Examining the relationship between good governance and development: the case of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Date
2014-01-29
Authors
Khoza, Nyiko Janet
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Abstract
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) was established on 9 March 2003 by the NEPAD
Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) as an innovative
instrument to improve governance in Africa. The APRM is a voluntary mechanism which
enables African leaders to periodically monitor and review each other’s governance performance
thus promoting peer-dialogue and peer-learning. The rationale behind the establishment of the
APRM is the realization that socio-economic development and good governance are inextricably
linked. Furthermore, for NEPAD to achieve its goal of placing African countries on a path of
sustainable growth and development, it is imperative to ensure that an environment of good
political and economic governance is created. In 2013, the APRM will mark ten years since its
inception. This significant milestone provides scholars interested in governance and development
issues on the continent with an opportunity to assess the gains (successes) which have been
registered and the weaknesses regarding the implementation of this innovative African initiative.
It is against this backdrop that this study undertakes to perform a retrospective analysis of the
APRM since its inception in 2003. The study identifies as assesses the achievements and
challenges of the APRM over the decade (2003-2013) as well as provides recommendations
aimed at overcoming the challenges, strengthening the Mechanism as well as positioning it to
effectively and efficiently carry out its mandate. The study establishes that there exists a positive
correlation between good governance and development. The study further illustrates that the
APRM has achieved much in its relatively short time of existence. Lessons have been learnt.
However, as is the case with any new initiative, the Mechanism has experienced some teething
problems (challenges) that ought to be addressed if the APRM is to effectively deliver on its
mandate and improve the quality of governance across African countries. In essence, the APRM
have proven itself to be a tool that holds immense potential for improving governance on the African continent.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities, International Relations, 2013
Keywords
good governance, peer-review, peer-learning, peer-sharing, socio-economic development