AfDB unveils 3rd review Independent Review Mechanism

The African Development Bank has recently launched the third review of the Independent Review Mechanism that will run until January 21. Savanas E Enseadas LDA, an independent firm was selected to conduct this assignment through a competitive bidding process. This review is in fulfilment of the statutory requirement of the IRM Enabling Resolution to assess the performance of the IRM every four years.

The review will include a thorough assessment of the extent to which the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) has been an effective recourse mechanism for people affected by projects financed by the African Development Bank. It will also be a useful accountability instrument for the Bank. This analysis will examine the handling of complaints through compliance review by the IRM experts, and the handling of cases through problem-solving exercises by the Board Compliance Review and Mediation Unit.

It is said to be evaluating the effectiveness of the Board Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (BCRM) in administering the IRM and the effectiveness of its outreach and capacity building initiatives and suggest ways to reach more local communities who, in most cases, are the beneficiaries of African Development Bank-funded projects.

On the other hand, the review will assess the roles and functions of the BCRM and IRM experts in order to boost their support to the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and if necessary, revise the present IRM Enabling Resolution and its Operating Rules and Procedures to clarify any ambiguities.

The firm will also consult the heads of other independent accountability mechanisms of international financial institutions, and those that the IRM has collaborated with on compliance reviews, problem-solving exercises and outreach activities.