Zimbabwe Strengthens Continental Role as Mudenda Heads African Speakers’ Bureau
Buhlebenkosi Dube
Zimbabwe has strengthened its role in continental parliamentary affairs following the election of Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, as Chairperson of the Bureau of the Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments.
Mudenda was elected during the annual Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments, being held at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, from 31 July to 1 August. The conference has brought together Speakers and Presiding Officers from legislatures across Africa to discuss parliamentary cooperation, governance and the role of legislatures in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
His election places Zimbabwe in a leadership position within one of Africa’s key parliamentary forums, with Mudenda set to chair the Bureau for the next 12 months. In the role, he will provide strategic leadership and coordinate the work of the Conference in collaboration with the Pan-African Parliament.
As Chairperson, Mudenda is expected to promote closer cooperation among African legislatures, strengthen parliamentary oversight, encourage the exchange of legislative best practices and support parliamentary engagement in implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In a symbolic development during the opening of the conference, Mudenda presided over proceedings from the seat of the President of the Pan-African Parliament, underscoring Zimbabwe’s prominent role at the continental gathering.
The Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments provides a platform for parliamentary leaders to deliberate on governance, democracy, peace, security, sustainable development and regional integration. It also seeks to strengthen cooperation between national legislatures and the Pan-African Parliament, the legislative arm of the African Union.
Mudenda will serve as Chairperson of the Bureau until the next Conference of Speakers, when a new leadership team will be elected.
