By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, became a hub of continental diplomacy this week as the Bureau convened for its inaugural meeting of 2026.
Under the leadership of H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, the two-day high-level session is aimed at streamlining the administration and management of the continent’s legislative body.
This meeting comes at a critical time as the PAP prepares to adopt its 2026 calendar of activities and align its goals with the broader African Union (AU) agenda.
Setting the 2026 Continental Agenda
A primary focus of the Bureau is ensuring that the PAP is fully prepared for the upcoming 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, both scheduled for next month.
By finalizing the 2026 work plan now, the Bureau ensures that the “Voice of Africa” remains proactive in addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the continent. The adoption of the calendar will govern how specialized committees and plenary sessions function throughout the year.
Prioritizing Operational Efficiency and Member Welfare
In a significant move toward institutional transparency, the 6th Bureau engaged in a virtual dialogue with H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, the newly elected Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
This session tackled critical administrative hurdles, including the improvement of working conditions and the standardization of allowances for members of the continental legislature. The discussion highlights a renewed commitment to ensuring that parliamentarians have the necessary resources to effectively represent the 1.4 billion citizens of Africa.
The Bureau continues to be a diverse and representative body, featuring Vice Presidents from across the continent’s regions, including Hon. Dr. Fatimetou Habib and Hon. Dr. Ashebiri Gayo. With the support of the Secretariat led by Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, the Midrand meetings signify a robust start to 2026, reinforcing the mandate of the PAP to promote peace, security, and integration across the continent.
