Midrand – 13 August 2025 - The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat convened the 112th Meeting of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons on 6 August 2025 in Midrand, South Africa, marking a significant achievement in Africa’s path towards stronger governance systems. The session was preceded by two strategic gatherings: the 10th Ordinary Session of the APRM National Secretariats Coordinating Committee on 4 August and the 17th Ordinary Session of the Continental Consultative Committee (CCC) of National Governing Councils/Commissions (NGCs) on 5 August 2025, also held virtually from Midrand. Together, these events laid the ground for effective and impactful discussions, highlighting the steadfast commitment to (AU) Member States to advancing good governance reforms and building resilient institutions.
During the virtual 112th meeting, the Panel of Eminent Persons, comprising of distinguished leaders whose expertise and integrity continue to guide the APRM, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening governance frameworks across Africa. Serving as a compass for the Mechanism, the Panel’s guidance, together with the leadership of the APRM’s CEO, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, is closely aligned with the newly approved APRM Strategic Plan for the 2025–2028 term. This plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap for reform built upon four strategic pillars: strengthening governance reforms, fortifying APRM institutions, mobilising resources, and enhancing communication.
Opening the meeting, Ambassador Rose-Quatre emphasised that the Strategic Plan represents far more than a written framework, it is a practical blueprint designed to deliver measurable change. She pointed out that its implementation will drive tangible improvements in Africa’s governance landscape, advancing reform with one review at a time.
Significant key proposals that emerged from the session including the development of a Model Law to establish and sustain National APRM Structures, ensuring their integration into domestic governance systems. The decision to embed E-Governance into country review processes, beginning with Sierra Leone and Liberia, which signals the APRM’s embrace of digital solutions to enhance transparency and accountability. The meeting also acknowledged generous financial commitments from Algeria of USD 1 million and Togo contributing USD 100,000, which will support critical review missions in Egypt, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Zimbabwe, alongside second-generation reviews in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Ambassador Rose-Quatre also appreciated the financial contributions made by Senegal and Liberia of USD 100,000 each towards settling their arrears. Ambassador Aly El-Hefny, Chairperson of the Panel, commended the collective effort behind these achievements, stating that the APRM Continental Secretariat must continue to hold up the mirror for African governments, encourage honest reflection, and drive genuine change.
Further into the session, deliberations examined ongoing country engagements, targeting two base reviews and two targeted reviews for 2025. Building on these country initiatives, the Panel turned its attention to the APRM’s broader role in Africa’s development trajectory. Discussions also addressed the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA), a transformative mechanism designed to deliver fair and contextually accurate credit ratings, thereby reducing dependency on international rating agencies and advancing economic sovereignty.
In parallel, the meeting reviewed progress on the Africa Governance Report (AGR) 2025, which focusses on natural resource governance and policy transformation. Plans were outlined for wide regional dissemination to maximise its impact.
Furthermore, the Panel also reflected on the outcomes of the 3rd Africa High-Level Forum on the South-South and Triangular Cooperation, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in May 2025. The resulting Freetown Declaration called for a stronger African voice in global financial systems and encouraged deeper public-private collaboration under the South-South cooperation framework. The APRM’s active role in advancing this agenda reaffirmed its commitment to embedding governance reform within broader continental and global policy dialogues.
As the meeting drew to a close, Ambassador El-Hefny reiterated the APRM’s strong commitment to objectivity, excellence, and independence, noting that its work remains grounded in collaboration and integrity, ensuring it continues to serve as a trusted platform for African governance reforms. Looking ahead, the APRM will intensify efforts to strengthen continental governance frameworks, broaden thematic reviews, and prepare for forthcoming missions in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Egypt, São Tomé and Príncipe and Zimbabwe.
This momentum will carry forward to the 35th Ordinary Session of the Forum of Heads of State and Government in February 2026, where the APRM will present key findings and outline the next steps in Africa’s governance reform journey. Through these sustained efforts, the APRM continues to serve as an engine of change, advocating for democratic governance, accountable leadership, and equitable development as pillars of Africa’s growth.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
@APRMorg – X
