The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Africa’s leading governance assessment instrument established by the African Union, has commended Côte d’Ivoire for its strides in political stability, economic transformation, and institutional reforms.
The praise came during a high-level visit by Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Director-General of the APRM Continental Secretariat, who was in Abidjan from July 21 to 22, 2026. Her mission included meetings at the APRM National Commission headquarters in Cocody, where she reviewed the country’s preparations for its second-generation peer review.
APRM commits to supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s governance journey
”Côte d’Ivoire has made remarkable progress in consolidating political stability, driving economic growth, and implementing structural reforms. These achievements lay a solid foundation for its upcoming second-generation evaluation,” stated Rose-Quatre during a press briefing.
She emphasized that the second-generation evaluation is not merely an assessment exercise but a strategic opportunity for the country to assess its progress since its first review, pinpoint emerging governance challenges, and showcase best practices that could inspire peers across the continent.
The APRM, founded on principles of voluntary participation, mutual learning, transparency, accountability, and peer review, aims to strengthen democracy, political governance, economic governance, corporate governance, and socio-economic development without passing judgment on nations.
”Our role is to support countries in enhancing their governance frameworks, fostering sustainable development, and ensuring that their policies align with the needs of their citizens,” Rose-Quatre added.
During her stay, the APRM Continental Secretariat finalized the roadmap for Côte d’Ivoire’s second-generation evaluation, identifying key milestones and concrete measures to ensure a smooth and impactful assessment process. The Secretariat pledged full technical and institutional support throughout the journey, describing the collaboration as a partnership built on trust, dialogue, and shared commitment to continental governance excellence.
National initiatives align with APRM’s vision
David Moussa Soro, President of Côte d’Ivoire’s APRM National Commission, underscored the strong alignment between governance and development in the country. ”In Côte d’Ivoire, governance and progress move in lockstep,” he remarked.
The National Commission has launched two flagship initiatives to promote good governance: the Summer University for Good Governance, designed to engage citizens directly, and a peer-reviewed scientific journal focused on African integration and governance. The latter provides an academic platform for research aligned with the standards of the Conference of African Ministers of Education (CAMES).
Soro reaffirmed the National Commission’s commitment to working closely with the Continental Secretariat, ensuring that Côte d’Ivoire’s governance agenda remains at the forefront of national priorities.
High-level engagements strengthen collaboration
The visit concluded with a meeting between Rose-Quatre and the President of the Ivorian Senate, followed by discussions with Nialé Kaba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. These engagements highlighted the government’s dedication to institutional transparency and regional cooperation.
Established in 2003 as a voluntary agreement among African states, the APRM is a peer-driven mechanism that evaluates and enhances governance at the highest levels. Its core objectives include promoting political stability, economic integration, sustainable growth, and inclusive development across the continent.