The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has officially opened its 5th Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament today in Midrand, South Africa, with leadership from across the continent reaffirming their commitment to Africa’s economic integration, institutional reform, and citizen-centred governance under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In his opening remarks, PAP President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira urged members to reflect on the institution’s mandate, calling for strengthened oversight and a closer link between continental governance and the lived realities of African citizens.
“The Pan-African Parliament must reflect on its journey, evaluate its effectiveness, and assess whether its programs and activities align with the hopes, ideals, and aspirations of African citizens,” he said.
The President addressed recent delays in convening the session, attributing them to persistent budget constraints. PAP has been operating under a limited US$450,000 per session budget, a figure originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a special allocation of US$650,000 from the African Union allowed this session to proceed.
“Contrary to insinuations, the timing of this session is in full compliance with the Pan-African Parliament Protocol, which requires two sessions annually without specifying months,” Charumbira noted.
The agenda also includes discussions on aligning PAP’s Rules of Procedure with the broader Pan-African Parliament Protocol, part of a broader institutional reform push within the AU framework.
In a bid to reinforce PAP’s role in Africa’s economic transformation, Charumbira briefed members on the recent African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, stressing the need for PAP to take an active role in supporting the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“For Parliament to remain relevant within the AU governance framework, we must lobby for AfCFTA implementation and conduct oversight to ensure the Union meets its commitments to elevate trade integration,” he said.
Charumbira also linked the session to the AU’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” urging members to approach their work with “unity, commitment, and urgency.”
“With collective action, determination, and strategic leadership, we can bring about the Pan-African Parliament we want and the Africa we envision,” he concluded.
As deliberations begin, PAP leadership has signalled a renewed focus on governance efficiency, trade oversight, and budget sustainability, key pillars in the Parliament’s evolving role within Africa’s institutional landscape.
The session, which runs until July 31, brings together the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament, alongside the Bureaux of Permanent Committees, Regional Caucuses, the Women’s Caucus, and the Youth Caucus. Their joint adoption of the session’s agenda signals a united leadership approach in aligning the Parliament’s work with the development and governance priorities of the African continent.
