SUBJECT:

REPORT OF THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW (APRM) 10th

ANNIVERSARY COLLOQUIUM AND 19TH SUMMIT OF THE COMMITTEE OF PARTICIPATING HEADS OF STATES AND GOVERNMENT OF THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM HELD FROM THE 21- 26 MAY 2013 IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA.

DATE: 04 JULY 2013

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The aim of this report is to appraise the Presidency on the outcomes of the African Peer Review (APRM) Colloquium which took place on 21-22 May 2013 and provide feedback on the 19th Summit of the APR Forum, held on 26 May 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1. The APRM 10th year anniversary colloquium, took place on 21-22 May 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme: African Peer Review Mechanism working for the peoples of Africa: a decade of self assessment. The discussions were led, in the main, by prominent African scholars, thought leaders, government officials, governance specialists, academics and practitioners. The aim of the colloquium was to initiate a debate and dialogue on the role and importance of good governance as basis for sustainable growth and development as well as a catalyst for political and socio-economic transformation processes currently underway in Africa.

2.2. The colloquium reflected on critical components of governance, including understanding the role of institutions such as the state and non-state actors in promoting development. The attention and focus revolved around the capacity of these institutions to deliver on goals of the developmental state. The discussions highlighted lessons learnt over the last decade of implementing the APRM, the challenges encountered and proposed forward looking strategies to enhance and strengthen the mechanism.

2.3. The main thrust of the 19th Summit of the APR Forum was to deliberate on three (3) agenda items, namely;

The Chairmanship of the APR Forum; Chairmanship of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons; and The Adoption of the APRM Secretariat Structure.

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3. OPENING CEREMONY

3.1. Welcome remarks

3.1.1. The colloquium welcoming remarks were made by Prof. Amos Sawyer, the then serving Chairperson of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons. Professor Sawyer had been the APR Panel chairperson since January 2012.

3.1.2. The chairperson, Professor Sawyer, advised the delegates that the colloquium was identified as an opportunity to review and assess the APRM, with the purpose of strengthening good governance and ensure socio-economic development on the African continent. Acting on behalf of the APR Panel of Eminent persons, the chairperson extended the word of appreciation to all countries and delegates that participated in the colloquium.

3.2. Statement of support

3.2.1. Dr. Tegegnework Gettu, USG and Former Assistant General and Regional Bureau Director for Africa at the UNDP gave a statement in support of the APRM 10th year anniversary. He identified and appreciated the efforts of African leaders, past and present, in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU and the 10th anniversary of the APRM. He went on to state that Africa has made great strides, both individually and collectively, in attempting to achieve the dreams and vision of the founding fathers of the OAU/AU.

3.2.2. The UNDP Regional Director further stated that Africa’s successes and achievements included, inter alia, democratisation and liberalisation of political space which includes free and fair elections, the closing of gender disparities and empowerment of women through their appointment to key positions in both the public and private sector, as cause for celebration. However, he proposed that, notwithstanding these and other achievements, the APRM programme needs to reflect on its failures and challenges as well and committed the UNDP and its partners in supporting such an initiative.

3.2.3. He identified broad based participation as sometimes posing a challenge in terms of mobilisation. Although the APRM broad participation ensures that there is participation and inclusivity from a wide range of sectors in society, there has been challenges in implementation of recommendations and proposed reforms emanating from the mechanisms review process. In his statement of support, Dr. Gettu mentioned South Africa as an example of a country that acted on some recommendations to address public sector corruption by establishing the Presidential Hotline to deal effectively with this challenge. He further cited other examples such as Burkina Faso which created a Department of Unemployment to address and mitigate effects of rising unemployment in the country, and Ghana that has streamlined its public service by reducing the number of government Ministries in order to ensure the provision of better and quality service to its people. He advanced the notion that more needs to be done to foster synergy between government and civil society in implementing the policy recommendations of the APRM.

