Africa's democracies thrive when citizens are informed and empowered by a strong media. To achieve this, the African Union's Agenda 2063 prioritizes good governance, democratic values, and human rights. Recognizing media's crucial role, the Information and Communication Directorate launched the African Union Media Fellowship. This fellowship equips journalists and content creators with the skills to bridge the gap between citizens and governments. Through innovative training, fellows learn to deliver critical information, hold leaders accountable, and amplify citizen voices – all essential for a thriving Africa.

On a study tour, 20 African Union Media Fellows visited the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) a Specialized Agency of the African Union on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The APRM team discussed how journalists can promote transparency and accountability, vital for a thriving Africa. They also educated the fellows on the APRM's role in Agenda 2063 and the impact of ratifying the Malabo Protocol. This equips fellows to contribute to good governance through their work.

In a detailed presentation, Mr. Jean Yves Adou, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, and Mr. Dalmar Jama, Director of Strategic Planning, underscored the importance of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as a vital self-assessment instrument for African Union (AU) member states. They emphasized that this voluntary tool is designed to encourage the adoption of laws, policies, standards, and practices that enhance political stability, promote high economic growth, support sustainable development, and facilitate accelerated economic integration throughout the region. Mr. Jean highlighted that the APRM not only improves governance frameworks but also serves as a crucial strategic platform for driving significant economic progress and ensuring political stability across the continent.

Mr. Dalmar Jama, APRM Director of Strategic Planning, guided the fellows through the organization's review processes, highlighting the importance of good governance for Africa's development.  They educated the fellows about the four distinct APRM reviews, including initial assessments for new member states, regular progress monitoring, and targeted reviews to address specific challenges. Discussions also covered the APRM's role in tracking governance across the continent, including initiatives like the Africa Governance Atlas and reports that monitor progress towards Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This exposure equips our fellows to better understand how their work can contribute to transparency, accountability, and good governance across Africa.

The AU Media Fellowship study tour to the AU organs and specialized agencies have toured AU Pan-African Parliament, African Union Development Agency (AUDA- NEPAD), Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Africa Risk Capacity (ARC), CNBC Africa and South African institutions which include South Africa Broadcasting (SABC), Wits School of Journalism, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) a tour of the Union Buildings  the official seat of the South African Government and also house the offices of the President of South Africa. 

Media contact: Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Communication Officer- Agenda 2063 | Information and Communication. Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@Africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube