Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, who is leading the Namibian delegation to the 55th SADC PF Plenary Assembly in Luanda, Angola, says the newly launched SADC PF Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 aligns with the region's ideals to transform the forum into a regional parliament.
The SADC Parliamentary Forum launched the Strategic Plan in Luanda ahead of the Plenary Assembly held under the theme "The Role of Parliaments in Promoting Renewable Energy Policies in the SADC Region and Creating a Single Regional Energy Market."
Professor Katjavivi described the strategic plan as an important instrument that will improve parliamentary effectiveness and democratic governance.
He noted that the plan came at an opportune time when the SADC region is close to being transformed into a regional parliament that will reinforce regional integration.
The strategic plan, which seeks to build on key functions such as representation, legislation, budget, and oversight, will further assist member countries to fast-track the domestication of model laws.
The Plenary Assembly discusses a wide range of issues, including presentations on the theme and country reports on progress in implementing resolutions of the 54th Plenary Assembly, as well as considering Standing Committee Reports and Members' Motions.
Namibian Member of Parliament, Phillipus Katamelo, presented Namibia's progress report, highlighting an increase in the number of women and youths in parliament.
At the same event, Zambia joined other SADC countries in signing the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty, transforming the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a SADC Parliament.
Zambia became the 11th SADC country to sign the agreement, which requires signatures from 12 SADC member states for it to be enforced.
The SADC-PF, established in 1997, is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of fifteen parliaments to promote and improve regional integration through parliamentary involvement and diplomacy.
Other MPs accompanying the Speaker are Utaara Mootu, Agnes Kafula, Paula Kooper, John Likando, and Olivia Hanghuwo.