Briefing Paper

Aligning NPOA with Other Frameworks for National Development: A Formula to Revitalise Forward-looking, Broad-based and Participatory Development in Africa?

“The loss of momentum of one of the most ingenious African-initiated and African-led mechanisms for monitoring governance reforms
and deficiencies, and nurturing African solutions to African problems, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), is most worrying. Reasons cited for the diminishing interest at continental, regional and national levels are various. They include a lack of interest from heads of state,
who often view the recommendations arising from the review process as criticism of their leadership; and the inability of state institutions or focal points to undertake the exercise, to facilitate the implementation of
the recommendations, or to continually monitor and evaluate progress made amidst other tasks of national interest. This is exacerbated by a lack of financial support and the non-appreciation of the National
Programmes of Action (NPOA), which is meant to strengthen National Developmental Plans (NDPs), as well as other development agendas
and goals.”