Delegates from across Africa, the UK, and St Helena stand outside the National Assembly of Zambia

Delegates from eight legislatures across Africa participated in the Workshop on African Public Accounts Committees

For the first time in five years, CPA UK co-hosted an African Regional Workshop with the National Assembly of Zambia on Public Accounts Committees. Attended by 23 parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from eight legislatures across Africa and the UK, the Workshop covered key topics, such as cross-party collaboration in a PAC context, effective questioning techniques, and preparing for committee inquiries. The Workshop was an opportunity for parliamentarians and parliamentary officials to share good practice and build networks. 

Dame Meg Hillier MP, Leader of the CPA UK delegation and Chair of UK PAC, shared “Each time we meet, we come away revitalised. We often have more in common with each other across nations and across the Commonwealth, than we do with parliamentarians in our own jurisdictions”.

The three-day Workshop included panel discussions, group exercises, and sessions focused on problem-solving skills and peer-to-peer learning. Throughout the workshop, participants noted challenges and opportunities related to their roles as PAC Chairs, members and clerks. The open and productive space provided by the Workshop enabled delegates to delve into broader areas of discussion important to their work, such as youth engagement in a PAC's work and maintaining good working relationships within PAC teams.

To learn more about the Workshop and its outcomes, click here.