Côte d’Ivoire’s governance progress earns acclaim from African peer review mechanism

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Africa’s premier governance assessment tool established by the African Union, has commended Côte d’Ivoire for its strides in political stabilization, economic transformation, and institutional reforms.

“We acknowledge the significant strides Côte d’Ivoire has made in strengthening political stability, driving economic change, and implementing institutional reforms. These achievements provide a robust foundation for the second-generation evaluation,” stated Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Director-General of the APRM Continental Secretariat, during her working visit to the country.

The Director-General, who was in Côte d’Ivoire from July 21 to 22, 2026, engaged with national stakeholders at the APRM National Commission headquarters in Cocody, Abidjan. Her visit concluded with a commitment to support Côte d’Ivoire through its second-generation country review process.

Second-generation evaluation: a strategic milestone

According to Rose-Quatre, the upcoming second-generation evaluation represents more than just an assessment exercise. It offers Côte d’Ivoire a unique opportunity to assess progress since its first evaluation, pinpoint emerging governance challenges, and showcase best practices that could serve as a model for other African nations.

The APRM, she emphasized, remains Africa’s leading governance instrument, operating on principles of voluntary participation, mutual learning, transparency, accountability, and peer-based evaluation.

“Our goal is not to pass judgment but to empower countries to enhance democratic governance, political leadership, economic governance, corporate governance, and socio-economic development,” she explained.

During her stay, the APRM Continental Secretariat finalized discussions with Ivorian authorities on the evaluation roadmap, identified pending preparations, and agreed on concrete measures to ensure the process begins smoothly.

“The Continental Secretariat is fully committed to providing Côte d’Ivoire with all necessary technical and institutional support throughout this process. We view this collaboration as a true partnership built on trust, dialogue, and our shared commitment to strengthening governance across our continent,” she added.

National initiatives align with governance enhancement

Before her departure, David Moussa Soro, President of the APRM National Commission, underscored the institution’s mission to harness governance for Côte d’Ivoire’s development.

“In Côte d’Ivoire, governance and development move in unison,” he remarked.

He highlighted two national initiatives designed to promote good governance: a Summer University for Good Governance, aimed at spreading governance awareness among the public, and a scientific journal on African integration and governance, targeting academia. The latter aligns with the CAMES protocol, offering a platform for scholarly research on governance issues.

Soro also reaffirmed the National Commission’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Continental Secretariat.

The APRM Director-General concluded her visit with meetings at the Ivorian Senate and an audience with Nialé Kaba, the country’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.