RismadarVoice Reporters, May 22, 2026
The Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) to develop and institutionalise a continent-wide Legislative Agenda aimed at promoting gender-responsive legislatures across Africa.
The agreement, signed at the CoSPAL Secretariat in Abuja on May 4, 2026, marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration designed to advance women’s representation in African legislatures through evidence-based reforms, institutional development and political engagement.
Under the partnership, both organisations will develop a three-year continental legislative agenda covering the period from 2026 to 2029, with a focus on strengthening gender-responsive governance structures and fostering more inclusive democratic institutions across the continent.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, CoSPAL Secretary-General, Ambassador Dapo Oyewole, described the partnership as a significant step towards strengthening democratic governance in Africa.
According to him, African legislatures have increasingly assumed broader responsibilities beyond lawmaking, with growing expectations to drive policies that support inclusion and institutional transformation.
“African legislatures are increasingly being called upon not only to enact laws, but to serve as proactive institutions that shape inclusive, forward-thinking, and evidence-driven policy environments. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that gender equality remains central to legislative discourse and governance reform across the continent,” Oyewole said.
As part of the initiative, the Gender Legislative Agenda Programme will undertake a continent-wide contextual and institutional assessment of women’s representation in African legislatures. The process will also involve collaborative engagements aimed at promoting gender inclusion and strengthening institutional frameworks.
Leading the PIC delegation at the signing ceremony, Dr Osasuyi Dirisu reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting policy reforms that enhance democratic participation and institutional accountability across Africa.
Both organisations stated that the partnership combines the technical expertise and political leadership needed to achieve measurable progress in women’s representation and legislative inclusion.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen gender-responsive legislative systems, increase women’s political participation, promote institutional reforms within African legislatures and enhance regional cooperation on democratic governance and inclusiveness.
The MoU also establishes a framework for joint implementation, donor engagement, monitoring mechanisms and long-term institutional support for the initiative.
