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Sierra Leone is embarking on a transformative journey in governance as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) undergoes a strategic repositioning under the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED).
This shift, initiated by President Julius Maada Bio on June 19, 2025, marks a decisive move from political oversight towards a development-centered approach that promises to deepen accountability, transparency, and national progress.
Speaking on AYV Television, APRM Executive Secretary Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff hailed the repositioning as a “game-changer” in how governance is planned, measured, and delivered across the country. Since the presidential directive, the APRM Secretariat has intensified efforts by recruiting and promoting technical staff, strengthening internal management systems, and enhancing coordination with relevant ministries and institutions.
Preparations are well underway for Sierra Leone’s Second-Generation APRM Review, set to be completed by December 2025. This comprehensive assessment will mobilize stakeholders in all 16 districts through newly established Regional Committees.
It aims to not only showcase Sierra Leone’s governance progress but also set the country apart as a leader in inclusive reform and peer learning across Africa.
Key enablers of the process are in place. The Ministry of Finance has released necessary funds, consultants have been engaged, and procurement approvals have been secured from the National Public Procurement Authority.
The National Governing Council, alongside the newly appointed APRM Focal Point, is preparing to launch coordination meetings as transitional arrangements progress smoothly and are expected to be finalized within 60 days.
More than a technical exercise, the Second-Generation Review represents a critical national opportunity. It empowers citizens, fortifies institutions, and charts a clear reform roadmap aligned with Sierra Leone’s broader development goals. By integrating APRM findings with these objectives, the government aims to restore public trust and foster a governance system that is effective, inclusive, and accountable.
The repositioning owes much to the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Chair of the APRM Transition Process and Principal Executive Advisor to the President, alongside the Development Secretary at MoPED, whose guidance has been pivotal in steering this vital transformation.
As Sierra Leone advances this new chapter, it signals a firm commitment to making governance not just a promise on paper, but a tangible reality for all its citizens.
