- Rafael Hangula
MIDRAND, South Africa – National Council Chairperson Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha has called for stronger parliamentary diplomacy and closer cooperation among African legislatures to address Africa’s emerging challenges, including youth unemployment, food insecurity, terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the Annual Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments held last week in Midrand, South Africa, at the Pan-African Parliament, Muha said the discussions highlighted the need for African legislatures to work more closely in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and responding collectively to the continent’s evolving challenges.
“The question here is, how do we make use of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing these challenges? Whether we are really, as leaders, moving at the speed that is desired, or perhaps we are too slow in addressing the problems,” Hon. Muha said.
He said the conference provided an important platform for parliamentary leaders from across Africa to deliberate on issues affecting the continent, including terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, governance, xenophobia, youth unemployment, food security and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He added that one of the key discussions focused on whether Africa was making sufficient progress towards achieving the objectives of the AfCFTA, particularly in promoting trade among African countries.
“Towards the end of the conference, we also reflected on the African Continental Free Trade Area, whether or not the key goals set are being met. We have encouraged African countries to trade within the continent, but whether this is what we are observing, or perhaps we are observing something contrary,” he said.
Reflecting on Namibia’s contribution towards the implementation of Agenda 2063, Muha said the country continues to make progress through policies aimed at promoting inclusive development and addressing key national priorities.
He highlighted Namibia’s investment in water security, noting that five per cent of the national budget is allocated to water and sanitation.
The National Council Chairperson also pointed to the country’s green hydrogen initiatives and achievements in advancing gender equality, particularly through increased representation of women in leadership positions.
“We proudly talk about our own President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Vice President and more than 50 per cent of women holding ministerial positions. This is in response to Agenda 2063,” he said.
He further highlighted that the conference also allowed African parliamentary leaders to share experiences, successes, challenges and lessons in implementing Agenda 2063, creating an opportunity for countries to learn from one another.
The Chairperson welcomed a declaration presented by the Pan-African Parliament Women’s Caucus calling for the full participation of women in political, economic and social life, saying increased representation of women in decision-making structures remains essential to Africa’s development.
The Annual Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments ended with the adoption of the Johannesburg Declaration and the launch of three Pan-African Model Laws: the Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity, the Model Law on Labour Migration, and the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management.
Developed through broad consultations with African Union institutions and stakeholders, the voluntary legislative frameworks are intended to assist Member States in developing and harmonising national legislation in support of shared continental priorities, while reinforcing the role of parliaments in advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
