Liberia has been confirmed as the host of the 4th General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL). The event will take place from December 9 to 11, 2026, in Monrovia, under the theme: “Unleashing Intra-African Trade and Investment: Legislative Priorities and Imperatives for Continental Prosperity.” This assembly will bring together Speakers and Presidents of national legislatures from across Africa to discuss the role of legislative leadership and parliamentary cooperation in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
A high-level assessment visit to Monrovia was conducted by a delegation from the CoSPAL Secretariat, led by its Secretary-General, Amb. ’Dapo Oyewole, from September 16 to 20. During the visit, the delegation reviewed logistical arrangements, inspected hotel facilities, and held a session with the Local Organising Committee, led by its Chairperson, Hon. Nehker E. Gaye. The visit culminated in a meeting on Saturday, September 19, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon.
The meeting with Speaker Koon resulted in the formal signing of the 4th CoSPAL General Assembly Country Host Agreement. This agreement formalises Liberia’s role as host of the gathering, which will focus on laws and regulatory frameworks that can facilitate greater mobility, trade, and investment across the continent. Participants will examine ways of harmonising laws to reduce barriers to intra-African trade and create a more coherent legislative environment for businesses and citizens.
Speaker Koon expressed Liberia’s readiness to welcome legislative leaders from across Africa, stating that the country was honoured to host the assembly. He noted that the visit provided an opportunity to assess facilities, review processes, and ensure that institutional arrangements were in place for the successful hosting of the assembly. Koon’s sentiments reflect Liberia’s commitment to collaborating with CoSPAL to ensure a productive and successful event.
CoSPAL Secretary-General, Amb. ’Dapo Oyewole, emphasised that Africa’s economic integration required legislative systems capable of translating continental commitments into practical outcomes. He stressed that harmonised laws and enabling legislative and regulatory frameworks were essential to making it easier for Africans to move, trade, and invest across the continent. Oyewole thanked Koon and the Local Organising Committee for their commitment to hosting the assembly.
The Local Organising Committee, led by Hon. Nehker E. Gaye, worked closely with the CoSPAL Secretariat to assess facilities and review the processes required for a successful assembly. Gaye commended Koon, the CoSPAL Secretariat, committee members, and government agencies for their support. CoSPAL and the Liberian House of Representatives reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation ahead of the December meeting.
The 4th CoSPAL General Assembly will focus on strengthening legislative leadership and harmonising laws to promote intra-African trade, investment, and broader economic development. Key stakeholders will discuss ways to unlock Africa’s economic potential through legislative cooperation and the creation of a coherent legislative environment. The assembly is expected to yield positive outcomes for Africa’s economic growth and development.
Key points
- The 4th CoSPAL General Assembly will take place in Monrovia, Liberia, from December 9 to 11, 2026.
- The assembly will focus on “Unleashing Intra-African Trade and Investment: Legislative Priorities and Imperatives for Continental Prosperity.”
- The event will bring together Speakers and Presidents of national legislatures from across Africa to discuss legislative leadership and parliamentary cooperation.