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3.2.4. Speaking as a technical partner on the programmes, Dr. Gettu advised the meeting that there is a need to exercise caution in developing APRM National Action Plans and avoid proposing overly ambitious targets which would be unlikely to be met. South Africa was cited as an example of a country with a successful harmonisation of the NPoA with the national government plans. The UNDP has, to this end, developed a guide to assist countries in the drafting of successful and achievable APRM National Programme of Action (NPoA). The UNDP pledged and reiterated its continued support of the APRM.

3.3. Statement of support

3.3.1. Another statement of support on the occasion of the colloquium was given by Dr. Carlos Lopes, Under Secretary General (USG) and Executive Secretary of UNECA. Dr Lopes identified four positive outcomes of the APRM throughout its 10 years and these included:

A consolidated African ownership approach to its development and growth which fostered inclusiveness and increased ownership by its citizenry;

Increased domestic accountability which fosters development through overcoming austerity processes and ensuring feedback from the citizenry;

Improved state and society relations; and A more informed and evidence based policy framework which has the

potential and benefit of producing more informed and evidence-based policies.

3.3.2. The mechanism serves as an invaluable knowledge source and provides insight as well as informs policy making with regards to the four thematic areas covered by the APRM. Dr. Lopes further argued that the APRM offers Africa political and intellectual space to tell her own story and write its own future without losing sight of its history and evolution. More importantly, he continued, the APRM has served as an early warning system for issues such as corruption, racism and other issues that pose both a challenge and a threat to stability and the future of the continent.

3.3.3. Lastly, Dr. Lopes proposed that APRM be identified and utilised as a tool for

collective bargaining and building of social capital between different sectors in society and that state growth must contribute to sustainable economic development and structural transformation on the Continent by enhancing regional integration.

4. OFFICIAL OPENING REMARKS

4.1. The colloquium was officially opened by H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Chairperson of the APR Forum and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He welcomed all present on the occasion of the 50 th

anniversary of the OAU/ AU and the APRM 10th year anniversary. He outlined the lack of awareness of the APRM mechanism as a challenge within the continent and identified the colloquium as a platform for raising awareness of the

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programme as a people driven vehicle through which Africa can achieve its developmental goals. The colloquium, he stated, provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to revive momentum for member states as well as identify ways to institutionalise the programme.

5. KEYNOTE ADDRESS –STATE OF GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA AND THE ROLE OF THE APRM

5.1. The keynote address was given by H.E. Joaquim A Chissano, former President of Mozambique and founding member of the APRM, under the theme “”Exploring the State of Governance and the role of the APRM”.

5.2. In his address, H.E. Chissano stated that in reflecting on the past 10 years, the following questions must be posed to enable better engagement on the subject of governance:

How has the APRM played its envisaged role in Africa? How much has the mechanism accomplished? Can we discern patterns from lessons learned?

5.3. President Chissano agreed that, indeed many positive results have come out of the mechanism. These, he stated, included, inter alia, decrease in coups and the consolidation of democracy through increased multi-party elections as a common feature of the African political landscape. From political liberalisation and opening of political space, he argued, a deduction could be confidently made that the APRM has provided an enabling environment for the promotion of good governance and democracy. This was, he stated, evident in the increase application of the rule of law as basis for peace and stability in many countries on the African continent.

5.4. The regular review thereof, is highly important and also serves as a rekindling of a dream of the founding fathers and mothers. He stated if the colloquium were to judge the continent based on this tool, it could be said Africa has developed and achieved greatly.

6. HIGH LEVEL PANEL DISCUSSION

TOPIC: TEN YEARS OF IMPLEMENTING THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM: ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES, LESSONS LEARNT AND THE WAY FORWARD.

6.1. The high level panel discussion set the tone of the deliberations that followed, based on the respective thematic areas. The presentations were made by the following Panellists:

Prof Amos Sawyer, Chairperson of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons.

