The 9th Professional Development Seminar of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SoCATT) – Africa Region officially opened in Gaborone, with the Dithapelo Keorapetse, Speaker of the National Assembly, presiding over the event. The seminar, held under the theme “Parliament and Public Finance Management: Fostering Transparency and Accountability,” brings together parliamentary officials and clerks from across the continent. The gathering provides a platform for knowledge sharing, skill development, and networking among parliamentary staff tasked with overseeing public finance. Attendance included key figures such as the Dumelang Saleshando, Leader of the Opposition, emphasizing the event’s significance in promoting bipartisan engagement in financial oversight. By convening stakeholders with diverse parliamentary experience, the seminar aims to enhance the quality of public finance management across African parliaments.
In his opening remarks, Speaker Keorapetse underscored the crucial role of such seminars in strengthening parliamentary oversight. He highlighted that these forums provide opportunities to reflect on current practices and enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary monitoring. Effective oversight ensures that the Executive remains accountable to citizens, that public resources are allocated transparently, and that governmental processes operate within established legal frameworks. He stressed that accountability is a cornerstone of good governance and that parliamentary staff must be equipped with the necessary expertise to scrutinize budgets and monitor expenditure efficiently. Strengthening these capacities allows parliaments to safeguard citizens’ rights while ensuring that public funds are used in accordance with national priorities and development goals.
The seminar focuses on enhancing the skills and competencies of parliamentary administrators in Public Finance Management (PFM). Participants are exposed to practical tools and methodologies for assessing budgets, auditing expenditures, and evaluating financial reports. The program also promotes collaboration and networking among participants, allowing parliamentary staff from different countries to share experiences and best practices. By fostering cross-parliamentary dialogue, the seminar encourages innovative approaches to addressing financial management challenges within legislative institutions. Participants are expected to leave with actionable insights that can be applied in their respective parliaments to improve oversight and accountability.
An additional goal of the SoCATT seminar is the generation of practical Public Finance Management ideas that can be implemented across member parliaments. These ideas aim to strengthen the efficiency and transparency of financial processes while supporting informed decision-making by parliamentarians. The seminar also emphasizes capacity building in monitoring tools, reporting mechanisms, and financial governance frameworks. By integrating theory with practical applications, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical link between parliamentary oversight and effective public finance management. Such initiatives contribute to institutional strengthening and reinforce the role of parliaments in promoting sustainable development and good governance.
The 9th SoCATT Africa Region Professional Development Seminar commenced on March 9, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on March 13, 2026. Over the course of five days, attendees will participate in workshops, discussions, and case study analyses designed to enhance their technical skills and understanding of Public Finance Management. The seminar provides an important opportunity for knowledge exchange while reinforcing the strategic role of parliamentary staff in upholding accountability and transparency. By equipping clerks and officials with advanced oversight competencies, the event strengthens the broader parliamentary system and contributes to improved governance across Africa. This seminar represents a key step toward building stronger, more accountable legislative institutions across the continent.
