2026 Executive And Strategic Leadership Program

Format: In-person intensive program
Date: 8 – 9 September 2026
Venue: Yaahot Hotel, Yaoundé – Cameroon
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Background:

Think tanks and civil society organizations are essential actors in ensuring democratic governance, sustainable development, and an inclusive policy-making framework in Africa. These actors play an essential role in producing evidence-based research, influencing social transformation, and engaging with other actors in the relevant policy fields in a way that enhances governance, social accountability, and regional cooperation. However, challenges arising from the lack of adequate institutional leadership and management skills, coupled with changing donor priorities in development assistance, unstable political contexts marked by governance issues, and a shrinking civic space, are making it more complex for these organizations. Think tanks and CSOs operate under a multitude of internal and external pressures, including resource challenges, governance, and the ever-changing context in which policies operate. To be resilient and effective, skills in strategic planning, performance management, and evidence-based communication should be enhanced.

In response to this, the Nkafu Policy Institute is organizing the 2026 Executive & Strategic Leadership Program (ESLP) under the theme “Managing Think Tanks and Civil Society Organisations.” It targets enhancing strategic leadership, organizational management, and advocacy competencies of think tank, CSO, and related research institution leaders to enable them to manage their organizations effectively and provide continued policy influence and sustainability amidst an increasingly competitive and uncertain environment. The upcoming 2026 ESLP will enable intensive learning, peer exchange, and insightful organisational leadership and sustainability. The program is also in line with continental policies that prioritize institutional development, as well as civil society’s role in promoting democracy, the rule of law, and economic growth.

Overall Objective:

The aim of the 2026 Executive and Strategic Leadership Program is to enhance the strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness of think tanks and CSOs for increased societal impact and sustainable influence in national and regional policy spaces.

Specific Objectives:

• Strategic leadership and organizational management: Provide leaders with tools for effective decision-making, adaptive leadership, and strategic planning that look into the future. Empower through governance, resource mobilization, financial sustainability, and institutional frameworks.
• Policy influence & advocacy: Deepen their skills related to evidence communication, stakeholder engagement, and public policy outreach.
• Collaborative networks: Encourage partnership and peer learning among leadership cohorts across Africa.

Expected Output:

• 25 trained CSO and Think Tank Leaders.
• All participants receive training materials.
• Participants receive one-on-one mentorship from experts.
• Program report.

Expected Outcomes:

The participants will emerge from the program with:

• Increased ability to lead their respective organisations through the avenues of strategic planning and change management.
• Organizational systems that are improved for financial sustainability, governance, and accountability.
• Improved skills to translate research into policy advocacy to inform public debate.
• Extended professional and institutional networks for cooperation, joint research work, and shared learning.

Target participants:

• Executive Directors, CEOs, and key decision-makers in Think Tanks and CSOs.
• Senior researchers and program managers in independent research institutions.
• Leaders in the emerging generation who have proven managerial experience.
• Practitioners and policymakers are committed to civic governance and innovation in policy.
• Women’s participation will be strongly prioritized: In line with Nkafu’s commitment to genderresponsive leadership, the 2026 ESLP will include dedicated slots for female leaders, including a cohort supported through a partner initiative aimed at strengthening women’s leadership in governance and civil society.

Participation requirements:

• Demonstrated leadership or research experience in a think tank, CSO, or related organization.
• Commitment to improving organizational impact and advocacy capabilities.
• Submission of a completed application form with a statement of purpose highlighting professional goals, organisational challenges, and expectations of the program.

Program content and structure:

The ESLP will comprise a combination of interactive learning modes such as expert presentations, panel discussions, case study analysis, group activities, and peer consultation sessions.

Core Thematic Modules:

• Leadership for Strategic Impact – Adaptive leadership theories, decision-making methodologies, and conflict management
• Organizational Governance & Sustainability – Architecture for Governance, Planning & Financing.
• Resource Mobilization & Financial Strategy — Diversified resource mobilization strategies and donor engagement.
• Policy Advocacy and Communication – Synthesizing evidence, writing policy briefs, and methods for engaging with the media.
• Gender Mainstreaming & Inclusivity in Leadership: Strategies for Ensuring Equitable Representation and Inclusive Practices.
• Regional Collaboration & Networks — Cross-institutional collaboration and joint ventures for creating impact.

Format, Date & Venue:

Format: In-person intensive program

Date: 8 – 9 September 2026

Venue: Yaahot Hotel, Yaoundé – Cameroon

Evaluation and Follow-Up:

• Pre-Program Assessment: Participants will complete a survey to assess their current leadership and management of their organizations, as well as clearly identify the predominant challenges they face.
• Interactive Feedback: Real-time feedback mechanisms will be integrated into sessions to ensure relevance.
• Post-Program Support: Participants will receive follow-up mentoring opportunities and access to a resource platform for continued learning and networking.
• Impact Assessment: A six-month follow-up survey will evaluate changes in participants’ organizational impact and leadership practices.

Methodology:

The program focuses on practical learning, reflection, and connectivity. The program will include focused discussions, expert presentations, peer learning, strategic planning activities, and group activities conducted by participants.

Selection Process and Timeline:

The selection process ensures inclusivity of the most qualified and motivated participants while maintaining transparency and regional representation.

Timeline

• Call for Applications: February 27, 2026
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
• Application Screening:  July 1 – 2, 2026.
• Final Selection Announcement: July 3, 2026.
• Deadline to confirm offer/payment: August 20, 2026
• Executive and Strategic Leadership Program in Yaoundé: September 8 & 9, 2026

Participation Fee and Payment

Amounts in USD can be converted using OANDA rates.

• Think tanks and CSO leaders: $200
• Researchers: $150
• Participants from last year: $180
• Late payment (missed deadline): $300

What the Fee Covers:

• Access to all sessions
• Training materials and resources
• Meals and refreshments during the event
• Exclusive pass to attend the Annual Central Africa Think Tank Forum
• Access to a high-level networking dinner
• Access to the Think Tank Gala
• Certificates

In collaboration with a partner initiative focused on advancing women’s leadership in governance and civil society, a dedicated cohort of female participants will be supported through fully waived program registration fees. This measure aims to enhance gender equity in leadership development and ensure broader access for women leaders across Central Africa.

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:

Mr. Enowbachem Agbortanyi, Policy Analyst – Peace and Security Division ([email protected])

Ms. Larissa Ntoubia, Research Associate – Economic Affairs Division ([email protected])

Nkafu Policy Institute

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