Press Release
APRM Convenes Inaugural and Joint Meetings of the High-Level Steering Committee for the Governance Index Project
Midrand, South Africa – July 4 and 8, 2025 – The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat recently convened two virtual gatherings that marked a significant step forward in advancing the APRM Governance Index (AGI) project. This key initiative is set to provide a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of governance across Africa, built on a foundation of African ownership and leadership. The AGI seeks to empower Participating States with a reliable tool that supports evidence-based policymaking, as well as advancing APRM’s mandate of promoting good governance on the continent.
The first of the two virtual engagements set a collaborative and purposeful tone for the AGI process. It brought together representatives of APRM national structures at the High-Level Steering Committee. This gathering focused on establishing the strategic direction for the AGI project and laying a strong foundation for its operationalisation. On behalf of H.E. Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Chief Executive Officer of the APRM Continental Secretariat, Mr. Damien Thesee, Chief of Staff, warmly welcomed all participants. He reaffirmed the APRM’s steadfast commitment to delivering a governance assessment tool that reflects African ownership, inclusivity, and the highest standards of technical rigor. Mr. Thesee also highlighted key milestones already achieved, including the recruitment of 21 highly qualified national consultants in as many APRM Participating States, the development of draft data collection tools, and the development of clear Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee.
Ambassador Ashraf Rashed, Chairperson of Egypt’s National Governing Council and Vice-Chairperson of the Steering Committee, opened the session by highlighting the critical evolution from primarily qualitative governance assessments to a more systematic, data-centred approach. He praised the APRM Secretariat’s technical leadership and stressed the
importance of ensuring that the data supporting the AGI is credible, country-owned, and directly relevant to policy development and implementation.
During the session, representatives from APRM national structure carefully reviewed and formally endorsed the Steering Committee’s Terms of Reference. These include important provisions for leveraging official national statistics, actively engaging recognised data collection bodies, and ensuring a balanced regional representation on the Committee. The methodological framework for the AGI was presented in detail and received constructive feedback. This framework combines qualitative and quantitative indicators across four key governance dimensions – democracy and political governance, economic governance, corporate governance, and socio-economic development. Attendees agreed to adopt 2018 – 2024 as the period for data collection, with reporting scheduled for every other year. To ensure data accuracy and reliability, national statistics offices will play a central role in validating submissions, supported by a specialised technical task force. Furthermore, a revised data rating scale was adopted, and draft data collection tools were circulated to appointed consultants to gather further inputs ahead of subsequent consultations.
Building on this momentum, a follow-up joint meeting of the APRM Steering Committee took place on 8 July, bringing together key consultants, technicians, and experts from the APRM national structures. This session aimed to strengthen the alignment and preparations for the crucial phase of national data collection.
Opening the session once again, the APRM CEO’s representative, Mr. Damien Thesee emphasised the AGI’s strategic importance as a non-comparative, country-led self-assessment tool that enables APRM Participating States to track their governance progress over time in ways that reflect their unique national contexts. He acknowledged the challenges many countries face around data availability and access and called for increased collaboration with national statistics offices and relevant institutions to overcome these obstacles.
Ambassador Rashed reaffirmed the core principles of national ownership and voluntary participation. He pointed out the indispensable role of national consultants in driving the process and advocated for a phased approach that honours the diversity of country contexts while safeguarding the integrity of the overall framework. Following the remarks from the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate of the APRM, Mr. Peter Katwesige provided a detailed presentation on the AGI’s design, objectives, and implementation timeline. This was followed by a technical session led by Dr. Sampson Osei who introduced the draft data collection instruments and facilitated an engaging discussion addressing practical and methodological questions raised by participants.
Further into the discussion, consultants and experts from APRM national structures offered valuable inputs to strengthen the AGI’s rollout. They recommended refining data templates and clarifying key indicator definitions, particularly concerning electoral data and the classification of persons with disabilities. Participants also stressed the importance of adopting realistic timelines, allowing flexibility in sourcing credible data, and ensuring official validation through national statistics offices. Concerns were raised about maintaining the quality and integrity of the AGI, especially in light of tight deadlines and donor-driven constraints. These thoughtful contributions played a vital role in shaping a more practical, inclusive, and context-sensitive approach to implementation.
In closing, Ambassador Ashraf Rashed proposed convening a follow-up session to allow APRM Participating States to share experiences, consolidate lessons learned, and collaboratively address emerging operational challenges. The meetings concluded with warm appreciation for the dedication and expertise demonstrated by all participants. A symbolic virtual group photo captured the collective spirit and strong sense of continental ownership that continues to drive this important initiative forward in the pursuit of stronger governance across Africa.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact the APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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