The APRM is pulling all stops into realizing its efforts of reinvigorating life into this critical Continental Governance Mechanism. An Experts Group Meeting (EGM) which sought to discuss the APRM Turnaround Strategies and Methodologies was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 29 to 30 March.

“The Experts Group Meeting is an important and unique platform for the APRM to bounce off our new vision, ideas and the turn-around strategy, said APRM CEO Professor Eddy Maloka. The strategy in itself is three-pronged Reinvigoration, Restoration and Renewal.”

“The outcomes of this meeting will be presented to the Forum Committee on Revitalization and later to the Joint Retreat of the Focal Points and APR Panel for further consideration before it is presented at the APR Forum,” he added.

The meeting which was well attended by the who’s who in the African Governance Architecture, from the APRM Focal Points to Representatives of AU Organs, ECA, AfDB, RECs, Strategic Partners and key APRM Stakeholders and Personalities who were there when it all started - when the APRM was merely a concept – is aimed among others to revisit the APRM methodology and update its mandate to include important developments on the Continent including AU Agenda 2063 and UN Agenda 2030.

During his opening remarks UNECA Deputy Executive Secretary, H.E Dr Abdalla Hamdok reiterated his organization’s commitment and support to the APRM. He said ECA has been APRM’ solid and consistent partner since inception and will continue to do so.

“The ECA welcomes Professor Maloka who has injected a new energy, dynamism and a clear vision to APRM in the short period since taking office at the beginning of the year. We note with enthusiasm and optimism that within a very short space of time of his leadership at the Secretariat, Country Review Missions have commenced in Chad and Liberia and further five more are planned for 2016. The revitalization of APRM is indeed in motion,” he said.

Speaking at the event, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Aisha Abdullahi said the APRM provides a perfect platform for the realization of the synergy between the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture which are aimed at nurturing and consolidating democracy and peace and security in the continent.

The Commissioner added that the APRM is an important tool and entry point as a platform for the monitoring of both Agenda 2063 and SDGs. Commissioner Abdullahi further encouraged the APRM to align its activities with Project 2016, the African Year of Human Rights. She said the Project will be a test case for reinvigorating the Mechanism as well reinforcing collaboration between APRM and other AU Organs.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Abdoulie Janneh who was among other prominent dignitaries at the event advised the APRM to increase its number of Strategic Partnerships. He said a formalized partnership between the two organizations will greatly benefit the Continent. He said a partnership between APRM and the Mo Ebrahim Foundation will significantly improve the Country Review Process as his organization has the most comprehensive data on governance, with 95 indicators. Dr. Janneh further advocated for a strong component of Monitoring and Evaluation in the implementation of the National Plans of Action.

The meeting also benefited from an address by UNDP’s Regional Service Centre Deputy Director, Mr. Gerd Trogemann who commended the APRM for its unprecedented worldwide status as the most credible governance mechanism.

“In the spirit of collaboration, joint initiatives aimed at strengthening compliance are essential in cementing partnerships and making the most of limited resources. Capitalization on the comparative advantage of UNDP and APRM is critical,” he said.  

The meeting robustly debated elements of the Revitalization Strategy from an expert’s point of view and further discussed presentations which outlined the plans and activities that will be undertaken to realize the Turnaround Vision of the new CEO.

The meeting is a collaborative effort between the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Secretariat, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC).