The Bureau of Pan-African Parliament alongside the Bureaux of Permanent Committees, Regional Caucuses, Women’s Caucus, and Youth Caucus have adopted the agenda for its 5th Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament, officially opening on 21 July 2025, in a move demonstrating the continental legislature’s commitment to advancing Africa’s development, integration, and good governance under Agenda 2063.
Meeting at the Parliament headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, the collective of the Pan-African Parliament emphasised united leadership and effective representation in aligning its work with the aspirations of African citizens.
In his opening address, the Pan-African Parliament President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira led Members in observing a minute of silence in honour of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, stating,
“Through Madiba’s life, we are reminded that true leadership is about service, sacrifice, compassion, and giving yourself to the greater good.”
“The Bureau is obligated by the Rules of Procedure to consult with the Bureaux of Permanent Committees and Caucuses on the agenda for each session. This practice is vital for fostering collective leadership, institutional ownership of the Pan-African Parliament’s programmes, and ensuring coordination across all levels.”
As part of the joint session, the Bureaux reflected on the mandate of the Pan-African Parliament to bridge continental governance with the needs of African citizens.
The President further underscored this commitment, stating, “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. Charumbira clarified that delays in convening the session were due to budget constraints, not neglect, explaining that the Parliament has operated on a COVID-era “lockdown budget” of US$450,000 per session, a fraction of the operational needs. Through coordinated efforts, the Bureau secured a special allocation of US$650,000 from the African Union to enable the session to proceed, illustrating the AU’s commitment to ensuring its organs function effectively.
“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 President also briefed Members on the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting outcomes, emphasising Africa’s collective push for financial sovereignty and 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.
The President also highlighted the importance of institutional reforms within the AU, noting that the upcoming session will focus on aligning the Pan-African Parliament’s Rules of Procedure with the Pan-African Parliament Protocol, ensuring consistency within the Union’s legal frameworks.
As the Pan-African Parliament moves forward, the President reaffirmed the Parliament’s alignment with the AU Theme for 2024,“Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century” and its commitment to Agenda 2063. He called on Members to approach the session with unity, commitment, and urgency, stating:
“With collective action, determination, and strategic leadership, we can bring about the Pan-African Parliament we want and the Africa we envision.”
Set to run until the 31st of July, the upcoming session underscores the Pan-African Parliament’s role as a platform for Africa’s citizens and governments to translate continental aspirations into practical action, reflecting the AU’s vision of “The Africa We Want.”
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