Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman has said the National Assembly is strengthening ties with development partners to bolster oversight of public resources and restore confidence in governance systems.
He said this in Lilongwe yesterday during a high-level breakfast meeting with diplomats, cooperating partners and parliamentary leadership aimed at securing long-term support for the National Assembly.
The Speaker described Parliament as central to accountability and said stronger partnerships are key to enhancing its legislative and oversight roles.
“Parliament remains central to promoting accountability, transparency and effective governance,” said Suleman, calling for sustained collaboration to build capacity and respond to emerging national challenges.
In his remarks, United Nations Development Programme UNDP deputy resident representative Chika Charles Aniekwe said the engagement was a step towards strengthening Parliament’s ability to hold power to account amid fiscal strain and rising public expectations.
“Citizens increasingly ask who is watching when public funds are mismanaged. That question is at the heart of this engagement,” he said.
Aniekwe acknowledged progress such as digitisation and committee capacity building, but said the gains remain fragmented, citing weak follow-through on committee findings, limited autonomy and inadequate analytical support for lawmakers.
He said UNDP and Parliament have proposed a five-year programme focused on long-term institutional strengthening, including establishing permanent analytical support, improving oversight systems, expanding digital transparency and promoting women’s participation in economic governance.
“But plans will only matter if backed by sustained resources and strategic partnerships,” he said, urging partners to provide technical expertise, innovation and targeted financing.
The meeting signals a renewed push to align parliamentary reforms with donor support as Malawi seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and public resource management.
