Base review when a country officially accedes to the APRM process. Bearing in mind that African countries are at different levels of development, on joining the APRM, a country will be assessed (the base review) and a timetable (programme of action) for effecting progress towards achieving the agreed standards and goals must be drawn up by the state in question, taking into account the particular circumstances of that state.
According to the Base Documents, the Base Review is supposed to be undertaken within 18 months of a country becoming a member of the APRM process.