The African Peer Review Mechanism as an Agent of change : towards Advancing Democratic Governance in Africa

Abstract

The APRM was established in 2003 by the African Union in the framework of the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The objectives of the APRM are primarily to foster the adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration through experience sharing and reinforcement of successful and best practices, including identifying deficiencies and assessment of requirements for capacity building. The APRM is used by member countries to self-monitor all aspects of their governance and socio-economic development. The exercise is not limited to the Executive. It includes the Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government as well as an assessment of the Private Sector, Civil Society and the Media in the areas of governance and socio-economic development. The APRM has been in existence for 14 years, and much of existing literature covers its inception, and its importance in addressing democratic governance challenges in Africa. There is little coverage on the performance and progress of the APRM to this date. This study analyses the achievements and challenges of the APRM as a mechanism to promote democratic governance in Africa. In doing so, a documentary study research is applied through document analysis, a form of qualitative research in which documents are interpreted by the researcher to give voice and meaning around an assessment topic (Bowen, 2009). The assessment of the APRM’s achievements and challenges, finds that there is significant strides in institutionalizing the APRM as democratic governance tool in Africa. The study also establishes that the APRM faces fundamental challenges that are political in nature and poses a threat to the existence and survival of the APRM. It is for this reason that the study identifies several recommendations to enhance the APRM’s effectiveness.