Pan-African Parliament Convenes First Session in Midrand for 2026

Lawmakers from across Africa have gathered at the Pan-African Parliament headquarters in Midrand, Gauteng, to chart a new path for continental parliamentary action. The gathering marks the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament, coming at a critical juncture defined by complex geopolitical transformations, security threats, and economic pressures.

Dr. Fateh Boutbig, President of the Pan-African Parliament, stated that the First Ordinary Session is being held at a particularly critical juncture at both continental and international levels. Dr. Boutbig noted that geopolitical transformations are unfolding alongside economic, security, social, and environmental challenges, compelling African institutions to move beyond diagnosis towards action, and from the management of crises to the shaping of the future. Dr. Boutbig further stated that delegates gather not merely to inaugurate a new parliamentary session, but to launch a new chapter in African parliamentary action, founded upon reform, renewal, and effectiveness, while restoring parliamentary diplomacy to its rightful place as one of the African Union’s foremost instruments for advancing peace, stability, development, and integration.

Dr. Gayo Asherbiri Issues Appeal for Institutional Unity

The First Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Dr. Gayo Asherbiri, issued a strong appeal for unity within the institution as delegates gather for a critical legislative session. The call was made at the PAP headquarters in South Africa’s Midrand, Gauteng, where the institution is currently convening the First Sitting of the Permanent Committees of the Seventh Legislature.

President Cyril Ramaphosa Addresses the Official Opening Ceremony

President Cyril Ramaphosa Addresses the Official Opening

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, on Monday, 27 July 2026, address the Official Opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), at its headquarters in Midrand, Gauteng. The session, convened by the Pan-African Parliament from 27 to 31 July 2026, will be held under the African Union’s 2026 Theme: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063. This follows the successful election of the new PAP Bureau on 30 April 2026, marking the commencement of a new parliamentary term, and reaffirming the institution’s role in promoting democratic governance, continental integration, and the implementation of Agenda 2063. As the host country of the Pan-African Parliament, South Africa remains firmly committed to supporting the institution and strengthening cooperation among African Union Member States and continental institutions in advancing Africa’s collective interests. The Official Opening Ceremony will take place on Monday, 27 July 2026 at 11h00 at the Pan-African Parliament Headquarters in Midrand.

Legislative Agendas Focus on Water Security and Agenda 2063

Farirai Machivenyika Reports on Zimbabwe’s Delegation

According to Farirai Machivenyika, Zimbabwe’s delegation to the Pan African Parliament is in Midrand, South Africa, for the First Committee Sittings and Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament. Zimbabwe’s delegation comprises Chief Fortune Charumbira, Pupurai Togarepi, Tafanana Zhou, Elizabeth Masuku, and Happymore Chidziva. The legislators are participating in committee meetings to consider reports, draft model laws, and policy frameworks covering water and sanitation, health, trade, justice and human rights, rural economy, agriculture, and gender. Permanent Committees have already begun deliberations, with parliamentarians from across Africa meeting to consider key legislative and policy issues before the plenary session.