The African Governance Report 2025 Launched
The African Governance Report 2025 on Natural Resource Governance in Africa was officially launched at the 13th AU High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, offering a comprehensive assessment of governance across the continent.
Africa’s vast natural resources can drive peace and development when there is effective governance. Where governance is weak, however, they can have the opposite effect, becoming sources of conflict and instability. The 13th AU High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance provided an opportunity for the African Union, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), African citizens, and experts to reflect on this issue.
The High-Level Dialogue featured the official launch of the African Governance Report (AGR) 2025 on Natural Resource Governance in Africa. Published biennially by the APRM and the African Governance Architecture on behalf of the African Union, the AGR provides a comprehensive assessment of governance across the continent. The 2025 edition highlights the critical nexus between natural resource governance, peace, and security.
"…When we look at the African Governance Report 2023 on unconstitutional changes of government, we realised one of the drivers of conflict [in Africa] is the mismanagement of natural resources. Based on that, we needed to have a more comprehensive report on how the natural resources of the continent can be managed."
The report offers key recommendations to help African states manage their land, water, mineral, and marine resources in an inclusive and sustainable way. Its findings guide policies that promote transparency, equitable access, and stronger institutions, essential steps towards reducing inequality, preventing conflict, and advancing lasting peace and development in Africa.
It provides detailed analysis and recommendations on four major thematic areas:
- The political economy of natural resource governance
- Evolution of normative frameworks
- Trends, challenges and citizen perceptions
- Pathways for enabling environments, value optimisation and improved revenue management
During the official launch, the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and the APRM recognised Germany as a valued strategic partner in promoting peace and development in Africa. H.E. Ambassador Rebecca Amuge, the Permanent Representative of Uganda to the AU and Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council for the month of July, presented the recognition award to Mr. Max Middeke, Sector Coordinator for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding and Head of Programme for promoting Peace, Security and Governance in Africa, at the GIZ African Union office.
