Ezulwini Valley (Eswatini), 12th May 2026: The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Botswana, Honourable Helen P. Manyeneng is leading the delegation of Botswana participating in the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly and the 1st Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly taking place from 7th-14th May 2026 in Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini.
The delegation of Botswana comprises of the Deputy Speaker and Members of Parliament as follows; Honourable Caterpillar Hikuama, Honourable Galenawabo Lekau and Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly Ms. Kebafentse H. Ketshajwang.
In attendance are high level representatives from the Kingdom of Eswatini including His Excellency Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini and His Royal Highness Prince Lindani, Eswatini Representative to the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly, and Co-presidents of the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly Honourable Ms. Hilde Vautmans- Member of EU Parliament and Honourable Mr, David Houinsa Member of Parliament of the Republic of Benin. The session includes participation by Members of Parliament from 40 (forty) OACPS African Member States and representatives from the European Parliament.
The inaugural sessions of this parliamentary assembly will hold pertinent discussions on a wide range of issues including strengthening cooperation between Africa and the EU on issues related to security, youth and women polices, economic cooperation and sustainable development, culture and creative industries in Africa-EU relations among others. The session will also focus on emerging issues including cooperation on critical raw materials.
Representatives from the OACPS African Parliaments and European parliamentarians will further discuss a number of shared priorities guided by the thematic areas as below:
- The role of regional organisations and their parliaments in promoting peace and security;
- the future of multilateralism and the role of parliamentary diplomacy;
- youth mobility in the context of the partnership;
- women in agriculture; and
- Africa-EU parliamentary views on matters related to critical raw materials.
Botswana through the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Helen Manyeneng will co-chair the Women’s Forum on 13th May, 2026 under the topic “Empowering Women in Agriculture Value Chains as a driver of Economic Development “.
The parliamentarians will conclude by adopting recommendations to be submitted to the Africa-EU Council of Ministers.
