Tayebwa meets Brussels parliament president to strengthen Africa-eu ccooperation 

Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has held a working breakfast meeting with the President of the Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region, Bertin Mampaka Mankamba, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between Africa and Brussels.

The meeting took place in Brussels, Belgium, on the sidelines of the ongoing Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States-European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

According to Tayebwa, the discussions focused on parliamentary diplomacy, trade, and investment, with both leaders exploring opportunities to establish mutually beneficial partnerships between Africa and Brussels.

Tayebwa said they discussed ways of attracting investors from Brussels to invest in different sectors across Africa to promote industrialisation, economic growth, and job creation.

Climate change is also featured in the discussions, with Tayebwa emphasising the need to balance environmental protection with Africa’s right to sustainably utilise its natural resources and pursue economic transformation.

He further highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing misconceptions about Africa and strengthening political and economic relations with Europe.

Tayebwa noted that Africa’s growing population, expanding markets, and economic potential make the continent an increasingly important strategic partner for Europe.

The meeting also came amid Tayebwa’s call for a fairer OACPS-EU partnership that allows resource-rich countries to benefit more from their natural wealth through local processing, investment, and industrialisation.

Tayebwa was accompanied by Uganda’s Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Franklin Katungwe, and Sheema Municipality MP Dicksons Kateshumbwa

During the meeting, Mampaka Mankamba also surprised Tayebwa with a birthday cake, a gesture the Deputy Speaker said he greatly appreciated.