African Peer Review Mechanism

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[upbeat music]Last week, we spoke to the African Peer Review Mechanism on the launch of the African Credit Ratings Agency that was pioneered by the African Union.

Today, I'm joined by the interim chief executive officer of the very ratings agency that was officially launched last week, Dr. Sifiso Falala, to take a look at the agency and its purpose.

Dr. Falala, lovely having you on the show.

Uh, yes.

I, I do know quite a few members of the team behind it and, uh, um, has to be said, uh, APRM, uh, African Peer Review Mechanism, uh The- these guys, uh, have done an incredible work.

They persevered since, I don't know, [clears throat] 2018, I think.

They initiated the...

The signing of the agreements comes as Rwanda, Senegal, and several other African countries try to strengthen trade among themselves after the traditional trade partners such as the European Union and the United States of America try to close their markets to goods from Africa by imposing high taxes.

The African Peer Review Mechanism, together with its strategic partners, launched on Wednesday the Africa Credit Rating Agency in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius.

The Africa Credit Rating Agency is an African Union initiative established to strengthen Africa's presence in the global credit ratings landscape.

The agency will provide information that will help to understand better African economies, markets, and local context to credit assessments.

You're listening to the MoneyWeb SAFM Market Update Podcast.

The African Union, through its African Peer Review Mechanism arm, has officially come to the end of its build process.

And yes, Africa will be receiving its first credit agency by the end of this week.

The Africa Credit Ratings Agency is set to officially launch in Mauritius later this week.

On Wednesday, we're going to take a closer look at this agency.

with the Chief Executive Officer of the African Peer Review Mechanism, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Cartre, and see what we make of it.

Ambassador, lovely having you on the show.

Thanks so much for taking the time.

And to some global update, Dr. Patrick, President of the Republic of Seychelles, joined a distinguished gathering of African Union leaders, policymakers, development finance institutions, investors, and business executives in New York for the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium Global Conversations 2026.

The dialogue was convened in partnership with the African Peer Review Mechanism under the theme Building the Next Frontier of Africa's Digital Economy.

held at the historic Harvard Club during the United Nations Assembly.

The high-level gathering brought together decision-makers and capital allocators from across Africa and the diaspora to explore how governance, technology, investment and regional cooperation can accelerate Africa's digital transformation and strengthen its position in the global economy.

Addressing participants, he highlighted The significance of ensuring that digital transformation delivers tangible benefits for all citizens, emphasising inclusive access to technology, connectivity and opportunities that support shared prosperity across society, Speaking on behalf of the African Peer Review Mechanism, Continental Secretariat, Chief Executive Officer Marie Antoinette Rose Cato, underscored the need for stronger governance framework to guide the adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies while ensuring that innovation contribute to sustainable development, job creation and African ownership of digital value chains.

The panelists engaged in a high-level discussion on translating political and institutional commitment into bankable and investable projects across Africa during the Forward African Leaders Symposium conversation in New York.

Executive Director of the Forward African Leaders Symposium, Hannah Iwoku, said the platform continues to serve as a bridge between leadership, policy, and investment action, The distinguished panelists examined practical approaches to strengthening e-governance, expanding digital connectivity, accelerating trade integration, and creating conducive conditions for investments across the continent.

The symposium is expected to inform a forthcoming study on technological diffusion, adoption and innovation in Africa, being undertaken in collaboration with the African Union Commission's Department of Infrastructure and Energy.