By Suleman Chitera

LILONGWE, Malawi — Speaker of the Malawi Parliament and outgoing President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region, Right Honourable Sameer Suleman, MP, has praised delegates for their active participation and valuable contributions that helped make the 55th CPA Africa Region Conference and Annual General Meeting a success.

Speaking at a farewell dinner in Lilongwe following the conclusion of the high-level parliamentary gathering, Suleman said the presence of legislators and representatives from across the region had added depth and significance to the conference.

He described the gathering as an important demonstration of the unity, cooperation and shared commitment that continue to underpin parliamentary engagement within the CPA Africa Region.

“Your participation has enriched this conference immeasurably. More importantly, it has reaffirmed the enduring spirit of solidarity that continues to define the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region,” Suleman said.

Malawi conference showcases parliamentary cooperation

The 55th CPA Africa Region Conference brought together parliamentary leaders, legislators, officials and other stakeholders from across the African region in Lilongwe.

The conference provided a platform for delegates to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and explore practical approaches for strengthening the role of Parliament in promoting inclusive development and restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.

Suleman said the success of the conference was not the achievement of Parliament of Malawi alone, but the result of collective effort from the various institutions and individuals involved.

He particularly recognised the contribution of the CPA Africa Region Executive Committee, the Secretariat, development partners and participating delegations for their support and commitment.

Their combined efforts, he said, were instrumental in ensuring that Malawi successfully hosted the regional parliamentary gathering.

Focus on inclusive growth and citizen trust

The conference was held under the theme “Renewing the Social Contract: Parliaments as Catalysts for Inclusive Growth and Citizen Trust.”

The theme placed Parliament at the centre of discussions on how democratic institutions can respond more effectively to the needs and expectations of citizens.

It also highlighted the growing importance of strengthening the relationship between citizens and their elected representatives, particularly at a time when public institutions across the continent face increasing demands for accountability, transparency and inclusive development.

For Malawi, hosting the conference provided an opportunity to showcase its parliamentary diplomacy while strengthening relationships with legislatures across the CPA Africa Region.

The gathering also underscored the importance of regional parliamentary cooperation in addressing challenges that transcend national borders.

A message of appreciation

Suleman’s farewell message brought the conference to a close on a note of appreciation and regional solidarity.

His remarks recognised the contribution of delegates while also reinforcing the importance of continued cooperation beyond the conference.

As the outgoing President of the CPA Africa Region, Suleman leaves office after presiding over a period in which parliamentary engagement has continued to provide a platform for African legislators to share ideas, experiences and solutions to common governance and development challenges.

The successful conclusion of the Lilongwe conference therefore marks not only the end of a major parliamentary event hosted by Malawi, but also another chapter in the continuing efforts of the CPA Africa Region to strengthen democratic institutions and parliamentary cooperation.

The discussions generated in Lilongwe are expected to continue shaping conversations around inclusive growth, citizen participation, accountable governance and stronger relationships between Parliament and the people it represents.

For Malawi, the conference has also provided an important opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to regional parliamentary diplomacy and to position Lilongwe as a venue capable of hosting significant continental and Commonwealth parliamentary engagements.

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