Rafael Hangula
Swakopmund- Vice President (VP) of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, today officially opened the 90th Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Region in Swakopmund.
The CPA-Africa Region promotes parliamentary democracy, good governance, and cooperation among legislatures across the continent. It also provides an important platform for African parliaments to exchange knowledge, build institutional capacity, and advance democratic values through collaboration and dialogue.
In her keynote address, Vice President Witbooi welcomed delegates from across Africa and highlited the critical role that strong and effective legislatures play in promoting accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance.
She said CPA must strengthen democracy by following five basic ideas of the Commonwealth, which include constitutional governance, separation of powers, the rule of law, respect for human rights, gender equality, and participation by everyone.
In doing so, the VP said that the EXCO of CPA-Africa is central to these efforts, as 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, impacting issues such as fiscal oversight, institutional reform, gender inclusion, youth representation, and digital transformation,” said VP.
She highlighted the importance of robust legislatures in driving sustainable development in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want,” and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 16 regarding peace, justice, and strong institutions.
“Therefore, the CPA Africa Region 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,” said VP.
Before assuming her current role, VP served within the CPA network, having served as Regional Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) from 2020 to 2025, where she championed gender equality and the increased participation of women in parliamentary leadership.
Speaking at the same event, the President of the CPA-Africa Region and Speaker of the Par;iament of Malwali hon SAMEER SULEMAN said the challenges facing African 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,” he said.
“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,” he stressed.
The Executive Committee meeting brings together Speakers of Parliament, Heads of Delegations, and parliamentary leaders from across the African continent to deliberate on strengthening legislative institutions, enhancing parliamentary oversight, and advancing democratic governance.
