Parliament, Tuesday, 15 September 2026 – Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth on Tuesday called on Commonwealth parliaments to ensure that trade translates into inclusive economic growth, job creation and tangible improvements in people’s lives.
The call was made during a Host Branch Workshop of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa in Cape Town under the theme: “Promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue for inclusive, fair trade in diverse economies, addressing inequality and underdevelopment in the Commonwealth and beyond.”
The Deputy Speaker of the South African Parliament’s National Assembly, Dr Annelie Lotriet, chaired the workshop, noting that the discussions are taking place amid persistent inequality, poverty, unemployment and uneven development across the Commonwealth. South African parliamentarians Ms Sonja Boshoff, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade; Ms Jane Mananiso, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice and Mr Mzwandile Masina, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, participated as panellists.
Dr Lotriet said that while trade remains a powerful engine for economic growth and sustainable development, its benefits must be deliberately broadened to ensure that vulnerable and marginalised communities are not left behind. “This is where the role of parliaments becomes crucial. As representatives of the people, we have a responsibility to shape policy, strengthen oversight, advance accountability and ensure that economic development translates into meaningful social progress,” she said. Dr Lotriet further noted that the inter-parliamentary workshop provides an important platform for Commonwealth Parliaments to share experiences, learn from one another and develop practical responses to challenges that transcend national borders.
Ms Boshoff told delegates that fair trade must recognise that countries do not enter the global trading system from equal starting positions. She said developing countries may require support to strengthen their economies and competitiveness, but such support should ultimately contribute to self-reliance rather than permanent dependence. She also stressed that parliamentarians’ responsibility does not end when a trade agreement is signed, or legislation is passed. Through lawmaking, oversight and budget scrutiny, parliaments must ensure that commitments are implemented and deliver measurable results, since the success of trade policy should ultimately be measured by whether it enables businesses to grow, creates jobs, expands participation and improves the lives of communities.
Also addressing the workshop, Ms Mananiso highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing inclusive economic development. She said parliamentarians must use their oversight and public participation responsibilities to ensure that trade policies benefit women-owned enterprises, youth-led businesses, township and rural enterprises, and other historically excluded groups.
Mr Masina emphasised Parliament’s role throughout the trade agreement process, including lawmaking, oversight and public participation. He called for stronger monitoring of trade outcomes, including job creation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises and the participation of women and youth.
The workshop also highlighted practical barriers to inclusive trade, including access to finance, costly cross-border payments, digital connectivity, infrastructure, regulatory barriers and limited access to markets. Participants called for greater cooperation between Commonwealth parliaments, financial regulators and other institutions to simplify cross-border trade and strengthen digital and financial connectivity. They also stressed the need for developing economies to move beyond exporting raw materials and invest in local value addition, manufacturing and skills development. The discussions further emphasised that fair trade must reach rural and underserved communities and that infrastructure such as roads, ports, electricity and broadband is essential to enabling meaningful economic participation.
Closing the workshop, Ms Nontembeko Boyce, Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, said Commonwealth parliaments must strengthen cooperation beyond the CPC and ensure that commitments made through inter-parliamentary dialogue are followed by action. Ms Boyce called for stronger legislative oversight, greater accountability and continued efforts to address barriers faced by women, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other marginalised groups.
The workshop formed part of the 69th CPC hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa under the theme: “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.”
The official conference programme runs until Thursday evening.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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