Brazzaville - 31 January to 4 February 2026 – The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) conducted a high-level support mission to the Republic of the Congo as part of its continued efforts to strengthen cooperation with APRM Participating States and revitalise the national peer review processes.
The mission was undertaken at the invitation of H.E. Ludovic Ngatsé, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration and APRM Focal Point for Congo. It was led by H.E. Ambassador Marie Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Chief Executive Officer of the APRM Continental Secretariat, accompanied by Dr. Rachel Mukamunana, Acting Director of Country Reviews and Assessments, and Mr. Bachir Salifou Oumarou, Country Review Coordinator for Congo.
The mission provided an important platform for high-level consultations to reinforce institutional dialogue, strengthen national ownership of the APRM process, and advance good governance aligned with the country’s development priorities.
The delegation was welcomed by H.E. Alain Akouala Atipault, Chairperson of the National Self-Assessment Commission and held a working session with Minister Ngatsé before being received in audience by H.E. Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister and Head of Government. Discussions were constructive and forward-looking, focusing on restoring momentum to the APRM process, consolidating national structures, and ensuring the Mechanism delivers practical, measurable outcomes for the benefit of the Congolese people.
The programme also included a sensitisation workshop convened in Brazzaville under the esteemed patronage of Minister Ngatsé in his capacity as the APRM Focal Point.
The workshop reaffirmed the APRM as a uniquely African Union instrument for self-assessment, institutional reform, and the promotion of transparency and accountability.
The APRM delegation was also honoured to be received by H.E. Pierre Ngolo, President of the Senate, and H.E. Isidore Mvouba, President of the National Assembly. These engagements highlighted Parliament's key role in reviewing, adopting, and monitoring reforms arising from APRM recommendations. Parliamentary representation within the National Self-Assessment Commission was recognised as vital to enhancing the legitimacy, inclusivity, and sustainability of the process.
Discussions also addressed the intersection between governance reform and the Republic of Congo’s economic transformation agenda, particularly in light of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The APRM CEO emphasised that effective participation in the AfCFTA requires sound economic governance, institutional preparedness, and regulatory coherence. In this context, she proposed a targeted review focused on economic governance and competitiveness to assess institutional readiness and identify priority reforms. The proposal received favourable consideration from the Prime Minister, who directed the relevant national structures to work closely with the Continental Secretariat in developing the Terms of Reference.
This mission is especially significant as it represents the first official APRM engagement with the Republic of the Congo since the country’s accession to the Mechanism in 2003. It signals renewed political commitment at the highest level to place governance at the centre of national development efforts and to restore full momentum to the APRM process.
As Ambassador Rose-Quatre affirmed, the revitalisation of the APRM remains a strategic priority for the Continental Secretariat, particularly in Member States, where renewed impetus and strengthened institutional coordination are needed to advance the shared objectives of good governance and sustainable development.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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