Jatta Fabakary Tombong opens 90th CPA Africa Region executive committee meeting in Swakopmund

By Jatta Fabakary Tombong, chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region executive committee. Swakopmund, Namibia. 5 March 2026.

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Good morning.

As I stand here looking out at this room, surrounded by colleagues and friends from across our great continent, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. It is a profound honour and a privilege to stand before you today for the first time as the newly elected chairperson of the CPA Africa Region executive committee to welcome you to the official opening of our 90th executive committee meeting.

We gather in this beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund, a place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert. There is something poetic about this setting. Two powerful forces coming together in harmony. That is exactly what we hope to achieve here – the confluence of our diverse ideas, experiences and perspectives, united in our common purpose.

I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to our wonderful hosts, the parliament of the Republic of Namibia. Under the leadership of Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, speaker of the National Assembly, and Lukas Sinimbo Muha, chairperson of the National Council, we have been welcomed with such warmth and generosity. The beauty of your nation is only surpassed by the hospitality of its people, and for that we are truly thankful.

I also want to take a moment to recognise the hardworking staff of the Namibian parliament under the stewardship of Tousy Namiseb, secretary of the National Council. To you and your team, thank you. Thank you for the meticulous planning, for the warm smiles and for the excellent facilities you have put at our disposal. We feel at home here.

Speaking of hard work, I would be remiss if I did not mention our backbone, the regional secretariat. Daniel Eliufoo and your entire team work tirelessly behind the scenes, often late into the night and away from your families, to ensure that everything runs smoothly for us. You coordinate, you plan and you solve problems before we even know they exist. On behalf of all of us, I want to say thank you for your dedication, your passion and your commitment to the CPA Africa Region. We see you, we appreciate you and we could not do this without you.

Vice president Lucia Witbooi, your presence here today sends a powerful message about how much Namibia values parliamentary democracy and regional cooperation. We are deeply honoured by your attendance and we thank you for your continued support of our shared vision.

As I stand here, my mind wanders back to a moment during our 89th executive committee meeting, which was hosted in my beloved country, The Gambia. I remember it clearly. Lukas Sinimbo Muha stood before us and, with conviction and passion, told us that Namibia was ready to host this gathering. He spoke about his nation’s commitment to the ideals of the CPA, and you could feel the pride in his voice.

Today, as I look around this room and see the excellent arrangements, the warm hospitality and the genuine spirit of collaboration, I am witnessing firsthand the truthfulness of his words. Lukas Sinimbo Muha, you made a promise on behalf of your nation and you have delivered beyond measure. Your word is your bond, and I thank you for turning that promise into this reality.

Members, this meeting is much more than just another item on our calendar. It is a continuation of our shared journey – a journey towards stronger democracies, better governance and a brighter future for the people we serve.

As a newly elected executive committee, we carry a significant responsibility on our shoulders. Our focus will be to build on the strong foundation laid by those who came before us. We will look ahead to our upcoming annual regional conference, engage in honest and robust dialogue, formulate thoughtful policy proposals and ensure that our collective efforts truly make a difference across our continent.

Before I conclude, I would like to share a special message. Through Sameer Suleman, president of the CPA Africa Region and speaker of the parliament of Malawi, I ask that we extend the CPA Africa Region’s warmest regards and a message of deep admiration to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, president of the Republic of Namibia.

Madam president, we see what you are doing. We see the bold decisions you are making to strengthen Namibia’s economy and create opportunities for your people. The decision to make tertiary education fully subsidised by the government starting this year is not just policy, it is a gift to future generations. It says to every young Namibian that their dreams matter and that their government believes in them.

We have also taken note of the National Youth Development Fund, half a billion Namibian dollars dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs. More than N$62 million has already been disbursed, with 140 projects supported and more than 700 jobs created. These are not just numbers on a page. These are young people with hope in their eyes, families with bread on their tables and communities being transformed.

Your strategic shift towards economic diplomacy, ensuring that international partnerships deliver real and tangible benefits for Namibia in trade, investment and skills development, positions your nation not as a spectator but as a competitive player on the global stage.

Madam president, your leadership is a beacon. It shows what is possible when leaders dedicate themselves to the greater good. It inspires all of us and reinforces the strength we have when we work together within the Commonwealth.

Once again, I thank the parliament of Namibia for hosting us so beautifully. I thank each of you for travelling here, for bringing your wisdom and your perspectives, and for your commitment to this family we call the CPA Africa Region.

I look forward to today’s executive committee meeting – the conversations, the debates, the laughter and the friendships renewed. Let us make this meeting productive, impactful and worthy of the people we represent.

I thank you.

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