Midrand – 4 September 2025 – The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat participated in the 2025 Chairpersons and CEOs Forum in Arusha, Tanzania, on 26 August 2025, under the theme Creating Sustainable Business Synergies in a Globally Competitive Environment: The Role of SOEs. The Forum brought together senior executives, policymakers, and governance experts from Tanzania to explore the evolving role of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the continent’s economic transformation.
The Chief Executive Officer APRM, H.E. Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre emphasised the strategic importance of Africa’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in advancing regional integration, driving intra-African trade, and positioning the continent competitively in the global financial landscape. “Good governance is not a burden. It is a competitive advantage. It lowers the cost of borrowing, improves credit ratings, attracts partnerships, and enhances the credibility of our enterprises in global markets,” she said.
As part of the programme, Ms. Ejigayhu Tefera, from the APRM’s Directorate of Governance and Specialised Reporting, delivered a presentation on the forthcoming African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA). Set to launch by the end of 2025, AfCRA aims to provide independent, Africa-led credit assessments for sovereigns, sub-sovereigns, and corporates. The presentation sparked a dynamic discussion on APRM’s role in shaping governance on the continent and Africa’s readiness to shape its financial future.
In addition to AfCRA, the APRM showcased other flagship initiatives, including:
- The AU Corporate Governance Guidelines – a practical framework to support accountability, transparency, and efficiency in SOE operations; and
- The African SOE Network – a platform for peer learning, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaboration among SOEs.
The Forum also highlighted the increasing influence of African institutions in global reform platforms such as the G20 and IMF. With shifting dynamics in international finance, trade, and technology, speakers reiterated the need for African-driven solutions and governance tools to navigate the evolving global landscape.
The event concluded with strong calls for visionary leadership, a commitment to governance, and enhanced regional cooperation to position African SOEs as drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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