The National Assembly of Zambia delegation led by the Acting Deputy Clerk (Administration), Mr. Sage Samuwika is participation in the 9th Society of Clerks-At-The-Table (SoCATT) Professional Development Seminar being hosted by the National Assembly of Botswana in Gaborone, from 9th to 13th March, 2026. The seminar, being held under the theme “Parliaments and Public Finance Management: Fostering Transparency and Accountability.” aims at strengthening the capacity of parliamentary staff in public finance management in order for them to provide quality support to Members of Parliament for improved transparency, and enhanced parliamentary oversight of public resources across the African continent.
The seminar was officially opened on Wednesday, 11th March, 2026 by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, The Rt Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse, MP, who was the Guest of Honor. In his address, Mr. Speaker emphasized the role played by parliamentary staff who he described as the quiet engines of Parliament. At the same event, the Chairperson of SoCATT Africa, and Clerk of the National Assembly of Sierra Leon, Mr. Karmoh K. Conteh described parliamentary staff as the guardians of Parliamentary Rules and Procedure which is critical to the smooth running of Parliament.
In giving the vote of thanks on behalf of delegates, Mr. Sage Samuwika emphasized the need for Parliaments to be proactive in the implementation of resolutions made during such seminars as a way of demonstrating a return on investment.  
During the seminar, Mr. Simon Mtambo, Director – Parliamentary Budget Office is expected to make a presentation on “Building Partnerships with CSOs and other Stakeholders in Supporting Parliamentary oversight of Public Finance Management.
The Seminar has brought together 13 National Parliaments, and 11 Sub-National Parliaments from South Africa and Nigeria. Also in attendance is Ms. Boemo Mmandu Sekgoma, Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF ) Secretary General.