6 September 2024, Midrand, South Africa — The APRM Continental Secretariat, led by CEO Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, successfully hosted the 8th Meeting of the APRM National Secretariats Coordinating Committee (NSCC).
The meeting focused on discussing key governance issues across Africa, reviewing and adopting the outcome report from the 7th NSCC Meeting, and receiving a presentation from CEO Rose Quatre on her first 100 days in office.
Distinguished participants included H.E. Saad Maadi, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to South Africa, representing the Chairperson of the APR Focal Points Committee; Mr. Mohamed Sheriff, Executive Secretary of the APRM National Secretariat in Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the NSCC; as well as members of the APRM National Secretariats and staff from the APRM Continental Secretariat.
In her opening remarks, the CEO emphasized the importance of the NSCC in advancing good governance and sustainable development across the continent. “This assembly highlights our shared commitment to shaping the future of governance in Africa and reinforces the collaborative spirit that drives the APRM forward,” she stated.
H.E. Maadi stressed the APRM’s role as the African Union’s key instrument for promoting good governance. “The APRM embodies our collective commitment to transforming Africa in terms of governance, transparency, and accountability,” he said. He further emphasized the APRM’s structured framework for the self-assessment and mutual evaluation of Member States’ governance practices.
Mr. Mohamed Sheriff, Chairperson of the NSCC, commended the critical role of the Committee in shaping Africa’s governance landscape. He acknowledged the complexity of governance challenges but expressed optimism about overcoming them. “The rules and procedures of the NSCC ensure our work is guided by transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity,” he remarked.
Delegates from Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, and Ghana shared perspectives on national issues, including youth unrest over fiscal policies and unemployment challenges. The discussions focused on the diverse governance issues faced across the continent.
In her closing remarks, CEO Rose Quatre introduced her comprehensive 3 Ps Strategy—Professionalism, Performance, and Probity. This strategy includes: 1) Repositioning the APRM to effectively address governance challenges, 2) Implementing National Programmes of Action through capacity development, 3) Linking early warnings and reviews to actionable strategies, and 4) Collaborating on development projects with AUDA-NEPAD, particularly in countries experiencing political transitions.
The NSCC also received an update on its Draft Rules of Procedure and Draft 2024 Work Plan. A video presentation by CEO Rose Quatre summarized her key activities during her first 100 days in office, including staff training, engagements with South African authorities, and efforts to establish an African Credit Rating Agency.
The session concluded with the adoption of the outcome report from the 7th Ordinary Session of the NSCC.
