Zambia launches Institute for Parliamentary Studies and Training as leaders hail transformative milestone |21 March 2026

  MILESTONE: Former Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Justice Patrick Matibini (right) reacts as Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt Hon. Dr. Nelly B.K. Mutti, SC, MP, cuts the ribbon at the launch of the Institute for Parliamentary Studies and

Zambia has taken a bold step toward strengthening parliamentary professionalism and democratic governance with the official launch of the Institute for Parliamentary Studies and Training (iPST).

National leaders and regional partners welcomed the initiative as a transformative development in legislative capacity building.

A defining moment for Parliament

Speaking at the launch, Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt Hon. Dr Nelly B.K. Mutti, SC, MP, described the establishment of the institute as “a defining moment in the institutional life of the National Assembly of Zambia” and a deliberate move to enhance parliamentary effectiveness.

“The launch marks a pivotal moment for our collective efforts in strengthening democratic governance and parliamentary effectiveness,” she said.

Mutti underscored Parliament’s central role in democratic governance, noting its demanding tasks of representation, legislation, oversight of the Executive, and policy review.

She acknowledged the steep learning curve faced by newly elected legislators, who must quickly transition into their roles, and explained that the institute was conceived as a permanent pillar of continuous learning and professional development.

“The iPST will provide structured, continuous, and professional parliamentary learning. It will support MPs through proper induction, strengthen committees in their oversight function, and enhance the skills of parliamentary staff,” she said.

She added that modern parliaments face increasingly complex challenges, including fast-evolving technologies, rising citizen expectations, and economic and climate pressures. “A strong Parliament does not happen by chance. It is built deliberately through institutions, systems, and leadership. The iPST is one such institution,” she declared.

A platform for excellence

Delivering remarks on behalf of the acting Clerk of the National Assembly, deputy Clerk Loveness Mayaka, Sage Samuwika described the institute as a transformative platform that would enhance the effectiveness of legislators, staff, and stakeholders.

“The Institute will provide a structured and professional platform for parliamentary training for MPs, parliamentary staff, and key stakeholders who engage with the National Assembly,” he said.

Samuwika credited the institute’s realisation to the “unflinching leadership and support” of Speaker Mutti, alongside contributions from cooperating partners such as Healthy Learners and the Office of the Clerk. He stressed that the iPST represents more than a routine administrative development, calling it “the birth of a centre of excellence dedicated to the intellectual and professional fortification of our legislature”.

He noted that the institute aligns with the National Assembly’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026) and is expected to strengthen Parliament’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate, promote professionalism, and foster partnerships.

Partners welcome the initiative

Development partner Healthy Learners hailed the launch as a “landmark evolution” in parliamentary capacity building and cross-sector collaboration. The organisation reaffirmed its partnership with the National Assembly, pledging continued support to strengthen parliamentary engagement in social sectors, particularly education and health.

“We will support strengthening of the capacity of MPs to represent our citizens better and deepen their involvement in advocating for sustainable methods of promoting learner well-being and education,” the organisation said.

Healthy Learners highlighted its collaboration with Parliament since 2023, noting that robust engagements between cooperating partners and the National Assembly can help address critical issues such as learner well-being in schools. The organisation added that the institute would help close knowledge gaps through standardised onboarding and multi-sectoral training.

Regional endorsement

At the regional level, the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) also welcomed the launch. Secretary general Boemo Sekgoma described the institute as a timely and transformative response to evolving governance challenges.

“Across the SADC region, our Parliaments shoulder the great responsibility of shaping societies and advancing solutions. These responsibilities require robust institutional mechanisms, technical depth, excellence, political will, and continuous professional learning,” she said.

Ms Sekgoma emphasised that the institute is more than a national initiative: “This institute serves as a hub where ideas converge, where best practices flourish, and where the future of parliamentary excellence is shaped”.

She expressed confidence that the iPST could evolve into a regional centre of excellence: “Indeed, the Institute is poised not only to serve the Zambian Parliament, but also to evolve into a vibrant centre of excellence for the entire SADC region.”

Broad support

The launch brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from regional and international parliamentary bodies, government institutions, and academia, signalling strong support for Zambia’s efforts to institutionalise parliamentary training and strengthen democratic governance.

By Moses Magadza

Media and communications manager, SADC PF