SL Launches APRM Second‑Generation Review

By Mohamed Lamin Banya

The Government of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 25th November, 2025 has launched the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Second‑Generation Review, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s governance and development agenda.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barley, described the review process as “not merely ceremonial, but a testament to our collective journey of democratic resolve and unwavering commitment to building a better Sierra Leone for all.” She noted:

“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone has embraced APRM not only as an obligation, but as an opportunity to reflect, reform and reaffirm its place among nations that champion democratic good governance, inclusive development and continental solidarity.”

Ms. Barley highlighted President Bio’s presidential directive of 19 June 2025, calling it a “quiet revolution” that reaffirms the nation’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable progress. She added that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is finalising the establishment of a specialised directorate on South‑South Triangular Cooperation, aligned with the Freetown Declaration, Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.

“With support from the APRM Continental Secretariat, we have expanded partnerships with India, China and Egypt to enhance capacity building, civil service reform and digital governance,” she said, underscoring Sierra Leone’s use of South‑South cooperation as a strategic development tool.

APRM Lead Panel Member and Focal Point, Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, expressed delight in working with Sierra Leone, noting the exercise reassures the country’s leadership as a distinguished APRM member.

“Since acceding to APRM in July 2004, Sierra Leone has become a shining example of Africa’s commitment to home‑grown governance, mutual accountability and peer learning. The 2012 review laid a solid foundation for national dialogue on governance, democracy and socio‑economic transformation.”

He added that President Bio’s endorsement and signing of the MoU for the Second‑Generation Review in February 2024 reinforced Sierra Leone’s ownership of the process. The review, he stressed, is not a routine assessment but a strategic opportunity to reflect, consolidate reforms and provide evidence‑based guidance, but that It will examine democracy and Political Governance institutions, rule of law, human rights, Economic Governance and Management fiscal discipline, debt sustainability, diversification, Corporate Governance business environment, transparency, natural resource management among others.

According to Dr. Janneh through broad consultations with government, civil society, private sector, academia and development partners, the review will deliver practical, actionable recommendations to strengthen governance and accelerate inclusive growth.

Chairperson of the APRM National Governance Council, Dr. Ezekiel Duramany‑Lakkoh, warmly commended the successful completion of the review and thanked all contributors.

“This review marks a significant step forward in strengthening governance, accountability and sustainable development across the nation. It would not have been possible without the collective dedication of a wide range of stakeholders, the leadership of APRM and the Continental Secretariat, and my brother seated here, who was instrumental throughout even at three in the morning.”He urged.

“Let us move forward with the same spirit of collaboration to implement the recommendations and build a better Sierra Leone.”