Date : August 5-6, 2025
Venue : Djeuga Palace Hotel – Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Background
Unstable environments, whether political, economic or social, multiply uncertainties and risks. As key players in civil society, think tanks and civil society organizations (CSOs) are at the forefront of these challenges. As critical thinkers and defenders of the public interest, they have an essential role to play in building a more sustainable future.
However, this role is regularly challenged by the volatility of their environments. Indeed, in recent years, Africa, and Central Africa in particular, has been confronted with a series of simultaneous crises. The war in Ukraine, internal socio-political unrest, climate change and rising debt have all weighed heavily on economic activity, reducing the ability of think tanks and CSOs to influence their environment.
To help think tanks and CSOs leaders navigate this complex and unpredictable environment, the Nkafu Policy Institute, think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, is launching the 2025 edition of its two-day Executive and Strategic Leadership Program. The program aims to strengthen the leadership and management skills of think tank actors, civil society organizations and researchers in Central Africa, enabling them to formulate relevant policy recommendations and effectively influence public decisions. This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Navigating Volatility: Sustaining Think Tanks and CSOs in Unstable Environments”.
Objectives of the program
The main objective of the Executive and Strategic Leadership Program is to sustain the leadership and effective management of think tanks and CSOs in the Central African Region. Specifically, the program aims to:
- Strengthen the strategic management capacity of think tanks to produce high-quality research and influence policy, enhancing democracy and governance.
- Enhance the leadership and research capacity of think tank researchers, with a particular focus on women, to conduct research and policy advocacy.
- Expand the visibility and reach of think tanks in Central Africa.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness and resilience among think tank leaders and researchers on issues related to governance, democracy, regional integration, free markets, gender equity, and security within the ECCAS region.
- Enhanced managerial, leadership, research capacity and professional skills among ECCAS think tank and CSO leaders and researchers, enabling them to lead advocacy activities and improve governance, democracy, regional integration, free markets, gender equity, and security.
- Consolidated regional network: Creation of a strong network of think tanks and CSOs in Central Africa, facilitating knowledge sharing, collaboration and mutual support.
- Strengthened capacities of think tank leaders to conduct innovative research and provide relevant recommendations, improving their advocacy strategies.
Target Audience
The program targets leaders of think tanks, CSOs and independent research centers within the Central Africa Region, with a particular emphasis on supporting women leaders and researchers.
Program content
The training will feature:
- Keynote presentations
- Workshops
- Panel discussions
- Conversations with policymakers
- Networking sessions
- Plenaries with brainstorming sessions led by experts and think tank leaders.
Program Format and date
The course is a two-day program scheduled from the August 5-6, 2025 from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The format will be In-Person at La Falaise Hotel (Yaoundé, Cameroon).
Participation Fee and Payment
The conference is limited to 25 attendees comprising 04 foreign partners sponsored by the Foundation and 21 21 CSO leaders selected upon payment of participation fees as follows:
- Think tank and CSO leaders : $200
- Researchers : $150
- Participants from last year’s workshop : $180
- Late payment (missed deadline) : $300
All prices are in USD and include VAT.
Participants can apply for sponsorship by indicating interest in the application form. Note that sponsorship only covers registration fees. Sponsored participants are still expected to cover their travel expenses, hotel accommodation, and ground transportation.
Payment: Once selected, participants can pay via Mtn Mobile Money, Eventbrite, cash, bank transfer or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, and PayPal). All bank charges and commissions are the responsibility of the participant. On-site payment is not allowed.
The participation fee includes:
- Certificate of participation
- Admission to all workshop sessions
- A printed copy of all event materials
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- The final event report (electronic version)
Selection Process and Timeline
- Call for Applications: 06 May, 2025.
- Application Deadline: 30 June, 2025
- Application Screening: 1-4 July, 2025.
- Final Selection Announcement: 8 July, 2025.
- Executive and Strategic Leadership Program in Yaoundé: 5 & 6 August, 2025
Additional informations:
Sponsored foreign think tank partners from ECCAS must provide proof of their visa by July 11, 2025.
Sponsored foreign think tank partners from ECCAS will receive financial support from the Foundation, including registration fees, travel expenses, hotel accommodation and ground transportation.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Ms. Vanessa Aboudi, Policy Analyst, Governance and democracy Division – Nkafu Policy Institute ([email protected])
Mr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu, Research Assistant, Governance and democracy Division – Nkafu Policy Institute ([email protected])
Nkafu Policy Institute
P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54
www.nkafu.org
Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation 
