Press Release
Centurion, South Africa | 14 July 2026 – The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Communicators’ Network (APRM-CN) has taken another significant step towards its full operationalisation following a virtual meeting dedicated to finalising its Terms of Reference (ToR) and charting its future direction.
The meeting builds on the successful launch of the Network in November 2025 on the margins of the 5th APRM Youth Symposium held at the Pan-African Parliament.
Members of the APRM-CN from across the continent convened to strengthen the Network’s governance framework and advance its role in promoting the visibility, impact, and objectives of the APRM.
Opening the meeting, the APRM Chief of Staff, Mr. Damien Thesee, delivered remarks on behalf of the APRM Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre.
He recalled that the establishment of the APRM-CN stems from Pillar Four of the 2025–2028 APRM Strategic Plan, which prioritises communications, advocacy and outreach as key enablers of the Mechanism’s mandate.
Mr. Thesee stressed the enduring importance of storytelling in Africa as a means of transmitting identity, values and shared heritage.
In recent years, he said, digital content creators and social media influencers have reshaped global perceptions of Africa by presenting authentic narratives about the continent.
He encouraged members of the Network to draw inspiration from these approaches to amplify the APRM’s work and to communicate Africa’s governance success stories more effectively.
Looking ahead to the APRM’s 25th anniversary in 2028, Mr. Thesee called on the Network to develop an innovative communications programme that would contribute to a memorable celebration of the institution’s achievements over the past quarter century.
He concluded by reaffirming APRM Management’s continued support for the Network and its activities.
A central item on the agenda was the review of the APRM-CN Terms of Reference, which focused on the composition of a Working Group, the frequency of Network meetings, and the inclusion of media practitioners to broaden outreach and strengthen engagement.
Members agreed to establish a Working Group tasked with finalising the Terms of Reference and developing a draft work plan for the 2026–2027 period.
Participants also received an update on recent APRM communications initiatives, including the launch of the weekly bulletin, “This Week @APRM,” which highlights key institutional developments and showcases the breadth of the APRM’s activities on its governance mandate.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Fabrice Bekale Akendengue, a member of the APRM Communicators’ Network from Gabon, welcomed the productive exchanges and noted that the meeting had facilitated the sharing of communication experiences and good practices that would strengthen governance advocacy across Africa and contribute to the implementation of Agenda 2063.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Constantin Lebogo thanked members for their active participation, constructive contributions and continued commitment to enhancing the visibility and impact of the APRM.
He also expressed appreciation to the APRM Secretariat team for the successful organisation of the virtual meeting.
The meeting reaffirmed the APRM Communicators’ Network’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among communications professionals across Member States and supporting the APRM’s efforts to promote good governance, peer learning and Africa’s development aspirations.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact the APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org. @APRMorg – X
www.aprm.au.int
