What's on this page?
On this page you will find information on NEPAD's work on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), including progress so far and achievements.
What is the African Peer Review Mechanism?
NEPAD believes that it is critical that African development and regional co-operation programmes take place in the context of good economic and political governance. The African Peer Review Mechanism is a mutually agreed programme, voluntarily adopted by the member states of the African Union, to promote and re-enforce high standards of governance. The peer review mechanism is a self-monitoring mechanism.
APRM's mandate is to ensure that the policies and practices of participating countries conform to the agreed values in the following four focus areas: democracy and political governance, economic governance, corporate governance and socio-economic development.
As part of the APRM there are periodic reviews of the participating countries to assess progress being made towards achieving the mutually agreed goals.
It is important to note that there is no conditionality attached to the peer review mechanism.
How does the APRM work?
Structurally the peer review mechanism is constituted as such:
- The Committee of Participating Heads of State and Government (APR Forum) is the highest decision making authority in the APRM;
- The Panel of Eminent Persons (APR Panel) oversees the review process to ensure integrity, considers reports and makes recommendations to the APR Forum;
- The APRM Secretariat provides secretarial, technical, coordinating and administrative support for the APRM; and
- The Country Review Mission Team (CRM Team) visits member states to review progress and produce an APRM Report on the country.
The APRM process looks at four focus areas:
1. Democracy and good political governance
This area looks at ensuring that member state constitutions reflect the democratic ethos, provide accountable governance and that political representation is promoted, allowing all citizens to participate in the political process in a free and fair political environment.
2. Economic governance and management
Good economic governance including transparency in financial management is an essential pre-requisite for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty.
3. Corporate governance
This area focuses on promoting ethical principles, values and practices that are in line with broader social and economic goals to benefit all citizens. It works to promote a sound framework for good corporate governance.
4. Socio-economic Development
Poverty can only be effectively tackled through the promotion of democracy, good governance, peace and security as well as the development of human and physical resources.
What progress has been made so far?
As of the 29 January 2011, APRM counted 30 member states: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.
Between January 2006 and January 2011, 14 member countries has been peer reviewed : Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Afrique du Sud, Algérie, Benin, Ouganda, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, Lesotho, Maurice et Ethiopie.
Who is leading the programme?
Assefa Shifa,
Email: Assefas@nepad.org [1]
Tel: +27 (0)11 256 3401
