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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220225T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220225T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T113843Z
CREATED:20230824T082747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T113843Z
UID:10000041-1645779600-1645801200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:2022 Cameroon Free Trade Forum – NOTI
DESCRIPTION:2022 Cameroon Free Trade Forum – NOTI\n“Facilitating Cameroon’s Bilateral and Multilateral Trade”\nDate: February 25\, 2021  –   Time: 09:00 am (Cameroon time) – (Hybrid Event)\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\, (Only on Invitation)\n  for Online participants (Zoom Online) Online Registration  \nBackground \nCameroon is positioned in the transport logistics chain as a port and transit state for the trade of many border and non-border countries with the rest of the world (notably\, Central African Republic\, Chad and Nigeria\, to name a few). Indeed\, the country is open to the Atlantic Ocean with about 402 km of coastline and is served by a land transport corridor about 1\,500 km long towards the Central African Republic and 2\,100 km towards Chad. Despite these assets\, the trade facilitation situation in Cameroon is hardly glowing. According to the 2018 World Bank Doing Business Report in 2018\, Cameroon ranked 186th out of 190 economies in terms of cross-border trade. This is due to the fact that the country’s trade with the rest of the world has gradually deteriorated over time. As a result\, exports to the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) market fell from 14.3 percent of total exports in 2007 (2nd largest importer of Cameroonian products) to 7 percent in 2015 (4th largest importer of Cameroonian products). This deterioration is further corroborated in 2019 by Cameroon’s ranking in terms of trade integration within the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). According to the Africa Regional Integration Index Report 2019\, Cameroon ranked 4th out of the 11 ECCAS member countries with a score of 0.383 (on a scale 0-1)\, below Chad (0.409)\, Gabon (0.504) and the Republic of Congo (0.890). This modest score reflects the many challenges that the country continues to face in various regional integration initiatives. In the same vein\, despite Nigeria’s immense economic potential\, Cameroon’s export to Nigeria represents only 1.1% of its total export.\nTo meet the development objectives set out in its new National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30)\, Cameroon is now seeking to take advantage of its strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea. The country intends to give significant impetus to the acceleration of true trade integration at the sub-regional and regional levels. To achieve this\, the country intends to conquer markets with high development potential\, focusing in particular on the ECCAS (whose market is estimated at over 300 million inhabitants)\, Nigeria\, emerging countries\, the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA). Accordingly\, Nigeria\, whose market is the largest in sub-Saharan Africa\, with an estimated consumer population of about 201 million in 2020 (World Bank\, 2020)\, has been identified as the first target in this conquest. Also\, with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)\, the intensification of Cameroon’s trade relations with the outside world will extend to all the sub-regions of Africa with specific achievable objectives from one country or group of countries to another. However\, to take full advantage of the country’s strategic position\, trade facilitation\, which includes various border activities such as import and export procedures\, transport and insurance formalities\, and other financial requirements\, is necessary and indispensable. The country’s target is to achieve double-digit economic growth by 2035 and a 25% share of manufacturing in GDP.