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Mr. Rolf Alter, Director: Public Governance and Territorial Development Directorate OECD who discussed comparative experiences between the OECD and APRM mechanisms.

Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO: NEPAD Agency.

Adv. Thuli Madonsela Public Protector: Republic of South Africa

Hon Abdoul Latif Coulibaliy, Minister of Good Governance, Senegal. 6.2. The colloquium was collectively identified as an opportunity to review and

assess the APRM with the intention of strengthening the African continent governance architecture and provide a high level platform to:

Have a theoretical foundation underpinning development policies based on linkages with politics and governance;

Foster national ownership and assessment of the process; Provide participatory knowledge generation, empowerment, and a source of

learning and involved citizenship. Increase meaningful participation and enhance accountability that will in turn

deepen democracy and legitimacy. Share responsibility, and identify policy gaps that have the potential of

derailing Africa’s progress. Engage on improving synergies between the APRM and NEPAD as

originally conceived. 6.3. In moving forward, the colloquium proposed increased and meaningful

engagements of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as the Pan African Parliament in the APRM as one way of strengthening the mechanism. The hallmark of the APRM is through its participatory and democratic processes that empower citizens to collectively seek for local solutions to their socio-economic challenges. The meeting observed that one of the limitations to a progressive understanding of citizenship is the perception that it is confined to voting in elections. This perception limits deepening of democracy on the continent.

6.4. The colloquium was informed that the OECD also celebrated its 50 th anniversary in 2012 reflecting on both its successes and challenges. The colloquium was briefed on the similarities between the APRM and OECD. For the latter, good governance was identified as crucial. The recent financial crisis in Europe was cited as one example where failure in establishing regulatory institutions and adhering to their prescripts can have widespread serious implications for society.

6.5. The meeting observed that although it is important to share lessons and best practice between the two programmes and continents, localised solutions need to sought and local dynamics taken into account when proposing policies. In addition, the meeting identified transparency, common standards, and universal accountability as important for good governance.

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6.6. The Public Protector, South Africa, presented South Africa’s journey in the APRM from a legislative perspective. Some of the legislative mechanisms and instruments identified included the anti-corruption framework, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and the constitution, among others. She informed the colloquium of the African Ombudsman and mediators association (AOMA) headquartered in South Africa, and the association of African Ombudsman whose role is to provide support to the entire African continent to attempts aimed at maintaining independence and integrity Ombudsman Institutions. This involves information exchanges and best practices for the advancement of good governance and human rights in Africa.

6.7. She outlined the challenge of youth unemployment, inadequate empowerment of civil society (i.e. lack of funds), and lack of access to information, fragile and weak institutions and non-compliance and adherence to governance processes as some of the challenges exposed by the APRM review process.

6.8. Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO: NPCA stated that in introducing the APRM, leaders had identified a need to have African solutions to African problems. Thus the introduction of NEPAD. He identified the role of the state as being at the heart of development, which is further promoted by good governance within country states and cemented through partnerships at regional, continental and international levels. He proposed that, for development to take place, a combination of top down and bottom up approach is needed.

6.9. Dr. Mayaki stated that Africa’s developmental challenges have multi-sectoral

dimensions. He suggested, as an example, that in order to achieve sustainable productive agriculture infrastructure is key in order to ensure that producers are linked to markets via a road network and that they have access to water resources for their crops. This means that Africa needs an integrated approach to development.

6.10. He further noted that within the African context, implementation capacity is a major problem due to lack of complementary policies between the technical/policy spheres and the political reforms. The APRM has opened up space for regional growth through its emphasis on good governance as a key aspect of development and RECs need to establish regional networks and forums to strengthen the mechanism.

6.11. Abdoul Coulibaly stated that Africa has always faced governance problems since independence. He questioned the relationship between governance and development and indicated that corruption in both public and private sector cost millions in Senegal. Interestingly, he went further, to state that Senegal is one of the founding members of the APRM but the country fears and is suspicious of the process.

