The AfDB recently established an Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) which is similar to the accountability mechanisms found at other IFIs (including the World Bank’s Inspection Panel). The official purpose of the IRM is “to provide people adversely affected by a Bank financed project to comply with its own policies and procedures.” Any group of two or more people who believe they have been or will be negatively affected by an AfDB operation because of the AfDB’s failure to comply with its policies can submit a request for a compliance review or mediation to the IRM.
The IRM consists of a Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (CRMU) and a Roster of Experts. The CRMU receives and manages the requests and undertakes mediation. The CRMU may also recommend a Compliance Review for the request. If approved by the Board of Directors, three external experts will investigate the AfDB’s policy compliance in the project and submit its findings – and recommendations – to the Board. More information on the procedures of the IRM is available on the African Development Bank's website.