Nasarawa Speaker, lawmakers attend CPA conference in Gambia as President Barrow stresses legislators’ role in strengthening democracy
……Over 300 parliamentarians from 19 Commonwealth countries are attending
The 54th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) for the African Region has officially opened in the Republic of Gambia. The conference began on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The capital city of Gambia.
His Excellency, President Adama Barrow of the Republic of Gambia declared the event open and served as the Guest of Honour for the official opening ceremony.
This year’s conference is held under the theme “Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks.” It marks a significant occasion as The Gambia hosts the CPA Africa Region’s flagship annual event for the first time in its history.
The conference is presided over by Rt. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, who also serves as President of the CPA Africa Region.
Over 300 delegates, including Speakers and Members of Parliament from various national and sub-national parliaments across Africa, as well as clerks, parliamentary staff, observers, and development partners, are attending.
The event runs from August 10 to 16, 2025, and features plenary sessions, workshops, and committee meetings.
Participants focus on key issues such as governance, economic recovery, climate change, inclusive development, and digital transformation.
The conference aims to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation while promoting democratic values and regional collaboration across the continent.
The Conference which brought together over 300 Parliamentarians from 19 Commonwealth Countries of Africa had in attendance members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau PhD.
While declaring the Conference open, President Adama Barrow of Republic of Gambia spoke extensively on the significant of the annual CPA conference, powers and significant roles of the legislators in strengthening democratic governance and tasked participants to acquaint themselves with benefits drivable from the international summit.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Gambia Hon. Fabakary Jatta delivered a keynote address at the summit as he also welcomed members urging them to fill at home as the conference lasts.
This conference is an important platform for networking, sharing best practices, and advancing a regional legislative agenda that supports resilient, inclusive, and accountable governance in Africa
It was reported that on arrival, some of the lawmakers took part in excursions by visiting some historic areas in Gambia.
