Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Rt. Honourable Ms Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, MP, FAPRA has called on SADC Member States to work together in ensuring that agriculture contributes to resolving the region’s economic concerns which include youth unemployment.  The Speaker said this when she delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of all SADC Parliaments at the ongoing 53^rd SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly Session on Monday, 3^rd July, 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania after the official opening address by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Honourable Mutti emphasized that with the huge tracts of arable land, the region needs to modernise and mechanise agriculture in order to feed not only Africa but the world at large. She reiterated that in order to enhance the capacity of national Parliaments within the Southern African Development Community regarding the commitments and various instruments that have been developed towards regional integration and social economic growth, the SADC Parliamentary Forum continues to explore innovative ways to address the multiple issues of regional priorities which include, among others, developing of Model Laws that serve as a guideline to the review of legislation where required.

Speaker Mutti also gave special recognition to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for the role that she personally continues to play as a leader who is attentive to the needs of the region, and expressly recognizes the potential of Africa as a global player on the world stage.

The Rt. Honourable Ms Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, MP, FAPRA is in Arusha, Tanzania attending the 53^rd SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly Session being held from 2^nd to 8^th July, 2023 under the theme “Mordenizing  Agriculture to address food insecurity and youth unemployment in the SADC Region: Role of Parliaments”.  Other members of the Zambian delegation include, Honourable Princess Kasune, MP, Mrs Christine Mazoka, MP, Ms Julien Nyemba, MP Mr Victor Lumayi, MP, Mr Kalalwe Mukosa, MP and staff of the National Assembly of Zambia.