Sierra Leone APRM Leadership Shines at National Secretariat Coordinating Committee Meeting

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) National Secretariat Coordinating Committee held its 9th Ordinary Session yesterday, with Mr. Mohamed Sheriff, Executive Secretary of the APRM National Secretariat in Sierra Leone, presiding as Chair.

The meeting, held in a spirit of unity and commitment, reaffirmed the APRM’s central role in promoting governance, transparency, and reform across the continent.

A key highlight of the session was the adoption of the draft outcome report and the unveiling of the Draft Third APRM Strategic Plan 2025-2028. These milestones underscore the APRM’s alignment with continental aspirations under Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for a prosperous future.

In his address, Mr. Sheriff inspired attendees with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need for bold engagement, unity, and resilience in achieving Africa’s governance renaissance. Quoting the esteemed African philosopher Amílcar Cabral, he reminded participants, “Tell no lies, claim no easy victories,” stressing the importance of honesty, resilience, and purpose in their mission to nurture democracy and sustainable development.

“Today’s agenda reflects more than procedural milestones—it embodies our collective resolve to refine processes and deliver measurable impacts for the citizens we serve,” Mr. Sheriff stated.

He highlighted the significance of the APRM’s review missions and statutory meetings as tangible declarations of commitment to governance and accountability across member states.

The meeting served as a platform to address challenges such as financial constraints and competing priorities while embracing opportunities for innovation and growth.

Discussions touched on the Third Africa High-Level Forum on South-South Cooperation, emphasizing Africa’s role in offering unique solutions to global challenges through partnerships based on equality and mutual respect.

Mr. Sheriff praised the APRM’s unity and diversity, urging attendees to approach deliberations with integrity, intellectual rigor, and humility. “Together, we must rise above trials, inspired by the unwavering belief that Africa’s future is worth every effort, every sacrifice, and every moment of solidarity,” he said.

The unveiling of the Draft Third APRM Strategic Plan 2025-2028 signaled a forward-looking vision for the organization. This plan, along with a robust agenda, underscored the APRM’s commitment to modernizing governance frameworks and strengthening its role as a premier institution within the African Union.

The session concluded with a collective resolve to inspire hope, build trust, and lay the foundation for a legacy future generations will celebrate. Mr. Sheriff expressed his gratitude to the committee members for their dedication and collaboration, emphasizing that their efforts would contribute to a historic outcome.

As the APRM continues to champion Africa’s governance renaissance, this 9th Ordinary Session serves as a testament to Sierra Leone’s leadership in advancing the continent’s vision of prosperity, unity, and progress.