The Namibian Parliament has commended the government for signing the agreement to amend the SADC Treaty to transform the SADC Parliamentary Forum into the SADC Parliament. 

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, signed the agreement at the SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, underscoring a pivotal advancement in regional integration within SADC. 

This follows the adoption of the amendment to the SADC Treaty during a summit of heads of state and government held in Kinshasa, DRC, in 2022. 

Namibia's endorsement marks a significant stride, making it the tenth SADC member state to sign the agreement, which awaits ratification by 12 member states for enforcement.

The SADC Treaty aims to enhance citizen engagement in regional affairs, fostering robust discourse on pertinent regional issues.

The initiative is also poised to expedite the implementation of SADC protocols, necessitating ratification and integration into national legislation.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, emphasised the impact of this agreement on Namibia's legislative framework, affirming its role in bolstering regional cooperation and amplifying the nation's influence within the SADC region.

Prof. Katjavivi reiterated Namibia's steadfast commitment to ratifying the agreement and called upon fellow SADC member states to unite in this collective endeavour.