Commonwealth Speakers and MP's from the CPA Africa Region met for the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) Africa Region, jointly hosted by the Parliament of South Africa and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on the theme of 'Proactive Parliaments and Sustainable Development: An Imperative for Political Stability in Africa'.

The conference was opened by the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane (above) who is also the CPA President (2026).

The NCOP Chairperson underscored the need for parliamentary institutions to be responsive, innovative and transformative spaces that advance democracy, promote peace and drive sustainable development across the continent. She noted that the conference provides an important platform for delegates to explore practical ways of strengthening Parliaments to better serve the people of Africa and contribute to a stable and prosperous future. 

The South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Ronald Lamola (above) delivered the keynote address in which he reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to democracy, Pan-African solidarity and human dignity. The Minister urged African leaders to address the root causes of migration through economic growth, job creation, regional integration and opportunities for the continent's youth.

The Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region, Rt Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia outlined that the conference serves as a critical platform for heads of national Parliaments to align on legislative goals and to address the pressing challenges of governance and regional stability. It also underscores the commitment to dialogue on sustainable development and the empowerment of Africa's youth.

The Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Hon. Morakane Mosupyoe, MPL, CPA Gauteng Branch President also welcomed delegates to the conference.

The 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) Africa Region was held at Emperors Palace in Gauteng, South Africa from 15 to 20 June 2026.

Delegates at 19th CSPOC Africa discussed a variety of topics, including the role of Parliaments in enhancing public trust in governance, and reforming and developing innovative mechanisms and strategies for effective and proactive parliamentary leadership in Africa's development. Other topics included the role of Parliaments in harnessing the potential of young people in Africa for sustainable development and leveraging technology and digital tools for effective and sustainable development.

The conference brought together national and subnational Branches of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region including Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia as well as several South African Provincial Legislatures as observers.