Lessons and Insights from Advancing Alcohol Taxes 

This session provided a platform for sharing evidence-based strategies and lessons learned in advocating for effective alcohol taxation policies.

Panel Facilitation

The delegation also delivered two oral presentations, showcasing innovative advocacy approaches:

  • Emotional Storytelling as a Bridge to Alcohol Policy Change in South Africa 
  • Traditional Leadership, Civil Society, and Fiscal Policy Advocacy in South Africa 

These presentations emphasized the importance of culturally grounded advocacy and strategic alliances in shaping effective alcohol policies.

Poster Presentations

SAAPA SA further contributed through two poster presentations:

  • Legal Literacy for Stronger Alcohol Policy Advocacy 
  • The Critical Role of Community-Led Action in Advancing Policy Implementation 

These posters underscored the organization’s commitment to empowering communities as central drivers of policy change. 

SAAPA SA further contributed through two poster presentations:

  • Legal Literacy for Stronger Alcohol Policy Advocacy 
  • The Critical Role of Community-Led Action in Advancing Policy Implementation 

These posters underscored the organization’s commitment to empowering communities as central drivers of policy change.

Strengthening Africa’s Voice in Global Advocacy

SAAPA South Africa’s participation at GAPC 2026 reflects its growing leadership in advancing evidence-based, community-driven alcohol policy reform. The conference provided an opportunity to amplify African perspectives, share best practices, and build strategic partnerships with global stakeholders committed to reducing alcohol harm.