Variations in alcohol use worldwide and the range of policies enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based interventions in shaping alcohol control measures. This paper explores how CSOs acted at both local and national levels to protect communities and influence alcohol policies in six African countries during the pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional survey emailed to CSOs involved in alcohol prevention, advocacy, and policy work in Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Nineteen staff members from these CSOs responded to the questionnaire between February and March 2022. This study focuses on analyzing their reported activities and contributions during the pandemic. All 19 respondents, covering the six countries, were included in the analysis. CSOs primarily engaged in: (i) direct advocacy and lobbying, (ii) public education campaigns via media, and (iii) pandemic-related legal and regulatory interventions. Considering the heavy burdens governments faced during COVID-19, the involvement of CSOs is increasingly critical for advancing alcohol control strategies and public health initiatives in Southern Africa. To maximize their impact, CSOs should have formal roles in developing, debating, and implementing public health policies.
