The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is a mutually agreed instrument voluntarily acceded to by the Member States of the African Union (AU) as an African self-monitoring mechanism. The APRM is a bold, unique and innovative approach designed and implemented by Africans for Africa. The Mechanism aims to put in motion a strategic re-orientation towards the validation of universal as well as African values and accelerate the process of intra-African cooperation and integration. 

Without any doubt, the APRM therefore is a key driver of African renaissance and rebirth, and is a centre piece of the NEPAD process for the socio-economic development of Africa. Its mandate is to ensure that the policies and practices of participating countries conform to the agreed values in the following four focus areas: democracy and political governance; economic governance; corporate governance; and socio-economic development. 

The APR process entails periodic reviews of the policies and practices of participating countries to ascertain progress being made towards achieving the mutually agreed goals and compliance in the four focus areas, namely Democracy and Political Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Corporate Governance, and Socio-Economic Development. National ownership and leadership by the participating country are essential factors underpinning the effectiveness of the APRM. The process is designed to be open and participatory.

The APRM is also guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, technical competence, credibility and is free from manipulation. The review process is not meant to exclude or punish countries. There is no conditionality attached to the Mechanism.