The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is convening the 2025 Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments in Midrand, South Africa, at a pivotal moment in Africa’s economic, political, and technological transformation.
The conference arrives as the continent consolidates the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), advancing regional integration and fostering resilience against external shocks. Delegates will explore how digital transformation and innovation ecosystems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), can accelerate economic diversification, service delivery, and sustainable development.
In addition to economic priorities, the forum will address Africa’s pressing governance and security challenges. Discussions will focus on advancing peace, consolidating democratic institutions, and responding to conflicts, terrorism, and violent extremism. Participants will also examine continental strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, food insecurity, pandemics, debt distress, and persistent socio-economic inequalities.
PAP, under the leadership of Chief Fortune Charumbira, serves as the legislative arm of the African Union (AU), providing a unique platform for dialogue, consultation, and collective action among African legislators. The 2025 conference underscores PAP’s role in unifying the continent’s legislative agenda to align with Africa’s broader developmental objectives.
Zimbabwe is represented by Honourable Pupurai Togarepi, Honourable Tafanana Zhou, Honourable Elizabeth Masuku, and Honourable Happymore Chidziva, reflecting the country’s active participation in shaping continental policy and regional collaboration.
Analysts note that the conference provides an opportunity for African lawmakers to forge synergies between national policies and continental priorities, ensuring that the AfCFTA, digital innovation, and socio-economic resilience are effectively integrated into legislative frameworks. By fostering cooperation across borders, PAP is positioning African parliaments as critical drivers of sustainable development, security, and inclusive governance.
