Members of the 55 CPA Malawi summit.
Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly, Sameer Suleman, has called on African Parliaments to renew the social contract between governments and citizens by strengthening accountability, inclusion and public trust.
Suleman made the call in his keynote address at the official opening of the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference and Annual General Meeting, being hosted in Malawi.
Speaking as President of the CPA Africa Region, Suleman said the conference theme, “Renewing the Social Contract: Parliaments as Catalysts for Inclusive Growth and Citizen Trust,” should serve as a direct call to action for African legislatures.
He said the social contract represents an understanding in which citizens entrust leaders with authority in return for justice, equity, accountability and opportunities.
Suleman warned that the social contract is under strain across the continent, with growing distrust in public institutions and citizens increasingly feeling disconnected from decision-making processes.
He said young people, in particular, are demanding more than promises, but want inclusion, dignity and opportunities, stressing the need for Parliament to become a responsive and accessible platform for the people.
According to Suleman, Parliaments are uniquely positioned to promote inclusive growth through their three core functions of representation, legislation and oversight.
He, however, cautioned that representation without responsiveness breeds frustration, legislation without implementation creates disillusionment, while oversight without consequences fuels public scepticism.
Suleman said public trust cannot be demanded from citizens but must be earned through transparency, consistency and demonstrating that their voices matter beyond elections.
He further urged Parliaments to ensure that their decisions have a positive impact on vulnerable communities.
The Speaker also called on African legislatures to embrace technology to enhance citizen engagement, respond to the aspirations of young people, strengthen parliamentary committee systems, and uphold integrity and ethical leadership.
He described the CPA Africa Region Conference as an opportunity to bring Parliament closer to the people, enhance transparency and participation, and make institutions more responsive, accessible and relevant.
Meanwhile, CPA Secretary General Stephen Twigg expressed appreciation to the Parliament of Malawi for hosting the conference.
Twigg said the conference would provide an important platform for Parliaments across the region to learn from one another and adopt approaches that can help restore and strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.
The 55th CPA Africa Regional Conference, hosted by the Parliament of Malawi and the CPA Malawi Branch, has brought together over 300 participants from African member states and is taking place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, and until August 15 2026.
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