the aprm is a mutually agreed instrument voluntarily acceded to by au member states as an african self-monitoring mechanism. the aprm is often described as “africa’s unique and innovative approach to governance” with the objective of improving governance dynamics at the local, national and continental levels. the aprm was adopted by african heads of state and government as a systematic peer learning and self-assessment mechanism originating from the nepad foundational document, the “declaration on democracy, political, economic and corporate governance” adopted in durban, south africa in july 2002.