CoSPAL, Policy Innovation Centre partner to advance gender-responsive legislatures across Africa

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The Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) to develop and institutionalise a continent-wide Legislative Agenda for Gender-Responsive Legislatures across Africa.

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The signing ceremony, which took place at the CoSPAL Secretariat in Abuja, on the 4th May 2026, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing equitable women’s representation in African legislatures through evidence-driven reforms, institutional transformation, and high-level political engagement.

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The partnership will support the development of a three-year continental legislative agenda (2026–2029) focused on strengthening gender-responsive governance systems and promoting inclusive democratic institutions across the continent.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Secretary-General of CoSPAL, Amb. Dapo. Oyewole described the collaboration as timely and necessary for Africa’s democratic future.

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He said: African legislatures are increasingly being called upon not only to enact laws, but to serve as proactive institutions that shape inclusive, forward-thinking, and evidence-driven policy environments. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that gender equality remains central to legislative discourse and governance reform across the continent.”

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The Gender Legislative Agenda Programme will involve a continent-wide contextual and institutional analysis of women’s representation in African legislatures, followed by a co-creation process to drive gender inclusion across Africa.

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Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, who led the PIC delegation to the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting transformative policy reforms that strengthen democratic inclusion and institutional accountability across Africa.

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Both organisations noted that the partnership reflects a convergence of technical expertise and political leadership necessary to drive sustainable and measurable progress in women’s representation and legislative inclusion.

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The collaboration is expected to contribute to stronger gender-responsive legislative frameworks; increased political participation and representation of women; institutional reforms within African legislatures; and enhanced continental cooperation on inclusive governance and democratic development.

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The MoU provides a framework for joint implementation, donor engagement, monitoring, and long-term institutional support.

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