THE AFRICAN UNION AND PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS, UNDER THE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT (NEPAD)’S AFRICAN PAIR-REVIEWED MECHANISM

Odeh M.A. and Mailafia M.D.
Department of Political Science,
University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
E-mail: veemsm@yahoo.com
Abstract:

This paper examined the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)’s African Pair-reviewed Mechanism (APRM), which has been touted as a panacea for the
continent’s governance woes. The APRM, as a reform tool is one of the most innovative initiatives established under the auspices of the NEPAD. The main objective of the APRM is to foster the adoption of standard and best practices for political stability, sustainable
development and economic integration through experience sharing between member states. It was designed to improve the quality of life of Africans, establish efficient and effective management systems, promote accelerated growth and ensure responsiveness
and increased accountability, as well as reposition the continent in the international arena. However, despite the tremendous efforts and resources allocated, the results have remained unimpressive. The concepts of public sector reforms and APRM were examined.
Data collected through secondary sources were critically analyzed, using indicators such as; level of awareness created, availability of human and material resources, etc. The findings
showed that certain factors had negated the impact of the reform. The paper argues that if the APRM reform tool is to be effective, those factors must be removed. It proffered some solutions, to fill the gaps.