An initiative aimed at strengthening legislative cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy across Africa has emerged following a high-level engagement between the ECOWAS Parliament and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Arusha, Tanzania.
The initiative, which could bring Africa’s regional and supranational parliamentary institutions under a common network, was unveiled during a three-day working visit by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, to the headquarters of the East African Community (EAC).
The visit was hosted by the Speaker of EALA, Joseph Ntakirutimana, and the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Alex Obatre, with discussions focusing on parliamentary diplomacy, institutional cooperation and the exchange of legislative experience across Africa.
A major outcome of the engagement was the presentation of a joint Concept Note proposing the establishment of a Network of Regional and Supranational Parliamentary Institutions.
The proposed network could bring together major African parliamentary bodies, including EALA, the ECOWAS Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament, while also providing opportunities for engagement with other supranational institutions such as the European Parliament.
According to the Concept Note, the proposed platform would enable regional parliamentary institutions to deepen cooperation in legislative practice, digital transformation, governance and institutional development.
The initiative would also promote greater coordination on continental and global challenges, including climate change, migration, peace and security, economic integration and other emerging issues affecting African countries.
Another major objective is the development of a common African position during multilateral engagements, allowing regional parliamentary institutions to coordinate their perspectives and strengthen Africa’s voice in international policy discussions.
The proposal further recommends a rotational leadership structure and biannual meetings to ensure inclusiveness, continuity and balanced participation among member institutions.
The engagement in Arusha reflects growing efforts by African parliamentary institutions to move beyond ceremonial exchanges towards structured partnerships capable of producing practical legislative and policy outcomes.
The ECOWAS Parliament delegation also held consultations with the EAC Secretariat, the East African Court of Justice and the Pan-African Postal Union, widening discussions on regional integration and institutional cooperation.
The initiative comes as African countries increasingly seek coordinated continental responses to challenges that cut across national and regional borders.
For the ECOWAS Parliament and EALA, closer legislative cooperation could provide a stronger platform for sharing solutions, improving parliamentary institutions and advancing the wider objectives of African integration.
Information released by EALA said the engagement reflected a shared commitment by West and East African parliamentary institutions to build sustained cooperation and strengthen Africa’s collective role in addressing regional and global challenges.
