Dr. Moeketsi Majoro Leads APRM Mission to Mozambique to Advance Governance and Sustainable Development

The former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening governance and sustainable development across Africa by leading a high-level African Peer Review Mechanism mission to the Republic of Mozambique. As an APR Panel Member responsible for Mozambique, Dr. Majoro headed a delegation that engaged with the country’s leadership to support its ongoing governance reforms and development agenda. The visit highlighted the importance of cooperation among African nations in promoting accountability, peace and economic transformation through shared knowledge and peer learning. It also demonstrated the African Union’s continued commitment to helping member states improve governance through voluntary assessments and practical policy recommendations. The mission represents another important step in advancing continental efforts to build stronger institutions capable of delivering lasting prosperity for African citizens.

A key highlight of the mission was the courtesy call made by the APRM delegation to the President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Daniel Chapo. During the meeting, President Chapo reaffirmed his government’s strong political commitment to Mozambique’s Third Generation Country Review under the African Peer Review Mechanism. His support sends a clear message that Mozambique remains committed to strengthening governance, improving public institutions and implementing reforms that benefit its people. The President’s willingness to participate fully in the review process reflects the importance his administration places on transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. Such high-level political backing is widely regarded as an essential factor in ensuring the success of national governance reforms.

President Chapo used the engagement to outline an ambitious national reform agenda that focuses on several strategic priorities aimed at driving long-term development. Among the key objectives are strengthening peace and security, improving governance through digital technologies and expanding efforts to combat corruption across public institutions. The President also emphasised the need to diversify Mozambique’s economy by increasing agricultural productivity while investing in hydropower, solar energy and other renewable energy sources. These initiatives are expected to support industrialisation, create employment opportunities and improve the country’s economic resilience. By focusing on these interconnected sectors, Mozambique aims to build a stronger and more inclusive economy capable of delivering sustainable growth for future generations.

The priorities presented by President Chapo closely align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which serves as the continent’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth, peace and sustainable development. Agenda 2063 encourages African countries to strengthen democratic governance, promote economic integration and invest in infrastructure that improves the quality of life for all citizens. Mozambique’s emphasis on renewable energy, digital innovation and agricultural development reflects these broader continental aspirations. The country’s reform agenda also recognises the importance of good governance as the foundation for attracting investment, creating jobs and improving public service delivery. By aligning national priorities with continental development goals, Mozambique is positioning itself to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s shared vision for prosperity.

During the discussions, Dr. Majoro praised President Chapo for demonstrating strong political leadership and presenting a clear strategic vision for the country’s future. He commended the Mozambican government for its commitment to governance reforms and reaffirmed the African Peer Review Mechanism’s readiness to support the country throughout the review process. According to Dr. Majoro, the APRM remains dedicated to helping member states strengthen institutions, improve public accountability and implement policies that drive sustainable economic transformation. He emphasised that effective governance is essential for creating stable societies where citizens can benefit from economic opportunities and quality public services. His remarks reinforced the collaborative nature of the APRM, which focuses on supporting rather than evaluating countries through external pressure.

Dr. Majoro’s leadership of the Mozambique review further highlights Lesotho’s growing contribution to continental governance initiatives. Since joining the APRM Panel, he has played an active role in promoting democratic accountability, transparency and institutional development across Africa. His work reflects Lesotho’s increasing influence in regional and continental affairs through active participation in African Union programmes and governance initiatives. By sharing experiences and encouraging peer learning among member states, Dr. Majoro continues to support practical solutions to common challenges facing African countries. His involvement demonstrates how experienced African leaders can contribute their knowledge and expertise to strengthen governance across the continent.

The African Peer Review Mechanism remains one of the African Union’s most significant governance instruments, providing member states with a voluntary platform to assess their governance systems and identify areas for improvement. Unlike externally imposed assessments, the APRM encourages countries to evaluate their own performance while benefiting from constructive feedback and shared experiences from fellow African nations. This collaborative approach helps governments strengthen institutions responsible for maintaining peace, promoting stability and supporting sustainable socio-economic development. The mechanism has become an important tool for encouraging transparency, improving public sector performance and building stronger democratic systems across the continent. Its continued relevance reflects the growing recognition that sustainable development depends on effective and accountable governance.

The introduction of the Third Generation Country Reviews marks an important evolution in the African Peer Review Mechanism’s approach to governance. These reviews place greater emphasis on implementation, measurable outcomes and the practical impact of governance reforms rather than simply evaluating policy commitments. They also focus on ensuring that governments remain responsive to emerging challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, economic resilience and youth development. This results-oriented approach encourages member states to demonstrate tangible progress while strengthening public confidence in governance institutions. By prioritising measurable achievements, the APRM aims to help countries translate policy ambitions into real improvements in the lives of their citizens.

Dr. Moeketsi Majoro’s leadership of the high-level APRM mission to Mozambique reflects the growing importance of regional cooperation in advancing Africa’s governance and development goals. The productive engagement with President Daniel Chapo demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening institutions, promoting accountability and implementing reforms that support inclusive economic growth. Mozambique’s ambitious national agenda, combined with the African Peer Review Mechanism’s guidance and support, provides a strong foundation for achieving meaningful and lasting progress. As African countries continue working together through initiatives such as the APRM, they strengthen the continent’s ability to develop solutions that address its unique opportunities and challenges. The mission stands as another example of Africa’s commitment to building stronger, more transparent and more resilient societies through partnership, peer learning and responsible leadership.