The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, the Right Honourable Nelly B.K Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA, has commended the progress made in advancing the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) into a Regional Parliament.

Speaking when the Vice President of the SADC PF, Hon Sylvia Elizabeth Lucas paid a courtesy call on her on Friday, 7^th February, 2025 at Parliament Buildings, Speaker Mutti said that transforming the Forum into a Regional Parliament will not only influence and enhance its mandate but also give more credence and relevance towards regional integration and cooperation.

She observed that the Forum is already achieving much particularly, when it comes to developing Model Laws, which provide a reference point for member countries in legislating certain matters.

“When transformed into a Parliament, I am certain that some binding pieces of legislation will be enacted, thereby creating a robust and coherent legislative framework within the region and contributing significantly to regional integration,” Speaker Mutti said.

Speaker Mutti further observed that the August 2024 ratification of the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty to establish the SADC Parliament only had necessary backing from 12 out of 15 Member States.

“As a member of the Strategic Lobbying Team for the Transformation of the Forum into a fully-fledged regional Parliament, I pledge Zambia’s support not only in convincing the remaining Member States to sign the Agreement, but also in securing unanimous adoption of the Protocol to establish the Regional Parliament.”

And Hon Lucas expressed confidence that this transformation would soon be fully realised, with ongoing support from Parliaments like the National Assembly of Zambia.

“We know that we have a dependable ally in Zambia. Your unwavering support for the Forum’s programmes at both regional and domestic levels is deeply appreciated,” she said.

Hon. Lucas also expressed her gratitude to the Zambian Government and the Parliament of Zambia for their warm hospitality during the successful hosting of the 56th Plenary Assembly held in December 2024, at Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, in Livingstone.

The Vice President of SADC PF was in the country to participate in the National Security Strategy Implementation and Rule of Law Roundtable, hosted by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies. The deliberations focused on Zambia, Botswana and Malawi and the need for stronger civilian oversight in defence and security policymaking. The roundtable held from 4^th to 7^th, brought together key stakeholders including Parliamentarians, military officials and representatives from international organisations.