\nIn this context\, the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is organizing a Free Trade Forum on how to facilitate Cameroon’s Bilateral and Multilateral Trade. \nObjectives \nThe main objective of this Free Trade Forum is to discuss strategies to facilitate Cameroon’s bilateral and multilateral trade over the next ten years. Specifically\, it will be about: \nDiscussing ways to accelerate a real trade integration of Cameroon at the sub-regional and regional levels through the removal of associated obstacles; \nDiscussing strategies to make Cameroon a land of attractiveness and competitiveness in foreign trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); \nDiscussing priority measures to be implemented by the Cameroonian government to conquer markets with high development potential such as Nigeria. \nTarget Audience  \nThe event targets trade experts\, development partners\, policymakers\, entrepreneurs\, traders\, academics and members of civil society. The event will be streamed live on the Foretia Foundation’s social media platforms. \nEvent Format  \nThe event will be hybrid\, with panel discussions comprised of senior policy makers and business leaders from Africa and around the world. \nThemes of the panel discussions \nHigh level panel discussion (Hybrid session): Cameroon’s Bilateral and Multilateral Trade: Where are we today? \nBreak-out session 1 (Hybrid session): Overcoming the challenges of regional trade integration: What solutions for Cameroon? \nBreak-out session 2 (Hybrid session): How will AfCFTA enhance Cameroon’s competitiveness and trade attractiveness?  \nBreak-out session 3 (Online session): Strengthening Free Trade Relations Between Cameroon and Nigeria \nContact \nEmail : info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel : (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nOnline Rgistration
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/2022-cameroon-free-trade-forum-noti/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Free-Trade-Forum.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211109T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211111T170000
DTSTAMP:20250127T120901Z
CREATED:20230824T084515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T120901Z
UID:10000239-1636444800-1636650000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Shaping an equitable post-COVID world: The role of Global South think tanks
DESCRIPTION:BackgroundSouthern Voice has organized two previous research conferences. The first one was held in 2015 in Istanbul\, and the second one in 2018 in Bangkok. For 2021\, the Research Conference will be organized virtually\, given the on-going challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.\nPrevious editions have provided chances to highlight\, as well as strengthen\, research generated by Southern Voice scholars on the progress of the 2030 Agenda. Southern Voice organizes its General Assembly of members in conjunction with the research conference.\n 2021 is a unique time. One year into the pandemic\, policy debates are focusing on a number of issues: the uneven rollout of vaccines\, the dilemmas in dealing with the persistent virus\, lessons from the crisis and building back better. While challenges persist in the Global North\, the situation is much more dire in the Global South. Here\, countries continue to face fatal waves of infections without enough vaccine doses.\nUnder these circumstances\, Southern scholars play a critical role in refocusing the debates on the policy alternatives for an equitable recovery from this crisis on a national\, regional and global level. The goal is to contribute to the 2030 Agenda Decade of Action and propose new global priorities to counter the unequal progress across the SDGs. The conference will create an opportunity to harness the collective knowledge of our vast network to chart a path towards a recovery that leaves no one behind.\nThematic focus\nThe COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact across the social\, economic\, environmental and institutional dimensions of sustainable development. It is making recovery prospects much more complex than in previous crises. In fact\, the pandemic will not be “solved”\, in the strict sense. Rather\, solutions will represent reasonable compromise among various dimensions: technical\, economic\, political\, environmental and social.\nA critical concern among the Southern Voice network members is the fact that COVID-19 is increasing inequalities and exclusion across different dimensions of sustainable development. Recovery will not be an easy task. Policy decisions will need to consider how to use limited resources in a smart way.\nThe aim of Southern Voice’s conference is to seek solutions for an equitable recovery from the pandemic. We understand equity as an ideal state in which the pandemic does not exacerbate the existing inequalities. The crisis offers the opportunity to aid individuals and networks with resources and support for them to thrive. During the conference\, we will proactively discuss how to promote an equitable recovery. We will pay particular attention to the role of think tanks from the Global South to foster transformative policies and rebalance power at multiple levels.