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Givingsubstantivesupport to theAPRM processExpert Group Meeting onPromoting Partnerships inSupport of the African Peer ReviewMechanism (APRM)Addis Ababa, Ethiopia15 November 2007The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is recognised in Africaand globally as a key element of the NEPAD initiative. Indeed,it is a laudable attempt by Africans themselves to improve governanceby identifying weaknesses, setting benchmarks, and monitoringprogress in meeting them. It is a unique initiative because no otherregion in the world has attempted to implement such a comprehensive,wide ranging peer review mechanism covering all dimensionsof governance -- democratic and political governance; economicgovernance and management; corporate governance and socio-economicdevelopment.It is pleasing to note that up to date, twenty-seven African countrieshave signed up for the review and that five of them have successfullycompleted the process of review (Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africaand Algeria). Moreover, several other countries are well advancedin the process. For example, Benin has just received a country reviewvisit and Nigeria, Uganda and most likely Mozambique are alsoscheduled for a Country Review Mission.From all indications, therefore, APRM is very much on track and it ismaking progress despite significant challenges at both the nationaland continental levels. To be sure, APRM is a functioning and resilientgovernance monitoring and strengthening system that is fastgaining traction, despite a steep learning curve given its novelty and266 Part Five