6.12. On a positive note, he stated that the new government in Senegal has emphasised the promotion of good governance as key to the country’s future. The mechanism has been strengthened within the country and decentralised to the countryside. However, he observed that in Senegal there is lack of public wide ownership of the mechanism due to lack of awareness.

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7. REFLECTIONS

7.1. The issue of youth unemployment was identified as a major challenge that needed to be addressed through education and job creation.

7.2. It was proposed that the NEPAD Agency should establish dedicated APRM offices in member states in order to provide technical support and ensure that the action plans developed are streamlined and linked to other national programmes.

8. THEMATIC SESSIONS

The colloquium sought to deliberate and assess the APRM through examination of the four thematic areas stated below.

8.1. BUILDING EFFECTIVE DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN AFRICA

8.1.1. The session was presented by the following panellists:

Dr. Khabela Matlosa, UNDP- Moderator.

Mr. Joseph Tsang Mang, APR Panel Member.

Prof. Anastase Shyaka, CEO: Rwanda Governance Board.

Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Commonwealth Eminent Person and Executive

Director: IDEG.

8.1.2. The Panellists observed that democratic political succession debate is an essential one for effective governance of the state. They argued that since more than 30 countries are participating in the APRM, it is a reflection that the “Third Wave” of democratisation in the continent is being consolidated. Part of this consolidation process should acknowledge the internal dynamics of African countries and ensure that diversity is managed properly as it remains a constant threat to democracy. Africa should acknowledge that, separation of powers, checks and balances are all essential ingredients for building effective democratic institutions on the continent. Ensuring wide representation and taking into account issues of diversity many African countries have decentralised powers in an efforts to make service delivery much more efficient and increase ownership and participation.

8.1.3. The Panellists noted that the liberalisation of political space is evident in the proliferation of multiparty elections whose credibility is ensured by Governance institutions and bodies keeping the government in check. Some presenters noted that the democratic project in Africa is paradoxical in the sense although election contest are often credible, there are autocratic trends in the exercise of power by some leaders once they are in office.

8.1.4. The role of civil society was advanced and emphasised as being crucial in guarding against abuse of power and keeping governments in check.

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8.1.5. Further, the discussants emphasised that Africa should live to the letter and spirit of NEPAD and the APRM and remain in charge of her own development. In achieving this, African governments have a duty to educate people about democratic rights and ensure that institutions charged with a mandate of oversight play their role and militate against the abuse of power. The session further identified the “Fourth Estate” as an important stakeholder and role player in the democratic project through education, information and guarding against abuse of power.

8.1.6. The Panellists proposed that a list of indicators to measure democratic effectiveness need to be developed in order to consolidate efforts aimed at ensuring that good governance serve its function of enabling development and growth. The discussions also highlighted the need for Africa to limit dependency on donors as emphasised in NEPAD and rather ensure that the continent mobilised and harness its vast resources towards the attainment of developmental goals.

REFLECTIONS ON THE SESSION

Citizenship and inclusion were identified as a challenge for the Diaspora as in

some countries, they are not allowed to vote. They are identified as a threat to

undemocratic autocratic leadership in their respective countries.

Democratic systems put in place should be compatible to democratic

processes. i.e. the Chinese model might not be compatible to Africa as China

does not adhere to the same democratic processes as countries within the

APRM. No one solution suits all.

An increase of gender mainstreaming and equality in multilateral fora has been

noted although there is not much data available on the matter. In government,

there has been a notable increase in the representation of women even though

there are regional dynamics, as illustrated by the fact that West Africa is lagging

behind east Africa.

Democracy and democratic consolidation must go beyond multi party politics

and periodic elections but rather should include the setting up of institutions that

guard against the abuse of power.

The session’s key outcomes were:

Space should deepen to ensure civil society participation in the building of

effective democratic systems.

Inter/intra regional cooperation is important for purposes of benchmarking and

learning from other countries.

Need for all stakeholders from states to the media to increase access to

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information for the citizens.