\nOutputs and outcomes\nWe will produce a joint statement (Call for Action) that will be made public and sent to decision makers. It will present solutions on tackling inequalities in the near future\, and the role that think tanks should play in the process.\nModality\nEach session will be of a maximum of 90 minutes. Interpretation between English\, Spanish and French will be available. The Southern Voice Secretariat will host three sessions: a High-Level Opening Session\, the Young Thinktankers Forum\, and the General Assembly.\nSchedule \nTime / time zones\nTuesday 9\nWednesday 10\nThursday 11 \n5:00 am (UTC-5\nNY)\n11:00 am (UTC+1\nLagos)\n15:30 (UTC+5:30\nDelhi)\nMigration as a\n‘Win-Win-Win’ for the\ncountries of origin\,\ndestination and the\nindividual\n(led by PAC-India) \n7:00 am (UTC-5\nNY)\n13:00 am (UTC+1\nLagos)\n17:30 (UTC+5:30\nDelhi)\nPreparing for the next\nPandemic: Fostering\nvaccine equity\n(led by IEA – Kenya)\nTransforming food systems\nthrough evidence-informed\npolicy responses\n(led by IPS – Sri Lanka) \n9:00 – 10:15 am\n(UTC-5 NY)\n15:00 – 16:15\n(UTC+1 Lagos)\n19:30 – 20:45\n(UTC+5:30 Delhi)\nHigh Level Opening\nSession\nShaping an equitable\npost-COVID world:\nthe role of Global\nSouth think tanks\nYoung think-tankers\nForum\nA new generation of\nresearchers shaping a\nsustainable and just\nfuture\nGeneral Assembly\n(Closed event to SV\nMember Representatives) \n10:30 am (UTC-5\nNY)\n16:30 (UTC+1\nLagos)\n21:00 (UTC+5:30\nDelhi)\nPutting children first:\nLatin American\napproaches\n(led by CIPPEC –\nArgentina)\nThe equity conundrum –\nCan Global South think\ntanks glocalize the\nDevelopment Agenda?\n(led by Nkafu Policy\nInstitute – Cameroon)\nThe impact of COVID-19\nrecovery on long term\neconomic transformation\n(led by Southern Voice) \n14:00 (UTC-5 NY)\n20:00 (UTC+1\nLagos)\n00:30 am\n(UTC+5:30 Delhi)\nPublic-private\npartnerships for\nfinancing and equity in\nhealth\n(led by\nINESAD-Bolivia)
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/shaping-an-equitable-post-covid-world-the-role-of-global-south-think-tanks/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211029T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211029T140000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114237Z
CREATED:20230824T083206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114237Z
UID:10000114-1635498000-1635516000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:2nd Session – Operational Working Group
DESCRIPTION:NKAFU OPEN TRADE INITIATIVE2nd Session – Operational Working Group\nTheme: “The African Continental Free Trade Area as a Tool to better Integrate Trading Blocs.” \nFriday 29th October 2021\, 09h00 – 14h00\, Via Zoom \nBackground\nThe African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will deepen economic integration in Africa by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers (African Business\, 2021). However\, its success will be determined by how it integrates various economic and trading blocs as all new trade agreements such as the AfCFTA are subject to pre-existing agreements. For example\, the CEMAC Customs Union adopts the CEMAC common external tariff (CET) of 18.1% (International Trade Centre\, 2018)\, while ECOWAS has a common external tariff of 10 – 20% (Hubural\, 2021). Achieving the stated aim of the AfCFTA\, ‘to create one African market’\, will require integrating both common-external tariffs into the AfCFTA and harmonise the technical product safety requirement and the cost of importing or exporting products.\nObjectives and key issue\nThe main objective of the second working session is to understand better how the Continental Free Trade Area will be affected by special economic zones. Specifically\, this session will focus on; \nUnderstanding how the AfCFTA will be impacted by trading blocs such as ECOWAS and CEMAC\nOutline goods that are likely to be included in tariff schedules\nDelineating what aspects of tariffs are impacted by Regional Economic Communities\nIdentifying trade facilitation strategies between countries in Regional Economic Communities. \nTarget Audience\nMembers of Operational Working Group (OWG)\nContact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org  / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/2nd-session-operational-working-group/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_800X800.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211006T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211006T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114322Z
CREATED:20230824T083411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114322Z
UID:10000117-1633532400-1633537800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Towards a Succession of Power From “Father to Son” in Central Africa? ?
