Rabat Hosts the Establishment of the African Network of Open Parliaments to Enhance Transparency and Citizen Participation
A New Parliamentary Dynamic for Africa
The establishment of the African Network of Open Parliaments was announced on Wednesday at the headquarters of the House of Representatives in Rabat. This initiative aims to create a structured framework for exchanging experiences among African parliaments that are members or candidates of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
Rabat at the Heart of the Initiative
It has been decided that:
- Rabat will host the Permanent Secretariat of the Network,
- and the Moroccan House of Representatives will hold its presidency.
This decision strengthens Morocco’s role in African dynamics related to open governance.
A Framework for More Transparent Parliaments
The Network aspires to promote:
- the transparency of legislative institutions,
- accountability,
- access to information,
- and citizen participation.
It includes several African countries, such as Morocco, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, and Senegal, with the participation of international partners.
A Shared Vision of Open Democracy
Founding parliaments recalled their commitments outlined in the Marrakech Declaration (2022) and the Abidjan Declaration (2025), emphasizing the importance of governance tailored to the historical, cultural, and institutional realities of the African continent.
Digital Transformation and AI for Parliaments
The Network places a central focus on digital transformation, viewed as a crucial lever to:
- improve access to parliamentary information,
- enhance transparency,
- bring citizens closer to institutions.
The use of artificial intelligence and digital tools is also encouraged to modernize legislative operations and make texts more accessible.
A Citizen- and Youth-Centric Initiative
The Network aims to:
- facilitate understanding of parliamentary work,
- encourage the involvement of youth and women,
- and reinforce trust in democratic institutions.
An African Space for Cooperation and Advocacy
Beyond exchanging experiences, this platform intends to advocate for the interests of the African continent while strengthening cooperation among legislative institutions and promoting the emergence of more open, connected, and accountable parliaments.
The creation of this Network marks a significant step in modernizing African parliamentary institutions, placing transparency, digital transformation, and citizen participation at the forefront of democratic action.
