Vice President Lucia Witbooi Opens Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Executive Committee Meeting

Swakopmund, Erongo region, 5 March 2026

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It is an honour to address you today at the official opening of the 90th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Region Executive Committee meeting, convened here in Swakopmund in the Erongo region.

Allow me at the outset to extend a warm and sincere welcome on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of Namibia to you all.

Namibia is privileged to host this important gathering, which affirms our collective commitment to inter-parliamentary cooperation and the enduring relevance of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as a platform for advancing democratic governance across Africa.

The CPA Africa region stands as one of the most dynamic arms of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, uniting legislatures from across our diverse continent. Through the CPA, we come together in the spirit of cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect to promote the values of parliamentary democracy, good governance and human rights. These are the foundations upon which our nations continue to build inclusive, resilient and prosperous societies within the greater Commonwealth family.

On this occasion we meet at an important time for our continent. African institutions are navigating complex political, economic, technological and demographic transitions. These transitions present both significant challenges and unique opportunities – opportunities to modernise legislative practices, strengthen oversight, deepen citizen involvement and consolidate democratic legitimacy. Our ability to adapt and respond will determine our progress towards peace, prosperity and justice for our citizens.

The work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the African region is vital in this context. It must continue strengthening democracy by upholding the core principles of the Commonwealth, including constitutional governance, separation of powers, the rule of law, respect for human rights, gender equality and broad participation in governance. For a country to achieve stability and sustainable growth, it requires strong, independent and robust legislatures.

Parliaments must move beyond lawmaking to exercise rigorous oversight, ensure fiscal accountability, articulate the aspirations of the people and safeguard the constitutional order. The credibility of our democracies depends on the effectiveness and integrity of our parliamentary institutions.

The executive committee is central to these efforts. It provides strategic direction, oversees programmes and fosters cooperation among member parliaments. The deliberations and strategic decisions to be made here will influence capacity-building, guide governance reforms and set regional priorities. They will impact issues such as fiscal oversight, institutional reform, gender inclusion, youth representation and digital transformation. The outcomes of this meeting will therefore extend beyond this conference hall and influence the quality of governance throughout Africa.

In alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want’, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, this gathering highlights the necessity of robust legislatures in driving sustainable development. These aspirations call on us to be proactive, innovative and united in our pursuit of peace, prosperity and sustainable development. The CPA Africa region therefore plays a critical role in ensuring that the voices of the African electorate are translated into actionable policies that address poverty, inequality and the digital divide.

For the people and the government of the Republic of Namibia, hosting the 90th CPA Africa Region executive committee meeting is not only a source of pride but also an opportunity to showcase our unwavering dedication to democratic values and effective parliamentary practice. It is a testament to the strides we have made in fostering a stable democracy, promoting gender inclusion, advancing women’s leadership and strengthening the rule of law and youth participation within parliamentary structures.

Since independence, Namibia has remained steadfast in upholding constitutionalism, multiparty democracy and the separation of powers. Our parliament continues to strengthen legislative oversight, committee systems and public engagement, recognising that democratic consolidation is an ongoing process. Hosting this meeting therefore reflects both our commitment and the confidence placed in Namibia’s institutions.

Namibia is proud of its record of upholding democratic values, maintaining strong parliamentary institutions and actively participating within the Commonwealth family of nations. We have made significant progress in promoting gender equality and women’s leadership, reflected in the work of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians chapter and in our commitment to inclusivity and representation. Namibia has also been recognised for its progress in “zebra-style” gender representation, which ensures that women occupy key decision-making roles.

However, we remain mindful of the challenges that persist, including the rise of unconstitutional changes of government in some regions of the continent and the lingering socio-economic impacts of global crises. These challenges require renewed focus on parliamentary diplomacy, where legislators act as bridges between national interests and regional stability.

We must address the democratic deficit by ensuring that our institutions are not only transparent and accountable but also strong enough to resist corruption and external interference. These challenges require innovative thinking, strong leadership and robust cooperation among all member parliaments. They are not challenges for Namibia alone but for Africa as a whole. Through bodies such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, we find strength in unity and shared purpose.

A modern and credible parliament must be inclusive. The advancement of women, youth and marginalised communities through legislative processes is essential for equitable and sustainable development. Parliaments that reflect the diversity of their societies are more legitimate, responsive and resilient. Inclusion strengthens legitimacy, and trust strengthens democracy.

The principles of democracy, human rights, equality and respect for the rule of law unite us as members of the Commonwealth. We must nurture, protect and continuously strengthen our democratic institutions. The deliberations of this executive committee are therefore a meaningful contribution to this shared responsibility and to the advancement of ethical leadership and accountable governance in Africa.

In conclusion, I extend my deepest appreciation to the leadership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association African region and to all delegates for your dedication to parliamentary excellence. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the parliament of Namibia and all stakeholders involved for their dedication and hard work in bringing this gathering to fruition.

As we begin the 90th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association African Region executive committee meeting, let us reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that unite us. May your discussions be constructive, your deliberations visionary and your partnerships strengthened. May the outcomes of this meeting advance democracy across our continent and promote more inclusive parliamentary democracies within our nations and across Africa.

Let us work together to reinforce the pillars of parliamentary democracy and promote the shared values that bind us as members of the Commonwealth and as Africans. The decisions we make and the partnerships we forge here will shape the future of our parliaments and ultimately the lives of the people we serve.

It is with great honour that I now declare the 90th executive committee meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa region officially open.

I thank you.

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