PAP Leadership Approves Programme for September Sitting of Permanent Committees

The leadership of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), comprising the Bureau, Bureaux of the Permanent Committees, Regional Caucuses, Women’s Caucus, and Youth Caucus, has officially adopted the programme for the upcoming Sitting of Permanent Committees and other parliamentary organs. The session is set to take place from 16 to 20 September 2024.

This leadership meeting, which precedes statutory sessions, ensures that the programme aligns with PAP’s strategic goals, the African Union’s broader agenda, and the aspirations of diverse constituencies across the continent.

The Sitting will be held under the African Union’s 2024 theme, “Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.” A major highlight of the week will be the 12th Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments, preceded by the Annual Meeting of Clerks of African Parliaments.

In addition to adopting the programme, the Joint Meeting thoroughly reviewed the report on the statutory Sitting of Committees. Members expressed concern over ongoing budgetary constraints, which continue to hinder PAP’s ability to fully carry out its mandate. Presentations on resource mobilization efforts were given, and the leadership resolved to take further action to address these financial challenges at the executive level of the African Union.

Members commended the President of the PAP, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira and the Bureau for their transparent leadership and openness in discussing the financial situation of the Parliament.

The session concluded with a presentation on the methodology for developing the Pan-African Strategic Plan 2025–2028, along with discussions on the formulation of the 2025 workplans.