Harmonising Policies, Unlocking Growth: H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of Pan-African Parliament, on Advancing Africa’s Economic Integration 

In this insightful interview, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira delves into the Pan-African Parliament’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s economic future. From driving the implementation of transformative frameworks like the AfCFTA to creating model laws that unify legislation across member states, he underscores the importance of regional collaboration. H.E. Charumbira highlights how harmonised policies can bridge Africa’s diverse economic communities, foster self-reliance, and position the continent as a powerful, united force on the global stage. 

Africa Collective: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your organisation? 

I am Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union (AU). The PAP serves as a platform to promote democratic principles, human rights, and economic development across Africa. Our mission is to ensure that the voices of African citizens shape the policies and decisions that drive the continent’s progress. 

The establishment of the PAP in March 2004 marked a historic milestone in the evolution of the AU’s institutional architecture. It laid a strong foundation for democratic governance and oversight within the AU system, providing a formal platform for the peoples of Africa to engage in discussions and decision-making on issues affecting the continent. 

Africa Collective:  The Pan-African Parliament plays a key role in shaping policies across the continent. Can you elaborate on how the Parliament drives policies supporting Africa’s economic growth and integration? 

Africa’s Parliament, often referred to as the People’s Parliament, is committed to contributing to a more prosperous future for the continent by promoting collective self-reliance and economic recovery. To achieve this, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) prioritises harmonising policies that drive economic growth, such as advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), advocating for increased investment in infrastructure, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

Through legislative oversight and collaboration with national parliaments, the PAP ensures that these policies align with Agenda 2063 and the broader aspirations for Africa’s sustainable development. 

Africa Collective: One of the Pan-African Parliament’s objectives is to harmonise legislation across African Union Member States. How does the Parliament work with countries to create cohesive trade policies that promote cross-border business and trade? 

We work closely with national parliaments to align their legislation with continental frameworks such as the AfCFTA and protocols on the free movement of persons. The PAP provides platforms for dialogue and capacity-building to ensure that member states understand the benefits of uniform trade policies and collaborate effectively in their implementation. 

One of the key mechanisms employed by the PAP is the development of Model Laws. These laws serve as practical frameworks that promote uniformity in governance, organisation, and management across legislative bodies. Model laws are instrumental in helping national governments harmonise, modernise, and standardise their legislation. 

Since 2018, the PAP has developed several model laws, including the Model Law on Policing, the Model Law on Food Security, the Model Law on Disability, and the Model Law on Factoring, among others. These initiatives play a critical role in fostering legislative coherence across Africa, contributing to the continent’s overall integration and development. 

Africa Collective:  The AfCFTA can be a game-changer for Africa’s economic future. What role does the Parliament play in supporting and advancing the AfCFTA’s implementation across the continent? 

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) plays a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation of commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) through national parliaments. PAP monitors the ratification and domestication of AfCFTA agreements and conducts fact-finding missions to assess progress. Additionally, we advocate for legislative frameworks that facilitate trade and investment while addressing barriers such as border inefficiencies and the lack of harmonised standards. 

The 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments, held in September this year, provided a crucial platform to assess the progress of the AfCFTA. As Africa moves toward deeper economic integration, the conference highlighted significant milestones achieved and the challenges that remain in unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade. In line with the PAP’s mandate, the gathering also served as a forum for coordinating and harmonising national and regional parliamentary frameworks to advance economic integration and development through best parliamentary practices. 

We must prioritise self-reliance and self-sufficiency on the continent by reducing dependency on external actors and strengthening interdependency among African states. Our rallying cry remains: “One Africa, One Voice.” To achieve this, the PAP must actively engage national parliaments and citizens to enhance awareness of the AfCFTA and advocate for its ratification and domestication within national legislation. 

Africa Collective:  Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are key pillars of economic integration. How does the Parliament collaborate with RECs to ensure cohesive economic policies that drive regional and continental growth? 

The PAP works closely with RECs by aligning their strategies with AU objectives, serving as a bridge between regional and continental policies. We organise joint sessions, share best practices, and advocate for streamlined policies that enhance regional integration and feed into the broader AfCFTA framework. 

Africa Collective: What key message would you like to share with the global community about Africa’s potential and opportunities? 

Africa is a continent of immense potential, characterised by its youthful population, abundant natural resources, and dynamic markets. By investing in Africa and supporting its integration efforts, the global community can benefit from a robust, resilient, and interconnected partner in shaping the future of the global economy. To fully realise this potential, Africa must accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA while fostering self-sufficiency and self-reliance. 

About the Road to Davos – Leadership Voices Series 

Leading up to Africa Collective’s Davos annual series of events during the period of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, taking place from 20-24 January 2025, Africa Collective is speaking to a collection of foremost thought and business leaders in both the private and public sectors as part of our ongoing effort to highlight opportunities in Africa. Our objective with the Road to Davos – Leadership Voices Series is to position African topics on the global stage through the lens of leaders from the continent or who lead organisations with interests in the continent.