By Gloria Ikibah
In a move aimed at reinforcing cross-national legislative engagement, a prominent parliamentary team from Malawi, led by First Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo, has paid an official visit to Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday.
During discussions with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, Malawian Deputy Speaker emphasised the value of shared experience between both nations. 
He noted that Malawi sees Nigeria as a key partner in advancing democratic collaboration and institutional growth.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Kazombo remarked, highlighting the mutual benefits of closer ties. He also praised Nigeria’s rich culinary culture and commended its lawmakers for their commitment to legislative excellence.
The engagement, held under the theme “Strengthening Parliamentary Ties between Nigeria and Malawi,” focused on building lasting institutional links. Kazombo reaffirmed Malawi’s intention to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as lawmaking, democratic governance, and leadership development.
He further recalled Malawi’s independence in 1964, underlining the country’s long-standing aspirations for self-driven progress.
The visit marks a strategic effort to enhance bilateral understanding and capacity-building between two African democracies.
While welcoming the Malawian delegation, Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu stressed the value of exchanging legislative strategies, particularly in critical areas such as constitutional reform and public inclusion.
He pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional amendment efforts, and noted key proposals designed to boost women’s representation in leadership and lower the age threshold for youth participation in electoral politics.
Kalu also used the occasion to call for stronger collaboration among African legislatures, urging collective action on the continent’s pressing challenges. He expressed concern over the rising migration of African youth to Europe and advocated for deeper intra-African partnerships focused on job creation and the establishment of resilient legislative systems that meet the needs of future generations.
In his address, Malawi’s Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo commended Nigeria for its strides in legislative development, aligning with calls for stronger ties between the two countries.
Kazombo reflected on Malawi’s journey toward multiparty democracy, he eemphasised he legislature’s central role in promoting democratic values.
Speaking frankly about the importance of youth participation in governance, he cited his own political rise as proof of what young leaders can achieve when given the platform.
He noted that he contested and won his seat as an independent candidate, pointing out that Malawi’s political structure is shaped by a five-party system.
During the exchange, both leaders stressed the importance of continuous parliamentary engagement and explored the possibility of establishing a Malawian High Commission in Nigeria—signaling a potential shift in bilateral diplomacy.
The visit underscored a shared resolve to strengthen institutional cooperation, with discussions focusing on inclusive governance, democratic resilience, and regional progress.
Kazombo also shared that Malawi’s parliament is made up of 193 representatives, with systems in place to ensure increased gender representation.