DESCRIPTION:Date: October 6\, 2021 at 3pm via Zoom (Register) \nContext\nThe democratic principle of the devolution of power through elections has a very particular fate in Central Africa. Indeed\, the fashion seems to be for direct transmission or for the indirect arrangement of mechanisms that facilitate the succession/transmission of power from father to son. If the Central African Republic is on the fringes of this trend\, the other five Central African states are not. In Gabon\, for example\, President Ali Bongo Ondimba succeeded his father\, Omar Bongo Ondimba\, who died in 2009\, in 2010. In Chad\, the international community has literally endorsed Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to ensure the political transition in Chad following the death of his father Field Marshal Idriss Deby Itno on April 19\, 2021. In Equatorial Guinea\, the meteoric rise of Teodorin Obiang Nguema Mangué to important positions in the sphere of power suggests a desire to “position” himself in the supreme magistracy after his father\, Teodoro Obiang Nguema\, who has been in office for 42 years. The situation seems to be the same in Congo Brazzaville with the appointment on May 21\, 2021 of Denis Christel Sassou Nguessou\, son of President Sassou Nguessou\, to the post of Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership.  In Cameroon\, the idea of the succession of President Biya by his son\, Franck Emmanuel Biya\, is fuelled and supported by a movement called the ‘Franckists’.  Taken together\, these facts are relevant enough to stimulate a public debate on the issue of power succession in Africa.     \nObjective of the dialogue\nThe objective of this public dialogue is to discuss the mechanisms of power devolution and to analyse the new trend of “dynasty” in Central African republics. \nPanelists \nMr. Max Axel Bounda – Former Secretary General of the National Youth Council\, Gabon\nDr Carole Tagne – Political Scientist & Lecturer\, University of Dschang\, Cameroon\nDr Ahmat Ben Barbonsou – Specialist in Governance and Regional Intergration\, Chad\nDr Aristide Mono – Political analyst & Research Associate at CERPETA \, Cameroon\nMr. Jean Paul Kotembedouno – Specialist in Constitutional Law\, Guinea \nModerator \nDr. Steve Tametong – Democracy and Governance Analyst\, Nkafu Policy Institute \nParticipants\nThe public dialogue is open to everyone without restriction\, including political entrepreneurs\, private sector actors\, chancelleries and international organisations\, academics\, civil society\, students and citizens. \nFoundation contact\nFor more information\, please write to us at info@foretiafoundation.org or contact Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/towards-a-succession-of-power-from-father-to-son-in-central-africa/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/800-x-800_En.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210909T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210909T110000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114322Z
CREATED:20230824T083411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114322Z
UID:10000120-1631181600-1631185200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Coup d’état in Guinea – Are we in a New Era of Military Dictatorships in Africa?
DESCRIPTION:September 9th\, 2021\, at 10 AM – 11 AM Washington D. C Time via ZOOM(Register Now) \n1. Context\nMilitary takeovers in Africa are becoming unprecedented after the euphoria and embrace of democracy in the early 90s. Since the years of independence\, Africa has experienced more than 200 military coups\, counting both successful and failed coup attempts. The political and economic conditions prevailing in different African countries and the foreign influences at work have all played a part in fuelling conflicts and coups in the region. The destabilizing factors have been many and varied\, depending on the national context: warring factions seeking to gain power in the aftermath of independence; established and stable states burdened by poor quality of governance and by corrupt officials; autocratic regimes repressing any form of opposition but with socio-political discontent and instability seething below the surface.\nGuinea has not been an exception. After many decades of authoritarian rule\, Alpha Condé was the country’s first democratically elected leader. During his time in office\, Guinea used its rich natural resources to improve the economy\, but the bulk of the country’s population has not felt its effects. In 2020\, Condé changed the constitution by referendum to allow himself to secure a third term\, but with controversy. During his rule\, Condé cracked down on protests as well as opposition candidates\, some of whom were retained in prison\, while the government struggled to contain price increases in basic commodities. In August 2021\, in an attempt to balance the budget\, Guinea announced tax hikes while slashing spending on the police and the military\, but increased funding for the office of the President and National Assembly. The coup began in the morning of September 5\, 2021\, when the Republic of Guinea Armed Forces surrounded Sekhoutoureah Presidential Palace and cordoned off the wider government district.\n2. Objectives of the Dialogue\nThe objective of this panel is to analyse the military takeover in Guinea and its impact on democracy and governance in West Africa and the continent as a whole.