Mudenda leads Zimbabwean delegation to 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania

SPEAKER of the Parliament of Zimbabwe Advocate Jacob Mudenda and Senate President Mabel Chinomona have arrived in Arusha, Tanzania, for the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly.

They were received at Dar-es-Salaam International Airport by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Helen Dingani.

The assembly, hosted by Tanzania’s Bunge la Tanzania at the Arusha International Conference Centre, runs under the theme: ‘Enhancing Good Governance and Empowering Communities Through Inclusivity, Trust and Opportunities for All.’ It kicked off Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Parliament said the trip is pursuant to Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement philosophy under the National Development Strategy (NDS2) and its parliamentary diplomacy drive.

Founded in 1889, the IPU is the world’s first multilateral political organisation, promoting cooperation among parliaments, peace and democracy. It currently has 183 Member Parliaments and 15 regional bodies.

Mudenda and Chinomona are accompanied by Zimbabwe’s IPU standing delegates: Chief Mtshane Khumalo, Tsitsi Muzenda, Lusyomo Nyelele, Maureen Kademaunga, Jona Nyevera and Knowledge Kaitano who replaces Tawanda Karikoga.

Known as the Dean of African Speakers, Mudenda is expected to play a key role in plenary and side events as parliamentary diplomacy takes centre stage amid rising global conflicts.

Highlights include the expected admission of Naoero as the 184th member, a resolution on rights of people living with disabilities, and panel discussions on military AI, extractive industries oversight, mental health, AI and children’s rights, climate and maritime security.

The event will close with the election of a new IPU President to replace Tanzania’s Dr Tulia Ackson. Three candidates are contesting: Sahiba Gafarova of Azerbaijan, Milton Dick of Australia and Rojo Edwards Silva of Chile.

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