Johannesburg – 3–4 December 2025 – The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) successfully hosted its inaugural virtual Natural Resource Governance Lecture Series under the theme: “Defining Green Growth for Africa: Towards Enhanced Natural Resource Governance in APRM Member States”.
The Lecture Series was convened to present the preliminary findings from the upcoming APRM report on Gender, Climate Change, and Green Growth, while also creating space for critical reflections on how green growth can be redefined to respond to Africa’s unique economic, social, and environmental realities. The discussions were framed to develop practical, actionable, and replicable recommendations to support APRM Participating States in pursuing climate action that is adaptive, inclusive, equitable, and grounded in local contexts.
Building on this objective, the Lecture Series convened APRM National Secretariats alongside policymakers, experts, academics, and governance practitioners, creating a multidisciplinary platform for exchange. This broad participation enriched the discussions by linking policy, research, and practice, while reinforcing the central role of the APRM structures in driving governance reforms at national and continental levels.
The Series opened with remarks by Dr. McBride Nkhalamba, Acting Director for Governance and Specialised Reporting at the APRM Continental Secretariat, who stressed the urgent need for Africa to assert greater ownership over its natural resources. Reflecting on the continent’s historical experience, he noted that mineral exploitation has too often failed to deliver meaningful benefits to African populations. Looking ahead, he emphasised that effective natural resource governance must be transparent, technology-driven, and rooted in African leadership, with strategic use of digital tools, satellite technologies, blockchain-based transparency, and data analytics to align resource governance with green growth ambitions.
These reflections were complemented by the opening remarks from Mr. Mohamed Sheriff, Chairperson of the APRM National Secretariats Coordinating Committee, who highlighted the important role of National Secretariats in supporting national development agendas. He emphasised that green growth extends beyond environmental considerations to encompass economic transformation and good governance. He identified strong national institutions, women’s empowerment, and the reduction of systemic inequalities as essential foundations for sustainable development across the continent.
Moreover, participants engaged in a series of structured sessions designed to deepen understanding of the multiple dimensions of green growth. The introductory session provided an overview of key APRM processes and tools, including its approaches to natural resource governance, country reviews, gender mainstreaming, monitoring and evaluation, and economic governance frameworks. This session established a common reference point for understanding how the Mechanism can support evidence-based policymaking and guide African Union Member States in implementing the APRM mandate.
Building on this foundation, subsequent sessions led by Dr. Rendani Mamphiswana examined the nexus between gender, climate change, and green growth. These discussions explored how gender dynamics, sustainability principles, climate resilience, and green growth strategies intersect, highlighting the need for integrated approaches that recognise social equity as central to environmental and economic transformation.
Reflecting on the significance of this initiative, Ms. Karabo Chadzingwa-Mochebelele, Lead for the Natural Resource Governance Initiative at the APRM Continental Secretariat, noted that the Lecture Series represents a key milestone in strengthening continental dialogue on green growth and natural resource governance.
The Lecture Series concluded with a plenary discussion that synthesised the key insights from the two days. Participants reaffirmed the role of green growth in Africa as a viable development pathway in which economic advancement and environmental stewardship are mutually reinforcing, enabling countries to pursue prosperity while safeguarding the natural systems that underpin long-term sustainability.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
