Johannesburg, Gauteng, 09 March 2017 – The responsibility to transform our continent, to make it democratic and peaceful lies in the hands of Africans said former South African President H.E Thabo Mbeki during the APRM 14th Anniversary Commemorative event in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The high-level event was dedicated to celebrate APRM’s 14 years of shaping good governance, promoting and maintaining sustainable development as well as advancing transformative leadership in the Continent.

President Mbeki also urged AU Member States to accede to the APRM as he noted that ‘the APRM strives to make us better Africans and governments must be encouraged to join. He further encouraged a deeper participation of the African populace in the review process saying, ‘ordinary people of each country must be involved in reviewing their country in the context of the APRM processes’.

The celebratory event which was attended by APRM Focal Points, Members of the National Governing Council, the Diplomatic Corps, business people and students, was accompanied by panel discussions on “APRM’s Founding Ideas and their Relevance Today”.
“Africa stands poised to achieve the ideals of democracy, accountability and prosperity” said APR Panel Chairperson, Prof. Mahmoud Khayal. He said the APRM is a platform and a practical programme to achieve the Africa we all want.

Speaking at the event APRM CEO Prof. Eddy Maloka said the APRM believes the continent needs better policies for better implementation of the democratic order. Prof. Maloka said Africa was making great strides in applying democratic changes that are necessary for sustainable socio-economic development.

Beside the panel, contributing remarks and comments were well received from Hon. Victor Mengot, Minister in Charge of Special Duties at the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon; Minister of APRM in Chad, Hon.Khayar Oumar Defallale; Minister of Political and Public Affairs of Sierra Leone, Hon. Nanette Thomas and Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Hon. Achraf Ibrahim.

The event ended on a high note with delegates pledging their support and commitment to the APRM process.

About the African Peer Review Mechanism

A Specialized Agency of the African Union (AU), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) was initiated in 2002 and established in 2003 by the African Union in the framework of the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD. The purpose of APRM is to facilitate the adoption of policies, principles and practises that contribute to political and economic stability and growth, additionally to leading sustainable development. The four thematic areas of APRM are composed of:

• Democracy and Good Political Governance
• Economic Governance and Management
• Corporate Governance
• Socio-Economic Development