Amb. Ndangiza made the call at the Strategic Legislative Governance Forum in Arusha, Tanzania, where lawmakers and other stakeholders discussed ways to strengthen legislative institutions and improve governance across the continent.

The forum was organised by the Africa Governance Centre in partnership with EALA and the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL). Participants examined legislative independence, budget scrutiny, continental cooperation and women’s representation in political institutions.

Amb. Ndangiza warned against allowing discussions to end with declarations, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration among African legislative institutions.

She also highlighted divisions inherited from colonial rule, including language barriers that complicate cooperation between Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone institutions. Overcoming these differences, she argued, requires practical engagement and stronger institutional relationships.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s reconstruction following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Amb. Ndangiza pointed to unity, accountability and ambitious thinking as important principles in rebuilding public institutions. She emphasised that countries must draw lessons from one another while recognising their different histories and circumstances.

The legislator also underscored the need to equip parliaments with adequate resources to fulfil their oversight responsibilities. Effective scrutiny of public spending and major development projects requires reliable information, specialist expertise and the capacity to assess government policies.

She further highlighted the importance of giving women and young people a stronger voice in political institutions, particularly as decisions on employment, education and technological change shape their future.

The forum also saw the launch of the Strategic Legislative Governance Platform, designed to sustain cooperation among African legislative institutions beyond the meeting in Arusha.