The Gambian National Assembly is actively participating in a high-level Capacity Building Workshop hosted by the Parliament of Botswana in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
Held under the theme “Enhancing Parliament’s Capacity to Advance Democracy, Accountability and Development Outcomes”, the workshop runs from May 18–22, 2026 and brings together parliamentary experts from across the Commonwealth to strengthen institutional frameworks and democratic governance.
On the second day of the program, the Clerk of the Gambian National Assembly, Khalipha MM Mbye, joined panel discussions on:
- Establishing an Independent Parliamentary Budget Office to improve fiscal oversight.
- Legislative drafting for reform and legal frameworks to safeguard parliamentary independence.
- Strategic planning and organizational reform for modern legislatures.
Mr. Mbye emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating: “The training program focuses on the critical pillars of parliamentary autonomy and operational efficiency. It seeks to bolster Botswana’s ability to drive accountability, promote sustainable development, and deepen democratic engagement.”
About the National Assembly of The Gambia
The National Assembly of The Gambia is the unicameral legislature established under Chapter VII of the 1997 Constitution. It comprises 53 elected members and 5 presidential appointees. The Assembly serves as the highest lawmaking, oversight, and representation body in the country.
Since the adoption of the 1997 Constitution, six legislatures have been convened. The Sixth Legislature was sworn in on 14 April 2022 following parliamentary elections.
About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments, founded in 1889 by Frédéric Passy (France) and William Randal Cremer (UK). Its mission is to promote democratic governance, accountability, and cooperation among parliaments worldwide.
The IPU also advances gender parity, empowers youth participation in politics, and supports sustainable development. Today, the IPU counts 183 national parliaments as members, with 15 associated members, most of which are regional parliaments. Learn more: Inter-Parliamentary Union
About the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
Founded in 1911 as the Empire Parliamentary Association, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) works to strengthen good governance, democracy, and human rights across the Commonwealth.
Renamed in 1948, the CPA now has nearly 180 branches across nine regions: Africa, Asia, Australia, British Islands & Mediterranean, Canada, Caribbean, Americas & Atlantic, India, Pacific, and South-East Asia. Its headquarters are located in London, United Kingdom. Learn more: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
This workshop highlights the growing importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in building resilient democratic institutions across Africa and the Commonwealth.
