The Daunting Task of Peer Review in Africa

This research paper examines the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as a core component of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), analyzing the structural, financial, and political challenges that hinder its ability to hold African governments accountable for governance and socio-economic development.

• The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is the primary innovative element of NEPAD, designed to allow African states to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to democracy, good corporate and policy governance, and socio-economic development.
• The APRM is limited by its lack of enforcement power, as it is a voluntary mechanism that cannot sanction non-compliant governments. Its effectiveness relies on peer pressure and persuasion, which critics argue is insufficient for achieving necessary reforms without the ability to impose punitive measures like trade restrictions or the withholding of donor aid.
• Political solidarity among African leaders often undermines the peer-review process, with some leaders protecting each other despite electoral fraud. This was exemplified in 2002 when Nigeria and South Africa opposed the 12-month suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth following electoral fraud and violence.
• Financial and participation gaps weaken the APRM; the African Peer Review Secretariat receives no funding from the AU or NEPAD, leaving participating countries to bear the costs. Additionally, over 24 states have not yet committed to the process due to a lack of readiness or a desire to avoid scrutiny of human rights violations.
• Country-specific implementation challenges vary: Mauritius struggled with a poorly conceptualized institutional framework and stakeholder confusion, while Rwanda faced logistical hurdles due to poor rural infrastructure, a lack of internal expertise, and 'consultation fatigue' among the population.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2006). The Daunting Task of Peer Review in Africa. https://saiia.org.za/research/the-daunting-task-of-peer-review-in-africa/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. The Daunting Task of Peer Review in Africa. 2006. https://saiia.org.za/research/the-daunting-task-of-peer-review-in-africa/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=The Daunting Task of Peer Review in Africa |date=15 November 2006 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/the-daunting-task-of-peer-review-in-africa/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2006daunting, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{The Daunting Task of Peer Review in Africa}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2006}, month = nov, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/the-daunting-task-of-peer-review-in-africa/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }