Centurion – 30 April 2026 – As part of his official mission to South Africa, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, paid a working visit to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) at their shared premises in Centurion. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration, enhance institutional alignment, and promote coherence among African Union organs and institutions.
The Chairperson was received upon arrival by H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, alongside Dr. McBride Nkhalamba, Acting Director of Governance and Specialised Reporting and Dr. Rachel Mukamunana, Acting Director for Country Reviews and Assessments at the APRM Continental Secretariat, representing H.E. Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, APRM Chief Executive Officer, who is currently on official mission. He was further welcomed by senior management and staff from both institutions, reflecting the importance attached to the visit.
During the visit, the Chairperson was taken on a guided tour of the premises and briefed on the operational environment and day-to-day functioning of both APRM and AUDA-NEPAD. The engagement provided an opportunity for direct interaction with staff, enabling him to gain deeper insight into the work of the two institutions and the commitment of their personnel. In a spirit of collegial engagement, the Chairperson shared reflections drawn from his leadership experience and the institutional reform agenda currently underway within the AU system. Despite a demanding schedule, he emphasised the importance of engaging directly with staff during official missions, noting that effective leadership requires consistent and meaningful connection with those responsible for implementing the Union’s mandate.
In his remarks, the Chairperson highlighted the importance of promoting positive interpersonal relations within the workplace. He noted that institutions are ultimately defined by their people and emphasised the need to cultivate an environment grounded in mutual respect, professionalism, and a shared sense of purpose. Reaffirming that institutional reform remains a key priority of his tenure, he recalled that one of his earliest actions upon assuming office was to engage directly with staff to better understand their concerns and expectations.
The Chairperson also provided an overview of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal systems and processes, including initiatives related to standardisation, salary review frameworks, and the resolution of procedural inconsistencies in areas such as recruitment and promotions. While acknowledging that these reforms require time, consultation, and coordination with AU Member States, he reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing fairness, accountability, and institutional transparency.
A key message conveyed during the engagement was the importance of teamwork and collective ownership. The Chairperson encouraged staff to approach their responsibilities with humility and dedication, emphasising that individual expertise is most impactful when complemented by collaboration, mutual support, and alignment with institutional objectives. In concluding his remarks, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by APRM and AUDA-NEPAD staff and leadership, encouraging them to continue discharging their responsibilities with excellence and integrity. He noted that professional recognition begins with self-respect and a strong commitment to one’s duties. Although his visit was brief, he affirmed his intention to remain engaged and to continue following the work of the two AU institutions.
The visit to the APRM Continental Secretariat and AUDA-NEPAD reflects the Chairperson’s broader commitment to strengthening institutional cohesion and promoting a people-centred work culture across the African Union system. Prior to this engagement, the Chairperson visited the Pan-African Parliament, where he participated in the election of a new Bureau of the Parliament.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact the APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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