Study visit of the National Assembly of Benin to the Czech Chamber of Deputies
Past Event - 1-5 DecemberFrom 1–5 December 2025, the National Assembly of Benin carried out a study visit to the Parliamentary Institute of the Czech Chamber of Deputies in Prague under the Inter Pares | Parliaments in Partnership programme. The visit brought together parliamentary research professionals from Benin and counterparts from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Slovakia for in-depth, peer-to-peer exchanges aimed at strengthening independent, evidence-based parliamentary research services.
Over the week, participants explored how parliamentary research services are structured, governed and resourced, and how they maintain independence while responding to the needs of Members of Parliament. Practical sessions examined the production and quality assurance of research outputs, internal coordination with legal, library and committee services, and the use of digital tools – including emerging applications of artificial intelligence – to improve efficiency without compromising impartiality. The programme also highlighted the value of external partnerships with academia, civil society and international networks in enriching parliamentary work.
What’s next: Building on the momentum of the visit, partners agreed to pursue further collaboration in 2026, including exchange visits, joint or pilot research initiatives, targeted training on research methodologies and AI, and webinars focused on translating scientific evidence into concise, policy-relevant analysis for MPs. These next steps aim to further strengthen parliamentary research capacity in Benin while deepening long-term cooperation between European and African parliaments.
Learn more here.
To reflect on the week’s discussions and share perspectives from the delegation, two Members of Parliament offered short video statements on the importance of strengthening parliamentary research services and international cooperation.
- Mr Fataou Djima, Director of the Parliamentary Institute of the National Assembly of Benin
- Mr Antonin Kpegouton, Head of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Department, National Assembly of Benin
Additional Resources:
Photos from the study visit of the National Assembly of Benin to the Czech Chamber of Deputies in Prague highlight a week of in-depth peer exchange on strengthening parliamentary research services. The images capture moments of dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning among African and European parliamentary partners under the Inter Pares programme. /Source: Office of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic. Copyright: Photo by Lukas Janicina