\n3. Who should participate?\nThis event is open to experts in peace and security\, governance and democracy\, stakeholders and the general public across Africa and beyond.\n4. Expected Output\nEvidenced-based policy recommendations that could inform actions of national\, regional and international stakeholders especially ECOWAS and the AU’s Africa Peace Security Architecture.\n– Panelist \nIdayat Hassan – Director\, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) \nJeffrey Smith – Executive Director\, Vanguard Africa \nFranklin Cudjoe – President and Chief Executive Officer\, IMANI Center for Policy and Education\, Ghana\n– Moderator\nDenis Foretia – Executive Chairman\, Nkafu Policy Institute \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/coup-detat-in-guinea-are-we-in-a-new-era-of-military-dictatorships-in-africa-2/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Guinea-Military-Coup-dEtat-webinar-fb.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210824T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210824T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114523Z
CREATED:20230824T083608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114523Z
UID:10000125-1629795600-1629806400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:The improvement of Cameroon’s tax payment ranking lies in the digitalisation of procedures
DESCRIPTION:Nkafu Public Debates – Edition 4\nDate: August 24th 2021\,\nVenue: Muna Foundation (Yaoundé) Register Now \nBackground\nAccording to the 2020 Doing Business report published by the World Bank\, Cameroon has made some progress on the various components of the “Paying Taxes” indicator. For example\, the number of hours necessary to pay taxes went from 1300 hours in 2007 to 624 hours in 2020. But despite the aforementioned progress and reforms\, the country went from the 143rd position in 2007 to the 181st position in 2020\, which shows that the country’s position has somewhat deteriorated. Since 2016\, the introduction of online declarations has improved taxpayer loyalty\, with a rate of timely declarations approaching 100% at the DGE (DGI\, 2020). However\, it seems difficult to isolate the impact of the digitalisation of tax procedures from other tax policy and administration reforms that affect the performance of the DGI\, such as tax audits. With this in mind\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organising a debate on the theme: “The improvement of Cameroon’s tax payment ranking lies in the digitalisation of procedures”.\nObjectives and key Issues\nThe main objective of this debate is to provide a platform for Cameroonian experts to present the advantages and disadvantages of tax digitisation for the improvement of Cameroon’s score and ranking in the Doing Business report published by the World Bank.\nSpecifically\, this Nkafu Public Debates will provide an opportunity to: \nCritically Assess Cameroon’s performance in the Paying Taxes indicator\nExamine the benefits of digitisation in the process of filing and tax collection.\nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to improve Cameroon’s ranking and the business environment in general. \nTarget Audience\nThis event targets professionals (DGI\, GICAM\, MECAM\, etc)\, traders\, entrepreneurs\, policymakers and members of civil society.\nPanelists \nPanelists: \nAlain Florentin Zouga Kouna\, Associate Policy Researcher/ Consultant\,\nOlivier Dang Attouh\, Financial Engineer Consultant\, \nModerator: \nDr. Steve Tametong\, Governance and Democracy Fellow at the Nkafu Policy Institute. \nContact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 653 78 25 81/ 698 64 55 2\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/the-improvement-of-cameroons-tax-payment-ranking-lies-in-the-digitalisation-of-procedures-2/
LOCATION:Muna Foundation\, Yaounde\, Centre\, 00237\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/thumbnail_Template-for-Nkafu-Debate-02.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210819T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210819T120000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114722Z
CREATED:20230824T083735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114722Z
UID:10000127-1629363600-1629374400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Championing the Benefits of Cameroon – Nigeria Trade: A Quest for Favourable Trading Terms
DESCRIPTION:Background \nAt the end of the 6th Joint Cooperation Commission between Nigeria and Cameroon\, which ended on the 11th of April 2014 in Yaoundé\, the two countries initiated a series of cooperation agreements\, including a formal trade agreement\, to govern trade between them. Despite this agreement\, the countries are struggling to conduct cordial trade exchanges. In August 2019\, Nigeria closed its land borders with several neighbouring countries\, including Cameroon. It decided to reopen them on the 16th of December 2020\, allowing only light vehicles and pedestrians to cross (Institute for Security Studies\, 2021). With this in mind\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing a panel discussion on the theme: “Championing the Benefits of Cameroon – Nigeria Trade: A Quest for Favorable Trading Terms”.  \nObjectives and key issue \nThe main objective of this event is to provide a platform for high-level experts to discuss the benefits of free trade between Cameroon and Nigeria. Specifically\, this discussion will:   \nExamine the benefits of Cameroon – Nigeria Trade for the different sectors of activity \nCritically assess the implications of Cameroon – Nigeria Trade on economic growth\, employment\, and industrialization. \nOutline the development implications of the Cameroon – Nigeria trade on health\, education\, climate\, employment\, and consumption.  \nAssess the appropriateness of current procedures in encouraging and supporting trade between Cameroon and Nigeria \nTarget Audience  \nThis event targets professionals\, traders\, trade experts\, policymakers and members of civil society.  \nPanelists   \nModerator: Henri Kouam\, Economic Policy Analyst\, Project Lead (NOTI) – Nkafu Policy Institute  \nContact \nEmail : info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel : (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54 \nRegister Now
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/championing-the-benefits-of-cameroon-nigeria-trade-a-quest-for-favourable-trading-terms-2/
LOCATION:Muna Foundation\, Yaounde\, Centre\, 00237\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/thumbnail_Template-for-Noti-event-02.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210722T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210722T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114922Z
CREATED:20230824T083752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114922Z
UID:10000131-1626948000-1626958800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Obtaining Credit In Cameroon: Credit Bureaus Are Essential To Facilitate The Process
DESCRIPTION:Date & Time: July 22nd\, 2021\nVenue: Solomon Tandeng Muna Foundation – Yaoundé (Register) \nBackground\nAccording to the Doing Business report published by the World Bank Group (WBG)\, which ranks 190 world’s economies with respect to the ease of doing business score\, Cameroon dropped by one place in 2020 from 166th to 167th. It scored 46.1 out of 100 available points\, 0.1 point higher than in 2019. For the WBG\, this Cameroon’s performance is due to the fact that the country has improved one out of ten indicators: access to credit information. It currently ranks 80th in the “Getting Credit” score\, with a score of 60 over 100 with respect to getting credit and 6 in the depth of credit information. Conversely\, the score for credit coverage bureaus is zero. Consequently\, its economic transformation is undermined by a less favourable credit environment. This problem seems to stem from inadequate policies that amplify the difficulties faced by potential investors at various levels in seeking credit to finance their economic projects.\nIn addition to the burdensome conditions to be met by credit seekers\, there is equally the problem of information asymmetry between lenders and borrowers which negatively affects the process of obtaining credit for both domestic and foreign investors. For many credit specialists\, this could be explained by the absence of credit bureaus. They argue that\, a large number of accredited microfinance institutions in Cameroon are located in areas with poor internet connectivity\, making it difficult to identify and lend to micro-entrepreneurs. Despite the creation of the Risk Prevention Office (CREMF) in 2018 which helps these institutions to track and disseminate correct data on all their clients\, the challenge is still huge.\nWomen’s access to credit in Cameroon is still very large due to the lack of guarantees\, discriminatory regulations\, insecure employment even though women represent 76% of total borrowers from microfinance institutions in the world (World Bank). Credit bureaus that collect and share microfinance data are more likely to benefit female entrepreneurship by building credit histories for women. Nevertheless\, based on the 2020 World Bank’s DBI report\, Cameroon’s position in the DBI report is due to the fact that the country has improved one out of ten indicators: access to credit information. Indeed\, Cameroonian state has established a framework\, in relation with the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa\, for the licensing and operation of credit bureaus.\nIn the light of this actuality\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing its third public debate on the theme ‘‘Obtaining credit in Cameroon: Credit bureaus are essential to facilitate the process’’.\nObjectives and key issues\nThe main objective of this Nkafu Public Debate is to provide a platform for Cameroonian and African high-level experts the opportunity to objectively resolve the barriers of credit accession in Cameroon for both national and foreign investors. This debate will investigate the benefits of introducing credit bureaus as a facilitator of credit accession in Cameroon. The main question to be answered is\, “Obtaining credit in Cameroon: Credit bureaus are essential to facilitate the process’’\nIndeed\, some experts are of the opinion that credit bureaus are a solution to the hindrances to credit access while other experts support the view that the existing credit system remains efficient in as much as the procedures put in place to obtain credit are strictly followed by investors Specifically\, this Nkafu Public Debates will provide an opportunity to: \n· Examine Cameroon’s past performance in the Doing Business Index;\n· Critically assess the current legislation as regards access to credit;\n· Assess the role of the actual reporting credit system and institutions responsible for the implementation of credit policies;\n· Understand the benefits and challenges of introducing credit bureaus in the country;\n· Understand the importance of providing equitable access to credit for women;\n· Identify and propose policy recommendations to ease access to credit for local and foreign investors in the country. \nVenue and date\nThe first edition of the Nkafu Public Debates is scheduled for July 22nd 2021 at the Solomon Tandeng Muna Foundation\, Yaoundé-Cameroon.