Domestication of the APRM is important in enhancing the mechanisms

effectiveness and promotion of home grown solutions.

The APRM programme needs to preserve its consensus building versus

confrontational approach to governance.

State sovereignty should be maintained and self sustenance emphasised.

8.2. THE STATE AND THE MARKET IN BUILDING AFRICAN ECONOMIES

8.2.1. The session was presented by the following panellists:

Prof. Mahmoud Ben Romdhane.

Hon. Amb. Newai Gebreab, Focal Point-Ethiopia.

Dr. Ambassador Magda Shanin, Egypt.

Prof Mohamed Cherif Belmihoub, Algeria.

Dr. Alione Sall, Executive Director: Africa Futures.

Prof Vusi Gumede, University of South Africa.

8.2.2. The session highlighted the importance of maintaining the balance between the state and the market on the African continent. Some panellists proposed a liberal approach to the role of these forces while others advocated an afro-centric approach towards the understanding of the role of states and markers in a developmental state. It was acknowledged that the interface between states and markets is influenced by historic and environmental factors.

8.2.3. The Panellists noted that the Bretton Woods institutions proposed structural adjustment programmes that lasted almost two decades did not benefit African countries and in many instances increased poverty and inequality with their emphasis on the market as the panacea for development. In order to reverse this, it was proposed that structural transformation be undertaken to correct this situation.

8.2.4. Rapid growth on the continent can be attributed to an increased relationship between the state and market and the traditional partners vis-a-vis new emerging powers i.e. Germany vs. China. The area of concern is the quality of the economic growth and the sustainability thereof. A further challenge is the fact the growth is not inclusive as many, especially the youth, are unemployed.

8.2.5. A different alternative was offered by Prof. Gumede, who advanced that the

need for Africa to reflect and harness those aspects of its pre-colonial history that ensured that human settlement, survival and welfare were maintained in the continent. He argued that taking cognisance of some of this pre-colonial history should imply that the state should be the driving force in social, political and economic life but not at the expense of citizen’s participation and determination of their future. The mandate to rule, to govern and to ensure

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growth and development constantly should be derived from a well informed and participating citizenry. Lastly, Professor Gumede emphasised the role of African entrepreneurship in the future development of society.

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE SESSION

Strengthen and promote investment in human capital; and

A need to put high priority on science and technology as drivers of growth.

8.3. GOVERNANCE OF AFRICAN ENTERPRISES

8.3.1. The session was presented by the following panellists:

Prof. Karim Ben Kahla.

Dr. Mustapha Mekideche.

Mr Peter Okara, Executive Director, Centre for Trade facilitation, Nairobi,

Kenya.

Dr Amany Asfour Vice Chair, Comesa Business Council.

Mr. Jacob Mukete, Manager, economic and Financial Reforms divisions

AfDB.

8.3.2. The session sought to provoke a discussion on the role of corporate governance within Africa enterprises. It was acknowledged that Africa is endowed with all natural resources from fertile soils, abundant rivers, raw materials and minerals but in all development indexes ranks among the lowest region in the world. The panellists sought to unpack the causes and factors behind this state of affairs. The session noted the exclusion of youth and women in participating in the economy as among many other reasons for under development in the continent, especially as these population groups constitute the majority of the continents citizens. A proposal was made that Africa should increase its support to and empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) by harnessing indigenous capacity and human resources, awareness and access to information, improving internal policies and reforms, information and technology and infrastructure and communication.

8.3.3. The Panellists noted that good corporate governance is merely perceived and treated as a matter of compliance, rather than an essential and integral part of development and sustainability business enterprises. The panellists proposed that corporate governance should be an integral part of business ethics in order to ensure that practises are in line with principles of good governance. It was observed that a number of SMMEs do not think corporate governance is applicable to them and hold the view that it only applies to big corporate companies. It was proposed that adherence to principles of good corporate governance should apply to all companies and business in the economy.

