AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NEPAD TO AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT AND GOOD GOVERNANCE: CASE STUDY OF THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM (APRM)

ABSTRACT: In recent years, the concept of good governance has gained significant attention from donor partners, the Global West, and certain NGOs. It is seen as an ideal approach to tackle the challenges that developing countries are facing. In an effort to encourage African leaders to uphold human rights, implement economic reforms, and ensure fair elections with a peaceful transfer of power, good governance has become a prerequisite for aid in Africa. In 2002, African leaders made the decision to adopt the AU and its constitutive Act. One of the main objectives of this Act is to promote democratic principles and institutions, encourage popular participation and good governance, and foster sustainable development in Africa. The creation of the AU and the adoption of its Constitutive Act have brought about a significant and striking task: the promotion of democracy and good governance in Africa. The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), which is the accompanying development paradigm of the African Union (AU), has become an essential requirement for good governance. The African Peer Review (APR) mechanism was established as part of the joint initiatives of NEPAD and the AU. Its purpose is to monitor African Heads of State and ensure that their colleagues adhere to principles of good governance. The ultimate goal of the APRM is to promote good governance in Africa, which NEPAD considers to be essential for development on the continent. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of the APRM in promoting good governance practises and development in Africa. The research utilised a qualitative approach to evaluate the APRM. This project utilised secondary data sources such as textbooks, journal articles, and online resources. The key finding of this research is that the peer review process facilitated by the APRM has effectively promoted good governance in Africa. This has led to the establishment of "open governance" and encouraged citizen participation. The peer review mechanism provides participating nations with an opportunity to gain awareness of the strengths and weaknesses in their policy making, governance institutions, and procedures. It also allows them to exchange best practises in administrative, political, and financial management. It provides a platform for open discussions, collaborative learning, and cooperation among African nations. This platform aims to address the challenges that African countries face, both on an individual and collective level. However, the APRM has faced certain challenges that have hindered its efficiency and effectiveness. There are several limitations that can be identified with the APRM. These include the voluntary nature of the organisation, challenges with its national and continental structures, insufficient financing, a lack of political will, and a leadership crisis in Africa. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the APRM to fully realise its potential.