Driving Impact and Sustainability in the Governance and Democratic Ecosystem, role of Central African Think Tanks

Venue :  Zoom Online (Register now)
Date: April 23rd 2025
Time: 03:00 pm -04:00 pm

1. Context

The Central African region faces significant governance and democratic challenges, including weak institutions, limited civic engagement, and inadequate policy frameworks. Think tanks, as independent research and analysis organizations, have a critical role to play in driving impact and sustainability in the governance and democratic ecosystem (1). The prevalence and rising trend of authoritarianism are significant challenges confronting many Francophone African countries (2). Many French speaking countries such as Gabon, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and even Cameroon have either undone or reversed democratic gains accrued in the past and this is evident in recurrent coups within the last few years. Furthermore, the concentration of power in the hands of unaccountable autocrats, an act which undermines democracy, good governance and sustainable development is prevalent in the sub-region.  In response to this trend, governance and democracy think tanks have a role to play in spotlighting democratic principles that promote effective governance and fundamental human rights. This webinar will expound on what think tanks could do to reinforce democratic institutions, while pushing for necessary policy reforms.

2. Objectives

The main objective of this webinar is to explore the potential of Central African think tanks in driving impact and sustainability in the governance and democratic ecosystem, and to identify opportunities for collaboration and support.

Specific Objectives:

• To assess the current state of think tanks in Central Africa and their role in governance and democracy.
• To examine the challenges and opportunities facing think tanks in driving impact and sustainability.
• To identify best practices and innovative approaches for think tanks to promote democratic governance.
• To foster collaboration and networking among Central African think tanks.

3. Target Audience

• The event targets leaders and representatives of think tanks and CSOs in (Francophone) Africa, policy researchers, analysts, and academics, donor agencies, and international organizations supporting governance and civil society in the region.
• The webinar also targets government officials and policy-makers interested in governance, conflict resolution, and civil society engagement, and media professionals covering socio-political issues in Francophone Africa.

      4. Expected Outcome of the event

• Enhanced capacity of Central African think tanks to drive governance and democratic reforms.
• Improved policy research and analysis informing governance decisions.
• Increased advocacy and influence of think tanks on governance and democracy issues.
• Strengthened partnerships among think tanks, governments, and civil society in Central Africa.
• Sustainable funding models for think tanks.

     5. Event Format

The event will take place online, via zoom with moderated panel discussions by experts and will be streamed live on Foretia Foundation’s Facebook page.

    6. Event date and Time

April 23^rd 2025 , from 3pm to 4pm WAT

    7. Contacts

Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54)