Hon. Tulia Ackson

Dr. Tulia Ackson is a Tanzanian politician and jurist who currently serves as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania and as President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). She is the first African woman elected to lead the IPU, a global organization of parliaments, and the second woman to hold the speakership in Tanzania's history. Her career spans academia, law, and high-level governance, making her a prominent figure in African parliamentary diplomacy.

Ackson began her professional path as a lecturer in law before transitioning into public service. She served as Deputy Attorney General of Tanzania, where she provided legal counsel to the government and contributed to legislative reform. In 2020, she was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, a role she held until 2022, when she ascended to the speakership. Her leadership in parliament has been marked by efforts to enhance legislative transparency and gender inclusion.

In October 2023, during the 147th IPU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, Ackson was elected President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Her tenure focuses on strengthening multilateral parliamentary cooperation, promoting democratic governance, and amplifying the voice of developing nations in global forums. She also serves as a Country Ambassador for the Women Political Leaders (WPL) network, advocating for women's political participation.

Though primarily a political leader, Ackson has been invited to speak at iGaming industry events such as SiGMA Europe 2026, where she addresses topics related to regulatory frameworks and inter-parliamentary dialogue. Her appearance at these conferences underscores the intersection of governance, law, and the global gaming industry, though she holds no direct affiliation with the gambling sector.