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8.3.4. The discussants were of the consensus that a corporate governance culture in Africa exists, firstly practiced in South Africa, which was now being replicated in a number of African countries. Some principles of this culture and legislative framework are referred to as the “inclusive shareholder approach”, which takes into account and consideration African dynamics. On the other hand, the panel noted that the Euro-centric shareholder value approach used by the West was now under increased scrutiny regarding its perceived exclusiveness. Some scholars propose that the West should look towards Africa with the intention of learning from its inclusive shareholder approach. It was proposed that Africa should not undermine the uniqueness of her own architecture and frameworks but rather works towards strengthening and improving these. .

8.3.5. The African Development Bank (AfDB) reiterated the need enhance the role of SMMEs in developing African economies and committed to supporting their growth. The Bank emphasised that evidence proves that the growth of enterprises that adhere to for good corporate governance is positive for the economy as these companies yield higher investments and sustain economic development. It was proposed that good corporate governance should encompass accountability and disclosure to avoid conflict of interests and that where there is poor regulation there is a need to checks and balances.

8.3.6. The AfDB highlighted its support for Public-Private partnerships and reiterated the importance of businesses taking their corporate responsibility and social investments seriously. The AfDB committed to assisting African countries in establishing corporate governance groups and to providing them with technical assistance. Botswana was mentioned as an example where the bank has assisted in the establishment of its corporate governance group. The bank indicated that it was assisting some RECs such as ECOWAS establish similar groups.

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE SESSION

Businesses to ensure effective discharge of their corporate responsibility

and social investment mandate;

Need to ensure information sharing; and

Research development in the area of corporate governance to be

strengthened and supported.

8.4. DELIVERY OF QUALITY EDUCATION TO SPUR AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT

8.4.1 The session was presented by the following panellists: Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala.

Prof Amb. Okon Uya (APRM Panel Member).

Prof. Aggrey Ambalai, NPCA.

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Prof Alinah Kelo Segobye, Deputy Executive Director: HSRC.

Dr. Jean Bosco Butera, Director: University for Peace Africa programme.

8.4.2 The Panellists noted that the state of education on the African continent reflected two types of historical developments and character, namely: one that is linked to civilisation and agriculture vis-a-vis formal education classified as Western education. The panellists were in agreement that education equals to development and proposed that resources be made available to ensure the supply of adequate education as an obligation on the part of African governments and an investment into the country’s future. The question was posed of how is Africa going to build capacity necessary for development if it is not adequately investing in the education system and on its children? In response to this, the session agreed that countries need to have a vision with clearly defined material and human capital needs and resources.

8.4.3 The session outlined the challenges faced by African schools as :

Inadequate infrastructure;

Lack of technical expertise and poor systems;

Asymmetrical relationship between education and research and

development;

Lack of support to formal education;

The non-incorporation of indigenous culture in the Western education

system,

The accessibility to education.

8.4.2. The panellists observed that that unemployment and lack of skills and opportunities increase inequality. Many RECs were identified as committing resources to the building of infrastructure but neglecting increasing the necessary skills base through education to drive economic growth and benefit locals from such projects and instead hiring foreign expertise.

8.4.3. The HSRC was of the view the quality of education is directly linked to the remuneration of educators as lack of incentives resulting in demotivation. Furthermore, it was stated learners are not well prepared for the work environment and lack the necessary skills to participate in the economies of the 21st century.

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE SESSION

African countries need to align education policies to existing economic

dynamics and opportunities. This should be done at both national and

regional levels.

Harness energy of the youth population to obtain skills that are scarce and

in demand;

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Create an enabling environment conducive to learning and development;

Increase education in the Science and Technology sector;

Benchmarking on norms and standards on education across the continent;

Scholar activists needed to champion development of a Pan African

education system;

Need to emphasise gender mainstreaming in the education sector to

achieve optimum results and ensure equity between sexes;

Utilise social media such as Facebook and Twitter to engage the youth.

