The 86th session of the Executive Committee and the 48th Conference of African Parliament Presidents, organized by the African Parliamentary Union (UPA), wrapped up on November 14, 2026, in Lomé, Togo. The event brought together parliament presidents, delegation heads, and representatives from several African countries to discuss pressing political, economic, social, and security concerns facing the continent.
During the conference, participants engaged in intense working sessions and in-depth discussions on the challenges confronting the continent, proposing concerted responses. They examined reports from various commissions, focusing on youth employment, migration, terrorism, governance, economic sovereignty, and technological advancements. The discussions led to the adoption of resolutions and recommendations aimed at enhancing the role of legislative institutions in finding sustainable solutions to African populations' concerns.
The political commission specifically addressed youth unemployment, migration, and terrorism, highlighting the links between socio-economic precariousness, lack of professional prospects, and the vulnerability of young people to criminal networks and violent extremism. In response, parliamentarians recommended strengthening public policies in favor of youth employment and professional insertion, improving the alignment between provided training and labor market needs, and promoting entrepreneurship.
The conference also emphasized the importance of protecting migrants' rights, promoting free movement of persons and goods, and harmonizing national legislation. Strengthening cooperation between states, particularly in insecure border areas, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications were presented as crucial levers for African integration.
African parliamentarians stressed the need for African states to better valorize local resources, enhance food and energy security, and accelerate industrial and technological development. The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promoting inter-country exchanges were also discussed.
The conference recommended modernizing the UPA's structures and working methods, strengthening its human, financial, and technological capacities, and improving the monitoring of its action programs. The Lomé Declaration, adopted during the conference, outlines a roadmap for the next 50 years, aiming to make the UPA a reference framework for inter-parliamentary consultation and cooperation at the continental level.
The next conference is scheduled for November 2027 in Libreville, Gabon, where the 49th Conference of African Parliament Presidents will take place. The conference president, Komi Selom Klassou, praised the quality of discussions and reflections on challenges facing the African continent, emphasizing the need for concrete translation of adopted orientations and commitments.
Key points
- The conference adopted the Lomé Declaration, a roadmap for the next 50 years, outlining a new dynamic for the UPA's action until 2076.
