2 May, 2025
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Addis Ababa, 2 May 2025 – The Accountability and Programme Performance Review Meeting (APPRM) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) for 2025 took place on Thursday, May 1, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Setting the Pace for Accelerated and Efficient Programme Delivery in ECA in 2025.”
The APPRM, held every quarter, helps the commission track and monitor progress of its annual business plan, highlight successes, tackle challenges, promote knowledge sharing, and ensure policy compliance to enhance programme management. It is facilitated by the Strategic Planning, Oversight, and Results Division (SPORD) of ECA.
The meeting, held in a hybrid format, was attended by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), led by Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, and his two deputies, Antonio M.A. Pedro and Ms. Hanan Morsy, and the Divisional Directors. Other participants included the chiefs of sections of the various divisions and programme management officers (PMOS).
The meeting, the first for 2025, discussed several issues, including programme delivery and monitoring mechanisms for the five strategic areas adopted by the Commission in 2024 to drive development on the continent under Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030. These areas include: i. Macroeconomic policies and development financing ii. Regional integration, economic diversification, and industrialization iii. Infrastructure development (including energy) iv. Technology, innovation, and connectivity v. Climate action and food security. Additionally, it addressed two cross-cutting areas: data and statistics, and social dimensions.
The Team also discussed how to enhance monitoring and reporting mechanisms, as well as how to address challenges in measuring results and impact, with particular emphasis on the five strategic areas.
Other issues discussed included proactive risk management (e.g., ICT infrastructure and economic instability), integration of capacity development programmes and tracking joint efforts, incorporation of knowledge products (e.g., ARIA, ERA) into planning, potential collaborations (e.g., Columbia University), as well as, reflection on the global financial architecture reforms.
The meeting also discussed how to balance regional and country mandates, ECA’s collaboration with regional economic communities (RECS), the importance of partnerships for integration, the dissemination of best practices among think tanks, and enhancing communication about ECA’s work.
Mr. Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary (ES), urged the team to continue their commitment to programme delivery, notwithstanding the current financial limitations and increasing funding difficulties facing the world.
He emphasised the importance of an integrated approach that connects planning, reporting, and communication to improve programme management.
Mr. Gatete advocated for open dialogue among team members to help prevent misunderstandings and maintain clarity in the programme implementation.
Said Adejumobi, Director SPORD, urged Directors and section chiefs to actively engage in the planning, monitoring, and reporting processes to enhance programme delivery.
He emphasised the need for appropriate attention to high-risk areas outlined in the 2025 corporate risk register, such as economic instability in member states, insufficient resources, and inadequate ICT infrastructure.
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