Public Policy Analysis Course – Third Edition

Date : January 21-23, 2026
Venue : Cofee Hotel, Yaoundé-Cameroon

Background

In alignment with AU and global priorities, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is launching the third cohort of its 2025 Public Policy Analysis Course (PPAC). The program is a strategic initiative aimed at providing a structured, practical platform for building capacity among policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to respond to ECCAS-specific challenges. This three-day annual event will enhance technical and interpersonal competencies in policy analysis, communication, and advocacy, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among ECCAS stakeholders.

The course has been specifically designed to:

1. Build participants’ capacity in public policy analysis by equipping them with theoretical frameworks and practical tools.
2. Support evidence-based policymaking tailored to ECCAS-specific challenges by addressing how issues are identified, prioritized, and introduced onto the public agenda.
3. Develop participants’ communication and advocacy skills to enhance policy engagement and stakeholder management.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Enhance Technical Proficiency: Develop skills in policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation.
2. Formulate Actionable Recommendations: Learn to craft concrete and practical policy recommendations based on sound analysis.
3. Improve Writing Skills: Gain expertise in producing compelling, evidence-based opinion pieces advocating for policy reform.
4. Design Advocacy Plans: Create comprehensive advocacy strategies that include clear objectives, target audiences, messages, and tactical approaches.
5. Master Advocacy Techniques: Acquire communication and advocacy skills critical for influencing policy decisions.
6. Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders to advance policy reforms and governance initiatives.

Target Audience

The course is tailored for:

• Think Tank Professionals: Researchers and analysts involved in public policy evaluation within ECCAS countries.
• Government Officials: Policymakers responsible for formulating, implementing, and assessing public policies.
• Civil Society Leaders: Advocates working on policy reform initiatives.
• Development Practitioners: Professionals from international organizations focused on policy improvements.
• Private Sector and Media Representatives: Stakeholders engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy.

The conference is limited to 25 attendees from ECCAS, selected upon payment of participation fees.

Participation Requirements

Participants are required to meet the following criteria:

1. Have a background or active interest in public policy analysis, governance, or advocacy.
2. Pay the required participation fees:

• Students: 20,000 XAF
• Early-Career Researchers and Professionals: 30,000 XAF
  3. Participants coming from outside Cameroon will be responsible for their flight tickets, accommodations, and participation fees.

Detailed Course Content

The PPAC will include the following modules, delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and group exercises:

1. Introduction to Public Policy and the Policy Cycle
2. Policy Analysis Techniques
3. Policy Context in ECCAS countries
4. Policy Impact and Evaluation
5. Identifying Policy Gaps
6. Effective Policy Writing
7. Policy Windows and Timing
8. Role of Media and Public Opinion
9. Strategic Communication for Policy Advocacy
10. Advocacy Techniques
11. Engaging Stakeholders in Policymaking

Format, Date, and Venue

• Format: In-person.
• Date: January 21-23, 2026 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily).
• Venue: Cofee Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Evaluation and Follow-Up

The evaluation process will include:

• Pre- and post-course assessments to measure learning outcomes.
• Individual and group assignments to evaluate practical application of concepts.
• Participant feedback forms to improve future sessions.

Participants will remain engaged through a dedicated alumni network, quarterly virtual check-ins, and opportunities to contribute to policy discussions organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute.

Selection Process and Timeline

The selection process will include the following steps:

1. Submission of an online application, including a motivation statement.
2. Review and shortlisting of applications based on relevance and merit.
3. Notification of selected participants.

Participation Payment

Participation fees cover:

• Certificate of participation.
• Access to all workshop sessions.
• Printed copies of event materials.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• An electronic version of the final event report.

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:

Anthony Antem, Head of Conflict Prevention, and Analysis Unit, Peace and Security Division – [email protected]

Enowbachem Agbortanyi, Policy Analyst, Peace and Security Division – [email protected]

Nkafu Policy Institute P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org