Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) continued its crucial orientation programme today in Windhoek, Namibia, with discussions marked by intense deliberations on the evolving challenges facing African parliaments in the context of global and regional shifts.
Speaking at the session, the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda emphasised the need for African parliaments to move away from dependence on foreign aid and focus on home-grown, sustainable solutions.
He highlighted that aid has often been counterproductive, contributing to poverty and stifling innovation.
Advocate Mudenda urged African leaders to adopt policies that prioritize the beneficiation of the continent’s vast natural resources and create value-added products, thus driving economic growth and reducing dependence on external funding.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar and President of SADC PF, Rt. Honourable Justin Tokely highlighted the need for parliamentary resilience and innovation.
He underscored the critical role of parliaments in adapting to rapidly changing global economic and geopolitical dynamics.
The programme provided an opportunity for reflection on Zimbabwe’s journey to independence and its growing influence in regional and international diplomacy.
