African parliamentarians are gathering in Lomé for the 17th Conference of Speakers of Assemblies and Section Heads of the Africa Region of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF), running from April 7 to 9.
The regional meeting coincides with the opening of the Togolese National Assembly’s first ordinary session, presided over by Assembly President Prof. Komi Sélom Klassou. Lawmakers from across the continent have already arrived, including delegations from Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, and the Central African Republic. Representatives from Ghana, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, and Cameroon are also attending.
The APF, which brings together nearly 90 parliaments and institutions globally, serves as a forum for cooperation among French-speaking legislators on governance, democracy, and development. Its Africa Region, comprising roughly 40 countries, forms one of its key regional blocs.
In Lomé, discussions will focus on enhancing inter-parliamentary collaboration and reinforcing democratic institutions across the continent. Delegates are expected to address challenges such as parliamentary independence, legislative efficiency, transparency, and accountability, with an eye toward fostering democratic consolidation in member states.
“The conference offers a vital platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and strategies to strengthen legislative oversight, representation, and citizen engagement,” Prof. Klassou said at the opening session. “It also positions African parliamentarians to speak with a unified voice within the APF and on the global stage.”
Participants will review progress on ongoing APF initiatives, including technical assistance programs for national assemblies, capacity-building workshops, and collaborative projects aimed at improving legislative drafting and parliamentary procedures. Emphasis will also be placed on supporting young and women parliamentarians, as well as enhancing gender parity in decision-making processes.
The meeting will help prepare for the APF General Assembly scheduled later this year in Dakar, Senegal, which will bring together all regional blocs to discuss broader policy directions and institutional priorities. The Lomé conference is seen as critical for ensuring the Africa Region presents coordinated proposals and policy positions at the General Assembly.
Observers note that regional conferences like Lomé’s play a key role in fostering unity among French-speaking parliaments, strengthening inter-parliamentary networks, and promoting continental responses to shared challenges, including public finance management, social policy, climate change, and security.
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For Togo, hosting the APF regional conference underscores the country’s role as a hub for diplomacy and regional parliamentary cooperation. It also reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting continental integration, democratic consolidation, and legislative excellence.
“The exchange of ideas among African parliamentarians is central to shaping policies that reflect citizens’ priorities and build resilient, transparent, and accountable institutions,” said one delegate from Senegal. “It is also a chance to reinforce solidarity and collaboration within the APF framework.”
The conference is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing legislative performance, promoting democratic governance, and strengthening regional coordination among African parliaments. These outcomes will be submitted to the APF General Assembly for endorsement and potential implementation across member states.
As the Lomé gathering progresses, the focus will remain on improving parliamentary cooperation, empowering lawmakers, and supporting Africa’s democratic institutions amid ongoing political and socioeconomic challenges. The event represents a key step in ensuring that African voices within the Francophone parliamentary community are coordinated, influential, and effective.
