Meetings of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) have continued today at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  

The APR Panel of Eminent Persons is meeting on the margins of the AU Summit to discuss resource mobilisation strategies and modalities for the integration of the APRM into the African Union, amongst other issues.

The APR Panel of Eminent Persons exercises oversight of the APRM process with a view to ensuring the independence, professionalism and credibility of the APRM country review process.  It also oversees the selection of the APR mission teams and appoints them to conduct country reviews.

NEPAD Agency CEO and Interim CEO of APRM, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki reminded the Panel that the member country support and interest in the APRM has been renewed and that the Panel should leverage on this commitment. Dr Mayaki highlighted the importance of strengthening and sustaining the momentum with strategic partners and advised the need for APRM to venture into mutually beneficially partnerships, possibly with non-traditional partners of the APRM. 

L-R- Ambassador Ashraf Rashed – Vice Chairperson of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons ;  Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza – Chairperson of the APR Panel  of Eminent Persons and Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki – NEPAD Agency CEO and Interim CEO of APRM

In his presentation to the Panel of Eminent Person, Dr Mayaki urged that the integration of the APRM into AU structures should not be rushed without a proper analysis of all important factors in order to ensure a smooth transition process. “The NEPAD integration process into AU structures was a learning curve for the NEPAD Agency. There were challenges along the way and it took longer than we had expected. So, I urge the APRM Secretariat to exercise diligence and patience to ensure successful integration,” Dr Mayaki said. 

Dr Mayaki also provided an update on the interim management and institutional development activities being undertaken.

Also discussed were APRM country reports, member country support, APRM’s recruitment processes and the implementation and adoption of a monitoring and evaluation framework for APRM.

APRM country coordinators of Benin and Sierra Leone reported back on progress made with regard to National Programmes of Action and Country Reports. National Programmes of Action are the key recommendations emanating from the Country Review Reports. 

Currently, there are thirty-four member states that have voluntarily acceded to the APRM, which is Africa’s self-monitoring and good governance instrument. Of these countries seventeen have completed their self-assessment exercise and have been peer-reviewed by the Forum of Heads of State and Governments.

There was general optimism among the Panel of Eminent Persons that the integration process and new partnerships strategies will revive APRM.

The final APRM progress report will be presented by the Chairperson of the Panel at the 22nd Summit of the APR Forum on January 29.