Pan-African Parliament President Urges Political Parties to Lead Economic Transformation

Pan-African Parliament President Boutbig, in his closing address at the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, urged political parties to move beyond power competition and focus on driving economic transformation. He emphasized that Africa must shift from raw material exports to manufacturing, innovation, and value addition. Boutbig highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and called for stronger regional integration. The President announced that the Pan-African Parliament plans to launch the African Center for Legislative Studies and Research this December, establish the first African Parliamentary University next year, and organize an African Women Parliamentarians Conference. Additionally, he revealed plans for an African Conference of Political Parties in 2027 to promote peacebuilding and conflict prevention.