This chapter examines the emergence of regional parliaments in Africa, emphasizing their connection to regional integration and external influences. It argues that the African Union (AU) played a pivotal role through its normative commitment to democracy and good governance, as enshrined in its Constitutive Act. Furthermore, economic partnership agreements, notably with the European Union (EU), facilitated institutional development by embedding democratic principles and fostering parliamentary engagement. The EU's influence is highlighted through mechanisms like the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and capacity-building initiatives. Comparisons between the European Parliament and African regional parliaments reveal shared trajectories, including gradual empowerment and integration within regional governance frameworks. This chapter underscores the EU's exemplary role as a model for African parliamentary institutions, while also acknowledging internal and external factors that shaped their establishment. Ultimately, it portrays regional parliaments as integral to Africa's democratic evolution and regional cooperation.