African Peer Review Mechanism lauds Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in governance and institutional reforms
During an official visit to Abidjan, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) commended Côte d’Ivoire for its strides in political stability, economic transformation, and institutional reforms. The continental body highlighted the country’s leadership in West Africa as a foundation for the upcoming second-generation country review.
Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Director-General of the APRM Continental Secretariat, emphasized the significance of Côte d’Ivoire’s achievements, stating, “We recognize the substantial efforts made by Côte d’Ivoire in consolidating political stability, driving economic growth, and implementing institutional reforms. These milestones provide a robust framework for the second-generation evaluation.”
The Director-General concluded her working visit on July 21, 2026, after engaging with the National APRM Commission in Cocody, Abidjan. During the meeting, she reaffirmed the APRM’s commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire throughout the preparatory phase of its second-generation evaluation.
Second-generation evaluation: a strategic milestone for Côte d’Ivoire
According to Rose-Quatre, the second-generation evaluation is more than a procedural assessment—it represents a pivotal opportunity for Côte d’Ivoire to assess progress since its first evaluation, address emerging governance challenges, and showcase best practices that could inspire other African nations.
The APRM, she noted, remains the continent’s premier governance instrument, grounded in principles of voluntarism, mutual learning, transparency, accountability, and peer review. “Our mission is not to judge but to empower countries in strengthening democracy, political governance, economic governance, corporate governance, and socio-economic development,” she added.
During her stay, the APRM delegation and Ivorian officials reviewed the evaluation roadmap, identified pending preparations, and agreed on concrete measures to ensure a seamless launch of the assessment process. “The Continental Secretariat is fully committed to providing Côte d’Ivoire with the necessary technical and institutional support throughout this journey. This collaboration reflects a true partnership built on trust, dialogue, and our shared vision for stronger governance across Africa,” Rose-Quatre explained.
Côte d’Ivoire’s governance initiatives gain continental recognition
Professor David Moussa Soro, President of the National APRM Commission, underscored the institution’s mission to align governance with Côte d’Ivoire’s development goals. “Governance and development in Côte d’Ivoire go hand in hand,” he remarked.
He highlighted two national initiatives designed to promote good governance: the Summer University on Good Governance, aimed at fostering governance awareness among the public, and a scientific journal on African integration and governance, targeted at academia. The latter provides a platform for scholarly publications on governance topics, in line with the CAMES protocol.
Professor Soro also reiterated the National APRM Commission’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Continental Secretariat throughout the evaluation process.
Upcoming engagements in Côte d’Ivoire
The APRM delegation concluded its visit with a meeting at the Ivorian Senate on July 22, 2026, followed by an audience with Nialé Kaba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Established in 2003, the APRM is a voluntary agreement among African states to evaluate and enhance governance at the highest levels. Its objectives include promoting political stability, economic integration, sustainable growth, and development across the continent.
