As The Gambia prepares to host the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference, a delegation from the CPA Africa Regional Secretariat is in Banjul on assessment visit from 2nd to 5th June 2025.
The working visit was part of the CPA Secretariat’s ongoing efforts to evaluate The Gambia’s readiness to host the high-level conference, which is scheduled to take place in August 2025 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. The event is expected to bring together over 300 delegates, including Speakers and Members of Parliament from across Africa, along with representatives from the CPA Secretariat.
The assessment mission, led by Mr Bakari Kishoma, featured a series of engagements with the leadership of the National Assembly. The delegation held separate meetings with the Rt Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta; the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Kalipha M.M. Mbye; and members of the National Assembly Taskforce Committee for the CPA Africa Region Conference.
The discussions focused on logistical and technical arrangements for the upcoming conference, including venue readiness, accommodation, transport, and protocol services. The delegation also conducted site visits to assess proposed facilities and infrastructure that will support the hosting of the continental gathering.
The Speaker, who also serves as Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to successfully hosting the conference. He described the event as a historic opportunity to enhance The Gambia’s profile in regional parliamentary affairs.
Speaking to the Assembly media team during the visit, Mr Bakari Kishoma commended the progress made and expressed satisfaction with preparations, noting that “our observations are impressive based on the assessment checklist.” He also thanked the Rt Hon. Speaker Jatta and Clerk Mbye for their leadership and efforts towards a successful hosting of the conference.
The outcomes of the assessment mission will feed into final preparations for what is set to be a landmark event in the calendar of African parliamentary cooperation.
