On Friday 28th March 2025, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region conducted its 88th Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting in Seychelles, at Savoy Hotel, Beau Vallon. The meeting provided a vital forum for parliamentary leaders of Africa to address governance, legislative development, and regional collaboration. Executive Committee members from national and sub-national Legislatures were represented, namely Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gauteng, Kenya, KwaZulu Natal, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, The Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and the host nation Seychelles.
The 88th EXCO Meeting was preceded by closed session Committee and Sub-Committee Meetings, including the Regional Representatives Sub-Committee, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Sub-Committee, and the Programme, Planning and Finance (PPF) Sub-Committee, which took place on Wednesday 26th March 2025.
The event began with opening remarks by the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Speaker of Parliament of Malawi Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, (MP). Hon. Hara began by extending her appreciation to Seychelles for their generous hospitality and warm welcoming, as well as expressing her satisfaction for the display of unwavering commitment to the mission and vision of the CPA Africa Region. It was then disclosed that the upcoming 54th Annual Regional Conference will be hosted in The Gambia from the 10th to the 16th of August 2025. Hon. Dr. Christopher Kalila (MP), the recently elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee of CPA International, expressed the same gratitude as Hon. Hara to Seychelles for hosting and thanked his colleagues for their ongoing hard work. Discussing his mandate and overseas missions, Hon. Dr. Kalila noted the importance of collaboration and communication when aiming for regional success.
As the Guest of Honour, Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles Hon. Roger Mancienne gave the Official Opening Address in which he emphasised the importance of Seychelles hosting this esteemed legislative forum. He acknowledged the nation's modest capability but expressed pride in its position within the CPA. It was noted that despite its relatively small stature, Seychelles was honoured to facilitate important debates and contribute to the goals of the CPA Africa Region. Looking ahead, Hon. Mancienne discussed the CPA's Strategic Plan 2026-2029, which intends to strengthen cooperation and participation among member states. He also emphasised significant future events, such as the 54th CPA Annual Regional Conference in The Gambia and the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados.
Rt. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta (MP) echoed the positive sentiments of Hon. Mancienne, underscoring the willingness and commitment of The Gambia in hosting the next central forum. The delegates were treated to a cultural show performed by local entertainment group L’Echo, who specialize in live music and dances. Following the Opening Ceremony, the Executive Committee began convening for their deliberations.
