LocationsMalawi MPs Equipped to Drive Accountability through Strengthened Parliamentary Committees
November 3, 2025
Right Honourable Sameer Suleman, MP (seventh from left, front row), Speaker of Parliament, and Dr. Chika Charles Aniekwe (fifth from left, front row), UNDP Malawi Deputy Resident Representative, join Members of Parliament for a group photo following the opening session.
The Parliament of Malawi, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a two-day orientation for Members of Parliament in Lilongwe to strengthen their capacity to fulfill legislative and oversight roles for the 2025–2030 term. Taking place from 3 to 4 November 2025, the orientation focuses on building effective parliamentary committees — the driving force behind transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in Malawi’s democratic governance.
Right Honourable Sameer Suleman, MP, Speaker of Parliament, addressing the Members of Parliament.
Strengthening the “Engine Room” of Parliament
In her welcoming remarks, Clerk of Parliament Ms. Fiona Kalemba described committees as “the engine rooms of Parliament,” where complex issues are examined and government actions are scrutinized.
“Committees ensure that government policies and expenditure align with the law, national priorities, and the aspirations of our people,” she said. “Through effective committees, we prevent misuse of public resources and promote better governance.”
She added that the sessions will help MPs develop specialized expertise across key sectors, making their legislative work more evidence-based and responsive to citizens’ needs.
From Mandate to Meaningful Action
Opening the orientation, Speaker of Parliament Right Honourable Sameer Gaffar Suleman urged Members to see committees as the true centers of parliamentary action.
“Elections give us authority, but Parliamentary Committees give us power to act, to scrutinize, and to deliver,” he said. “Oversight is the heartbeat of democracy — without effective committees, governance drifts into opacity.”
He encouraged MPs to work collaboratively across party lines and to embrace transparency and diligence as guiding principles in their committee work.
Dr. Chika Charles Aniekwe, UNDP Malawi Deputy Resident Representative, addressing the Members of Parliament.
UNDP Reaffirms Support for Democratic Governance
Representing UNDP, Deputy Resident Representative Dr. Chika Charles Aniekwe congratulated the new Parliament and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s democratic institutions.
“Parliament remains the cornerstone of Malawi’s democracy — entrusted to hold government to account, safeguard public resources, and ensure that national decisions truly serve the people,” he said.
Dr. Aniekwe highlighted the importance of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the current fiscal context, noting Malawi’s economic challenges and the need for strong financial oversight.
“Oversight of public expenditures, accountability for borrowing, and transparency in resource management are essential. The work of the PAC is central to protecting public trust,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of inclusion and gender equality, encouraging MPs to ensure that committees reflect the voices of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
A Shared Commitment to Effective Governance
UNDP has supported Parliament in revising its Committee Handbook, aligning it with international best practices and strengthening institutional capacity for evidence-based oversight.
As the orientation continues, MPs will receive guidance on parliamentary procedures, public participation, research in committee work, and specialized committee functions — all aimed at enhancing legislative performance and accountability.
“Every question asked, every report examined, and every recommendation made in committee contributes to a more transparent and effective government,” Dr. Aniekwe concluded.
