By Moses Magadza

Zambia on Monday took a 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 were swift in welcoming the initiative as a transformative development for legislative capacity building.

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 the effectiveness of Parliament.

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

Speaker Mutti stressed the central role of Parliament in democratic governance. She noted that it “performs the demanding tasks of representation, legislation, oversight of the Executive and policy review that leaves no stone unturned in influencing, guiding and holding accountable any government.”

However, she acknowledged the steep learning curve faced by newly elected legislators, who are often required to rapidly transition into their roles.

“In this context, immediately after any elections, Members of Parliament are expected to transform themselves from local politicians into seasoned parliamentarians,” she said.

To address this challenge, Mutti said she approved the establishment of the institute as a permanent structure dedicated to continuous learning and professional development.

“The Institute has been deliberately conceived as a permanent pillar within the National Assembly, that will serve the purpose of providing structured, continuous, and professional parliamentary learning,” she said.

She added that the iPST would support Members of Parliament through proper induction, strengthen committees in their oversight function, and enhance the skills of parliamentary staff.

The Speaker also highlighted the increasingly complex environment in which modern parliaments operate, citing “fast-evolving technologies and rising citizen expectations” as well as 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 said and urged that the institute become “a hub of innovation, a centre for rigorous research, and a fountain of knowledge.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs Loveness Mayaka, Deputy Clerk Mr 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 Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff and key stakeholders who engage with the National Assembly,” he said.

He credited the realisation of the institute to the “unflinching leadership and support” of Speaker Mutti, alongside the contributions of cooperating partners such as Healthy Learners and the Office of the Clerk.

He stressed that the iPST represents more than a routine administrative development.

“The launch of the iPST is not merely an opening of a new department under my office, but it is the birth of a centre of excellence dedicated to the intellectual and professional fortification of our legislature,” he said.

Positioning the institute within Zambia’s broader reform agenda, he noted that it aligns with the National Assembly’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026) and is expected to strengthen Parliament’s capacity to fulfil its constitutional mandate, promote professionalism and foster partnerships.

Development partner Healthy Learners also welcomed the launch, describing it as a “landmark evolution” in parliamentary capacity building and cross-sector collaboration.

The organisation said it was “honoured to support and be part of this landmark evolution in the management of parliamentary affairs through training and capacity building.”

It stressed the importance of equipping legislators with tools to better serve citizens. Reaffirming its partnership with the National Assembly, Healthy Learners pledged continued support to strengthen parliamentary engagement in social sectors, particularly education and health.

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

Highlighting its ongoing work, the organisation pointed to its collaboration with Parliament since 2023, noting that “robust engagements between cooperating partners and the National Assembly can benefit the nation to address critical issues such as the well-being of learners in schools.”

Healthy Learners further noted that the institute provides an opportunity for parliamentarians “to appreciate the institutional layout of the country, the duties that they are expected to perform and multi-sectoral interventions that society expects them to lead on,” adding that it would help close knowledge gaps through standardised onboarding.

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

The SG highlighted the growing complexity of parliamentary responsibilities across the region.

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

She described the institute as more than just a national initiative.

“This is why the creation of this Institute is not just timely. It is transformative,” she said, adding that “this institute serves as a hub where ideas converge, where best practices flourish and where the future of parliamentary excellence is shaped.”

Sekgoma 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,” she said.

She shared a hopeful vision for the institute’s long-term impact, stating: “May the Institute… stand as a lighthouse for our region, guiding parliaments, inspiring leaders and illuminating the path towards a stronger, more inclusive and more hopeful democratic future.”

The launch of the iPST 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.

-Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.