PAP & APRM Forge Strategic Alliance to Bolster Governance and Accountability

In a historic display of continental unity, the Pan‑African Parliament (PAP) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) formalized a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the opening ceremony of PAP's Fifth Ordinary Session at its Midrand headquarters. The agreement heralds a new era of structured collaboration aimed at reinforcing transparency, democracy, and accountability across Africa.

Key Pillars of the MoU

• Joint country assessments: PAP and APRM will conduct coordinated review missions, strengthening governance evaluation frameworks in AU member states.
• Legislative support: PAP will help translate APRM's national review outcomes into model laws and parliamentary action plans.
• Capacity-building: Collaborative training programs will empower MPs and staff with the tools needed to promote institutional reforms and civic engagement.
• Public advocacy & research: Joint studies and communication campaigns will increase citizen participation in governance processes.
• Policy harmonisation: The agreement includes efforts to align regional and national legislation with AU Agenda 2063 and shared governance standards.

Voices from the Signing Ceremony

APRM CEO Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose‑Quatre described the MoU as “a historic milestone,” highlighting its role in consolidating Africa’s governance architecture and shifting from ad hoc cooperation to sustained institutional synergy.

PAP President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira emphasised that this MoU “turns words into action,” positioning parliaments at the centre of governance oversight and lawmaking, and advancing accountability frameworks rooted in the Pan-African legislative process.

PRC Chairperson H.E. Prof. Miguel Domingos Bembe, attending as Guest of Honour, lauded the agreement as a model for AU institutional cohesion. He reiterated that internal collaboration among AU organs is essential for addressing Africa’s core challenges in governance, peace, and integration.

Aligning with Agenda 2063

The MoU directly supports AU Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 3 (good governance, democracy, human rights) and Aspiration 4 (peace and security). It mirrors the AU's 2025 reparations theme, underscoring participatory governance and collective action.

Charting the Way Forward: Joint Action Plan

A detailed joint action plan will guide implementation, including:

• Coordinated country review missions;
• Legislative drafting and mobilising parliaments for policy adoption;
• Training workshops to enhance governance oversight skills;
• Aligning parliamentary initiatives with national APRM recommendations;
• Routinely monitoring progress and ensuring accountability across both institutions.

The PAP–APRM MoU marks a decisive shift from rhetorical commitment to practical collaboration, weaving together Africa’s legislative and peer review systems into a unified governance tapestry. As highlighted by the institutions’ leadership, this partnership sets a powerful precedent for AU-wide synergy, institutionally empowering Africans through robust oversight, legal reform, and citizen participation. If fully implemented, the MoU promises governance advancements that will resonate across the political and social fabric of the continent.