8.5. IMPROVING STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT IN THE APRM PROCESS: MEDIA, CIVIL SOCIETY, WOMEN AND YOUTH

8.5.1. The session was presented by the following panellists: Mr. Sammy Cudjoe, Moderator Executive Secretary Ghana APRM.

Barrister Akere Muna, APR Panel and Chair ECOSOCC.

Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza, APR Panel Member.

Mr OziasTungwarara, Director: Afrimap.

Mrs Fatima Karadja, Former chair, NGC-Algeria.

Mr. Omar Farouk Ousmane (Media).

Mr. Emmanuel Etim Division: Youth, AUC.

8.5.2. In the ten years of the existence of the APRM, the mechanism has opened a space for genuine participation of civil society in the programme. Therefore, the panellists noted that in all forums and processes of the APRM Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have achieved much and contributed towards the legitimacy of the mechanism. Notwithstanding such participation, the discussants observed that such participation occurred within contested political space and continues to be faced with challenges.

8.5.3. The panellists proposed the following suggestions in order to enhance civil society participation in the APRM:

Strengthening of the APRM Secretariat in Midrand, South Africa;

APR process to be made much transparent and accountable through

passing of legislative frameworks that promotes and protect public–

information access;

APRM needs to be integrated to enhance CSOs;

Governments should be obligated to include CSOs in their conversations on

issues affecting the citizenry;

Develop a wide ranging and accessible APRM M&E framework in order to

ensure both participation and oversight by communities;

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Need to emphasise stakeholder participation as the basis for ownership and

accountability;

Improve and raise awareness about the mechanism on the continent and

within affected communities through improved access to information and

use of the mass and social media and other outlets to ensure engagement

of such stakeholders as the youth;

Acknowledge that women are an integral part of attaining development on

the African continent. In the 18th Summit held in January 2013, the role and

importance of women was highlighted and entrenched in, amongst others,

the Protocol of the African Charter of the AU. It is thus important that work

of the APRM is mindful and champion gender mainstreaming.

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE SESSION

Popularisation of the APRM is still needed;

Use the local language for ease of comprehension should be encouraged;

Alignment of NPoAs with the national plan of governments should be

emphasised;

Platforms for community engagement and feedback on the activities of the

mechanism be created and sustained;

Need to Integrate activities of the APRM programme;

Ensure that the all APRM programmes include the youth and women;

An effective communication strategy be developed;

Sustain the momentum of the APRM during the celebrations of 50 years of

the AU;

Infuse lessons learnt in country reviews in school syllabus;

Strengthen the link between the APRM, AU and governments and address

the disconnection between NEPAD and APRM.

9. OUTCOMES OF APR FORUM SUMMIT14

The 19th Summit of the Committee of Participating Heads of States and Government of the African Peer Review Mechanism was held from 21-26 May 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Indicated hereunder are the outcomes of the 19th APR Summit:

9.1. Chairpersonship of the APR Forum

There were two countries that had indicated their interest in the position of Chairperson of the APR Forum, namely; Senegal and Liberia. President Macky Sall withdrew Senegal’s nomination, thus leaving the position to H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. Sirleaf took over from H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and former Chairperson of the APR Forum.

The Forum was informed that the issue of electing a Vice Chairperson for the APR Forum would be considered at the 20th Summit of the APR Forum in January 2014.

9.2. Chairpersonship of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons

The APR Panel of Eminent Persons elected Barrister Akere Muna and Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza Nyirakobwa as its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson respectively. The APR Forum approved the election.

9.3. Adoption of the Structure of the APRM Secretariat

The new structure of the APRM Secretariat was provisionally approved. However, some countries expressed the concern that the number of positions contained in the new structure (45) is excessive and this will have cost implications, in particular for the membership contributions paid on an annual basis by APRM participating countries. Due to these concerns, it was agreed that the structure would be provisionally approved, until the next Summit of the APR Forum, in January 2014 with a view that amendments can still be effected if necessary.

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