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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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