Johannesburg – 20 to 21 April 2026 – the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) convened its Annual Technical Engagement on Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Agenda 2063 domestication, bringing together representatives of APRM Participating States, alongside regional and international institutions, development partners, civil society, and youth. Held in a hybrid format in Sandton, the meeting focused on assessing progress and refining implementation efforts ahead of the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Under the theme “Enhancing Governance Ecosystems and Enablers to Accelerate Implementation of the SDGs and Agenda 2063”, discussions centred on how countries are aligning national planning, budgeting, and reporting systems with both agendas. The continental gathering was timely and critical, as 19 African countries are anticipated to present their progress on SDGs and Agenda 2063 at the HLPF later this year.
In her opening remarks, APRM Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre pointed to a familiar pattern: strong frameworks already exist, but results remain uneven. The issue, she noted, lies in how effective systems are implemented. H.E. Honourable Amos Lugoloobi, Chairperson of the APR Committee of Focal Points, drew attention to the practical link between planning, budgets, and accountability as a determining factor in achieving development targets, while the United Nations Resident Coordinator for South Africa, Mr. Nelson Muffuh, added that the credibility of both Agenda 2063 and the SDGs depends on execution, supported by stronger institutional coordination.
Participants also reflected on recent VNR experiences, examining how the SDGs and Agenda 2063 have been incorporated into national development plans and financing frameworks, and considering the value of APRM Governance reviews’ recommendations. While improvements in planning and reporting were noted, attention turned to ongoing gaps in implementation, monitoring, and policy alignment. A recurring concern was the disconnect between national plans and budget processes, which continues to affect delivery.
Moreover, the continental Engagement further focused on practical approaches to strengthening coordination across government systems and improving the functioning of public institutions, particularly in relation to SDG 16 and the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063.
With regard to financing both agendas, participants examined integrated national financing frameworks and approaches to resource mobilisation, as well as the role of regional economic communities and cities in supporting implementation. This also includes the preparations underway for the APRM’s Third Biennial Report on Agenda 2063 Governance Enablers, presented by Ms Sara Hamouda, Senior Continental Governance Officer at the APRM Continental Secretariat. AU Member States engaged in a working session on data collection and reporting, noting progress in governance indicators and enablers while raising concerns about data quality and consistency.
Looking ahead to the 2026 VNRs, discussions focused on embedding reporting within national systems, strengthening inclusivity, and improving alignment across Agenda 2063, the SDGs, and APRM processes to reduce duplication and improve accountability.
The engagement concluded with recommendations to shift from alignment to execution tracking; strengthen policy–budget–implementation linkages; scale peer learning across countries through South-South and triangular cooperation opportunities; prioritise domestic resource mobilisation and governance reforms; expand innovative financing tools at scale ; advocate for fair global financial reforms; invest in public sector professionalisation and leadership; accelerate digital transformation of governance and monitoring systems; and empower civil society and youth for implementing local-orientated initiatives.
The overall message of this important gathering was clear: closer alignment of systems, stronger coordination, and practical partnerships will be necessary to translate commitments into measurable outcomes, with the APRM continuing to serve as a platform for peer exchange and accountability.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact the APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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