APRM website in Zambia

African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is a self-monitoring mechanism voluntarily acceded to by Member States of the African Union (AU) with the aim of fostering the adoption of policies, standards and practices that will lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated regional and economic integration. It underscores the commitment to implement the codes and standards contained in the Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance.

The APRM traces its origin from New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), a Strategic Policy Framework and Socio-economic Development Programme of the African Union (AU). The vision of NEPAD is “to eradicate poverty and to place countries, individually and collectively, on a path of sustainable growth and development, and at the same time to participate actively in the world economy and body politic”. This calls for improved governance of all entities whether public or private as well as action plans outlining realistic sustainable development targets, reinforcing successful best practices, identifying deficiencies and assessing the needs for capacity building in all African Countries.

In an effort to enhance the quality of governance in Africa, the 6th Summit of the Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) held on 9th March 2003 adopted the Memorandum of Understanding on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance. This contains prioritised and approved codes and standards in four focus areas, namely;

1. Democracy and Good Political Governance;

2. Economic Governance and Management;

3. Socio-Economic Development; and

4. Corporate Governance.

The APRM is open to all member states of the AU. Zambia acceded to the APRM on 22nd January, 2006 at the African Union (AU) Summit held in Khartoum, Sudan.

www.governance.gov.zm