The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) has pledged to support the vision of the new Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, Right Honourable Sameer Gaffar Suleman.
AFIDEP Executive Director, Dr Eliya Zulu, made the commitment on Thursday during a courtesy call on the Speaker at the Parliament Building in Lilongwe.
Dr Zulu said the priority areas the Speaker intends to champion during the five-year parliamentary term closely align with AFIDEP’s institutional focus.
He noted that Speaker Suleman’s emphasis on strengthening parliamentary autonomy, oversight, and public inquiries is critical to bringing Parliament closer to the people.
Dr Zulu said AFIDEP is ready to support this vision, starting with capacity-building trainings for Chairpersons of Parliamentary Committees to enhance their oversight role.
He added that effective oversight and strong committee leadership are essential for improving accountability and evidence-based decision-making in Parliament.
In his remarks, Speaker Suleman thanked AFIDEP for the courtesy call and described the organisation as a long-standing and valued partner to Parliament since 2013.
The Speaker said he is open to working with parliamentary partners like AFIDEP, noting that such collaboration is vital to achieving Parliament’s mandate and advancing his vision during the current parliamentary term.
