Leaders Seal the Agreement
Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, and H.E. Andry Nirina Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, signed the Agreement, cementing their countries’ commitment to the establishment of a fully-fledged SADC Parliament.
This milestone unites all SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Member Parliaments in supporting the transformation agenda, strengthening the foundation for deeper regional integration, democratic governance, and parliamentary cooperation.
Lobby Group of Speakers Witness the Signing
A high-level delegation of Speakers constituting the SADC PF Lobby Group for the SADC Parliament, led by Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, witnessed the signing.
The group included:
Hon. Justin Tokely, SADC PF President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar
Hon. Carolina Cerqueira, Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola
Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia
Rt. Hon. Nelly B.K. Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia
H.E. Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary General of the SADC PF
Hon. Carolina Cerqueira described the milestone as “a gain for all Africans,” adding that the envisaged SADC Parliament would be “a regional legislative body that promotes peace, the defence of human rights, regional integration, social justice, democracy, prosperity, and institutional solidarity.”
Two-Decade Journey Towards Transformation
The signing marks the culmination of over 20 years of sustained advocacy, consultations, and negotiations.
In 2004, the SADC PF first resolved to pursue transformation, recognising the need for a stronger parliamentary institution.
A renewed push came at the 38th SADC Summit in Windhoek (2018), when updated transformation papers were tabled.
Between 2019 and 2020, a Joint Task Team of the SADC Secretariat and SADC PF Secretariat conducted benchmarking exercises with other regional parliaments.
In August 2021, the SADC Summit formally approved the transformation concept, subject to a clear roadmap and financial feasibility.
By August 2022, the Amendment to the SADC Treaty was adopted, paving the way for the establishment of the SADC Parliament.
In July 2024, with 12 signatories, the Agreement entered into force.
Botswana signed in March 2025, bringing the tally to 13. With Madagascar and Mauritius now on board, all 15 Member States have signed.
Next Steps: Draft Protocol on the SADC Parliament
SADC PF Secretary General, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma, hailed the unity of SADC Member States, calling it a crucial moment that:
“clears the path for the next critical stage: finalisation of the Draft Protocol on the SADC Parliament, which will outline its powers, functions, and operational modalities. Signature and ratification of the Protocol by a majority of Member States will be the last step to bring the SADC Parliament to life.”
She further explained the objectives of the SADC Parliament, saying:
“They include deepening consultation and dialogue on the SADC Common Agenda; promoting citizen engagement and regional integration; advocating for the domestication and implementation of SADC Protocols; developing and promoting Model Laws; and strengthening democracy, rule of law, peace, human rights, and gender equality.”
“With the Treaty Amendment now universally endorsed, the focus shifts to consolidating the Protocol and operationalising the SADC Parliament.”
Unlike the SADC Parliamentary Forum—established in 1997 under Article 9(2) of the Treaty—the new SADC Parliament is anchored under Article 9(1) as a full Treaty organ. While it will remain consultative and deliberative rather than law-making, it will enjoy greater legitimacy and influence.
Heads of State Commend Parliamentary Diplomacy
Heads of State at the 45th Summit commended the Lobby Group of Speakers for their “dynamic high-level parliamentary diplomacy,” which played a pivotal role in steering the process to success.
Expectations are high that the SADC Parliament will deliver a stronger parliamentary voice at the regional level, fostering accountability, democracy, and integration across Southern Africa.
