By Suleman Chitera

LILONGWE — Malawi is hosting a major regional parliamentary gathering this week as more than 300 delegates from across the Commonwealth Africa Region converge in Lilongwe for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference and Annual General Meeting.

Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, Rt. Hon. Sameer Suleman, MP, has welcomed a high-level delegation from South Africa ahead of the conference, which is expected to bring together Speakers, Presidents of Parliaments, Senators and other senior parliamentary officials.

The South African delegation includes Hon. Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Chairperson of South Africa’s National Council of Provinces, and Hon. Nolitha Ndungane, Deputy Speaker of the Free State Legislature.How Speaker Sameer Suleman Is Transforming Malawi’s Parliament

Their arrival underscores the strong parliamentary ties between Malawi and South Africa and highlights the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening democratic institutions across Africa.

Malawi Takes Centre Stage in Regional Parliamentary Cooperation

The CPA Africa Region Conference is providing Malawi with an important platform to showcase its Parliament while bringing together parliamentary leaders to discuss issues affecting legislatures and democratic governance across the continent.

Committee meetings have already commenced at the Parliament Building in Lilongwe as preparations intensify for the main conference programme.

The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, 12 August 2026, at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) Auditorium.

With more than 300 delegates expected, the gathering represents one of the significant parliamentary events to be hosted in Malawi this year.Sameer Suleman: Malawi’s Bold Voice Poised to Transform Parliament

The conference is expected to strengthen cooperation among African legislatures, facilitate the exchange of parliamentary experiences and promote collaboration on issues of common interest.

High-Level Delegations Arrive in Lilongwe

The participation of senior South African parliamentary leaders adds further weight to the regional gathering.

Hon. Mtshweni-Tsipane and Hon. Ndungane are among the high-profile delegates attending the conference, which is bringing together parliamentary representatives from several Commonwealth African countries.

The event also provides an opportunity for participating Parliaments to share experiences on legislative processes, oversight, democratic governance and the role of Parliament in national development.

Malawi’s hosting of the conference places Lilongwe at the centre of regional parliamentary discussions and gives the country an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and institutional relationships with fellow Commonwealth nations.

Conference to Spotlight African Parliaments

The CPA Africa Region remains an important platform for parliamentary cooperation, with member legislatures using the organisation to exchange ideas, strengthen capacity and promote democratic parliamentary practices.

As delegations continue arriving in Lilongwe, attention is now turning to Wednesday’s official opening, which is expected to formally launch the conference’s main programme.Sameer Suleman Hailed as Model of Good Leadership

The presence of more than 300 delegates is expected to make the event a major gathering for parliamentary leaders and lawmakers from across the Commonwealth Africa Region.

For Malawi, the conference is not only a major parliamentary event but also an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to regional cooperation, democratic governance and stronger parliamentary institutions.

The spotlight is now firmly on Lilongwe as African parliamentary leaders gather in Malawi for a week of high-level discussions, cooperation and engagement.