The Speaker of the African Parliament, Fathi Boutabik, recently met with Liratu Dorothy Matabog, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, to discuss ways to enhance the contribution of African parliamentarians in addressing energy and infrastructure gaps in the continent. The meeting took place at the Permanent Mission of the African Union in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the meeting, Boutabik invited Commissioner Matabog to address the African Parliament during its upcoming regular sessions. This would enable parliamentarians to gain insight into the African Union Commission's strategy for expanding access to energy and developing the necessary infrastructure to support economic growth and integration in Africa.
Boutabik emphasized that achieving these priorities requires cooperation between governments, the private sector, and international partners. He noted that parliamentarians can contribute by studying political and legislative needs, promoting dialogue between countries, and pushing for the provision of necessary resources and expertise to implement continental projects.
The Speaker of the African Parliament commended the work of the Infrastructure and Energy Department at the African Union Commission, and its efforts to accelerate development and improve access to energy. He stressed the importance of linking continental strategies to parliamentary work, ensuring that investments in infrastructure and energy meet the needs of African people.
Commissioner Matabog welcomed Boutabik's efforts to enhance the role of the African Parliament and promote its work since taking office. She expressed her willingness to continue dialogue with the institution and agreed to address parliamentarians during a future regular session.
The meeting between Boutabik and Matabog highlights the importance of collaboration between the African Parliament and the African Union Commission in addressing the continent's development challenges. The two parties emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address energy and infrastructure gaps, and to promote economic growth and integration in Africa.
The discussion also underscored the critical role that parliamentarians can play in promoting development and improving the lives of African citizens. By working together, the African Parliament and the African Union Commission can help to mobilize resources and expertise to support the implementation of continental projects and programs.
Key points
- The African Parliament Speaker and AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy discussed ways to enhance parliamentary work in addressing energy and infrastructure gaps in Africa.
- The meeting aimed to promote cooperation between the African Parliament and the African Union Commission in addressing continental development challenges.
- The two parties emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address energy and infrastructure gaps and promote economic growth and integration in Africa.
