The Right Honourable Dr Nelly B K Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, has officially launched the Institute for Parliamentary Studies and Training (iPST) at Parliament Buildings on Monday, 16th March, 2026.

Speaking during the launch, Speaker Mutti described the iPST as a pivotal institution for strengthening parliamentary effectiveness, enhancing governance, and promoting democratic excellence. She noted that the Institute is designed to provide structured, continuous, and professional learning for Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, and key stakeholders.

“Through the iPST, Members of Parliament will be properly inducted and capacitated. Committees will be strengthened in their oversight role, and staff will acquire the professional skills necessary to support a modern, responsive, and effective legislature,” she said.

Speaker Mutti expressed confidence that the Institute will serve both current and future Parliaments, positioning it as a hub for innovation, research, and knowledge in parliamentary affairs. She urged Members of Parliament, staff, and stakeholders to actively engage with its programmes to enhance their skills and better serve the people of Zambia.

Earlier, Mr Sage Samuwika, Acting Deputy Clerk (Administration), welcomed guests and highlighted that the iPST will function as a centre of excellence dedicated to building the intellectual and professional capacities of parliamentarians and staff.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Honourable Douglas Syakalima, MP, Minister of Education,  Mr Stephen Zimba, Assistant Director - Monitoring and Evaluation, commended the National Assembly for investing in human capital, describing the Institute as a timely and strategic step towards strengthening democratic governance.

During the ceremony, several goodwill messages were delivered. Mr Muleta Kapatiso, Head of Policy and Government engagement, Healthy Learners, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to parliamentary capacity-building initiatives, noting that the iPST will complement programmes such as the Zambia Parliamentary Caucus on School Health.

Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa, representing Emeritus – United Parliamentarians in Africa for Democratic Governance, emphasised the importance of ethical and competent leadership, describing the Institute as a critical tool for mentoring emerging leaders, strengthening oversight, and promoting constitutionalism and integrity.

Mr Daniel Eliufo Ukhotya, Assistant Regional Secretary, CPA, Africa Region, commended the initiative and underscored the importance of continuous professional development. He noted that the iPST will help equip Members of Parliament and staff to respond to evolving governance demands, technological change, and rising public expectations, with potential to become a regional centre of excellence.

Goodwill messages were also delivered virtually by Ms Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary-General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, and Dr Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, highlighting the Institute’s regional and international significance.

Following the official launch, Speaker Mutti proceeded to the Institute’s premises in Mass Media, Lusaka, where she cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque, marking the formal opening of the facility. She thanked all guests for their participation and declared the iPST officially launched, describing the occasion as a milestone in Zambia’s parliamentary development journey.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including former Speaker Patrick Matibini, SC; Deputy Speakers Malungo Chisangano, MP, and Moses Frank Moyo, MP; representatives from the parliaments of Ghana, Malawi, and Tanzania; regional and international parliamentary bodies; senior government officials; current and former parliamentarians; as well as representatives from universities and cooperating partners.