Published: June 24, 2026
MIDRAND, South Africa – The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will convene the First Ordinary Session of its Seventh Legislature from July 17 to August 1, 2026, at its headquarters in Gallagher Estate, Midrand, South Africa, bringing together parliamentarians and key stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on issues critical to Africa’s development, integration, and governance.
The session, which begins daily at 9:00 a.m. South African Standard Time (SAST), will bring together African Heads of State and Government, Speakers and Members of National and Regional Parliaments, government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, academia, African Union institutions, United Nations bodies, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The upcoming session is also expected to strengthen the Pan-African Parliament’s legislative, advisory and oversight functions while reinforcing parliamentary contributions toward the implementation of African Union priorities and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
The first ordinary session will be held under the African Union Theme of the Year 2026, “Ensuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” and will focus on strengthening legislative cooperation and advancing continental priorities.
Accordingly, activities will commence with preparatory meetings from July 17 to 18, during which the PAP Bureau and Ambassadors will meet to finalize work programmes and align priorities in accordance with the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
At the same time, from July 20 to 26, Permanent Committees and Caucuses will hold deliberations and prepare reports for presentation to the plenary adding that discussions are expected to focus on key issues including peace and security, trade and economic integration, as well as gender and youth affairs at which time the sessions will be open to the media and will include interview opportunities.
The First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature will officially open on July 27 with an address by the President of the Pan-African Parliament, the swearing-in of new members, solidarity messages from guests, and the presentation of the State of the African Union by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Meanwhile, at the final phase of the programme, the Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments, will take place from July 31 to August 1 and will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the Pan-African Parliament and parliamentary institutions across Africa, while promoting the harmonization and coordination of legislation among African Union Member States.
Plenary deliberations during the four-day session will examine committee reports, the Women’s Caucus report, peace and security matters, and strategies for implementing the African Union Theme of the Year 2026. The session will conclude on July 30 with the adoption of resolutions and a closing ceremony.
According to the PAP’s Rules of Procedure, the institution is mandated to hold at least two plenary sessions annually to review committee reports and formulate recommendations for African Heads of State and Government on harmonized continental policies and laws.
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