By Sameer Suleman, president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region and speaker of the parliament of Malawi. Swakopmund, Namibia. 5 March 2026.
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It is a great honour to stand before this distinguished gathering in the beautiful Republic of Namibia. Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the speaker and the parliament of Namibia for their warm hospitality and for graciously hosting this important meeting of the CPA Africa Region executive committee.
Your generosity and organisation reflect the spirit of solidarity and cooperation that defines our Commonwealth parliamentary community. Gatherings such as this strengthen the bonds between our parliaments and reaffirm our shared commitment to democratic governance across our continent.
I also wish to extend a warm welcome to all delegates who have travelled from across Africa to participate in this meeting. Your presence here demonstrates our collective commitment to advancing the ideals of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and to strengthening parliamentary democracy in our respective jurisdictions.
I am confident that our deliberations will be constructive and forward-looking as we continue to work together to strengthen our legislatures and enhance their ability to serve our citizens effectively.
As we gather here today, it is important that we reflect on the purpose and mandate of the CPA Africa Region. Our mission is not merely institutional – it is fundamentally about improving governance and enhancing the lives of the people we represent.
Through the CPA we seek to promote parliamentary excellence, strengthen democratic institutions and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices among our member branches. By doing so, we reinforce the core principles that underpin democratic governance – accountability, transparency, participation and the rule of law.
These principles are not abstract ideals. They are the foundations upon which effective parliaments perform their constitutional mandates of legislation, oversight and representation. When our parliaments function effectively, they contribute directly to better public policies, stronger accountability of governments and ultimately improved social and economic outcomes for our citizens.
Distinguished colleagues, the challenges facing our continent today are complex and interconnected. Across Africa, our nations are grappling with issues such as climate change, food insecurity, economic volatility and the rapid pace of technological transformation.
These challenges affect the everyday lives of our people and require thoughtful legislative responses. They demand that parliaments play an active role in shaping policies that promote inclusive growth, social stability and sustainable development.
The CPA Africa Region provides an invaluable platform through which we can learn from one another’s experiences, exchange innovative ideas and strengthen our collective capacity to address these challenges. Our cooperation as parliamentarians is therefore not simply institutional – it is essential to delivering meaningful progress for our citizens.
As we strengthen our institutions, we must also recognise the importance of innovation and adaptation. The digital age is transforming how societies function and our parliaments must evolve accordingly.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, offer opportunities to enhance legislative research, improve oversight through better data analysis and deepen engagement with the citizens we represent. However, as we embrace these technologies, we must do so responsibly and ethically, ensuring that innovation strengthens democratic processes and preserves the human-centred values at the heart of our institutions.
Equally important is the recognition that parliaments do not operate in isolation. Effective governance requires strong collaboration between parliaments, governments, civil society and the private sector.
Engaging with these partners ensures that our legislative and oversight work is informed by real societal needs and grounded in practical experience. Through such partnerships, parliaments can contribute more effectively to national development and ensure that public policies deliver tangible benefits to our people.
Allow me now to turn to an important matter concerning the future activities of our region. It is my honour to formally confirm that the Malawi branch will host the CPA Africa Region conference and annual general meeting in August 2026.
We accept this responsibility with great humility and deep appreciation for the confidence that the CPA Africa Region has placed in the parliament of Malawi.
On behalf of the government and people of Malawi, and indeed on behalf of the parliament which I have the privilege to lead, I extend a cordial invitation to all branches represented here today to join us in Lilongwe for this important gathering.
We are committed to hosting a conference that will not only provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas, but also generate practical outcomes that will strengthen our parliaments and enhance our collective ability to serve our citizens.
When you come to Malawi, we look forward to sharing with you the warmth and hospitality for which our country is renowned – the Warm Heart of Africa.
As I conclude, allow me once again to express my sincere appreciation to our Namibian hosts for their hospitality and to thank all members of the executive committee for your continued dedication to strengthening the CPA Africa Region.
Together, through cooperation, shared learning and commitment to democratic values, we can continue to build parliaments that respond effectively to the needs and aspirations of our people.
I look forward to welcoming you all to Malawi in August 2026.
Thank you.
May God bless Africa.
May God bless the CPA Africa Region.
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