The delegates attending the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference in Banjul, Gambia have emphasized on the need for legislative action to mitigate against climate change as well as measures to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The calls were made during a session presided over by the leader of the Kenyan Delegation, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Shollei, and focusing on Climate Change, Energy, and Environmental Sustainability.
The session highlighted the urgent need for African nations to present a unified voice in global climate negotiations.
Legislators stressed that although Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts.
They called for the full implementation of international climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement, particularly provisions related to loss and damage. The establishment and equitable rollout of the Loss and Damage Fund from COP27 were strongly emphasized.
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At the same time, participating Parliamentarians have underscored the importance of integrating climate obligations into national laws and budgets, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 13 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The Kenyan delegation also participated in a session focusing on Economic Growth, Trade, and Development. The session highlighted the role of parliaments in driving industrialization through value addition and local manufacturing.
Delegates noted that Africa’s dependence on raw material exports hampers economic progress. They advocated for policies that support the production and export of value-added goods, which would boost job creation, economic growth, and regional self-sufficiency.
The forum also emphasized on aligning legislative action with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), harmonizing trade regulations, improving infrastructure, and supporting SMEs to strengthen intra-African trade and industrial development.
Also attending the workshop from Kenya were, Paul Mwirigi, Beatrice Adagala, Julius Mawathe, Aramat Lemanken, Sen. Alexander Mundigi, and Sen. Beatrice Akinyi.
By Brian Ndigo
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