\nTarget audience\nThis debate will provide a forum for at least 50 participants from various fields of expertise and allow them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Participants include government officials\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, humanitarian organizations\, non-governmental organizations\, academics and researchers\, students\, the general public\, and civil society actors to name a few. It is a unique occasion to better inform on the reforms needed for Cameroon to achieve its emerging status by 2035. Also\, this event will create a platform for professional development and career advice.\nPanelists and Moderator \nNkwetche Alain Teffo: Finance Expert / Consultant and CEO of Dynamic Vision Consulting Services\nDr. Dany R. Dombou: Economist \nModerator: \nRene Mezene: Administrator of Post Telecommunications and ICTs. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/obtaining-credit-in-cameroon-credit-bureaus-are-essential-to-facilitate-the-process-2/
LOCATION:Muna Foundation\, Yaounde\, Centre\, 00237\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Nkafu-debate-3-fb-eng-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210708T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210708T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114923Z
CREATED:20230824T083752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114923Z
UID:10000132-1625756400-1625761800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Chad – Constitutional Order And Democratic Governance Post Idriss Deby
DESCRIPTION:Time: July 8 2021 at 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Cameroon Time \nVenue: The event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live on Facebook  (Register Here) \nBackground  \nChad is a desert nation named after lake Chad and surrounded by many countries facing severe security problems\, like Libya to the north\, Sudan to the east\, the Central African Republic to the south\, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest (at Lake Chad)\, and Niger to the west. Idriss Déby Itno took over power from President Hissène Habré in December 1990 by leading a rebellion against the latter’s government. Déby survived numerous coups attempts and rebellions against his rule before winning elections in 1996 and 2001. He revised the constitution\, and after eliminating term limits\, he won elections in 2006\, 2011\, 2016\, and 2021 before meeting his untimely death on the frontline when battling against rebels in 2021. For Déby’s 30 years in power\, Chad has played the role of a military fulcrum in the escalating fight against armed groups in the Sahel and Central and West Africa. Déby’s military forces have been vital in the Sahel crisis\, the fight against Boko Haram and its splinter groups in the Lake Chad region and beyond. Déby has intervened- from Darfur to Libya\, Mali\, Nigeria\, Niger\, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. In fact\, Chad’s military champions the G5 Sahel alliance (comprising of Burkina Faso\, Mali\, Mauritania and Niger) that was created to combat armed militias operating in the region. Déby’s troops are considered as one of the most battle-hardened in the world. Irrespective of accusations for his dictatorship system of governance and allegations of grave human rights violations by his military\, Chad has been very active in the fight against al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iran and Syria (ISIS) in the western portion of the Sahel and against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin. The death of Idriss Déby and the naming of his son – Mahamat Idriss Déby as interim president is a move that has been applauded by many and heavily criticized by others as they describe this as an unconstitutional change of government.\nIt is with respect to this backdrop that the Peace and Security Division of the Nkafu Policy Institute seeks to better understand the modalities or measures that the AU can take to ensure a return to Constitutional Order in Chad while concurrently preserving the State’s security and territorial integrity.\nObjectives of the Dialogue \nThe event’s objective is to engage conflict and security experts\, stakeholders and the general public in a discussion relating to the possible consequences that may arise following President Idriss Déby’s death. Also\, this event is aimed at harnessing the possible ideas that the AU\, other regional bodies and neighbouring States can implore to ensure a return to constitutional order in Chad.\nAreas to be addressed include:  \nDebates surrounding Déby’s sudden death \nPotential Instability in Chad (Constitutional Vs Unconstitutional change of government) \nSecurity concerns in the Sahel\, Lake Chad Basin and beyond \nAU’s standpoint on the situation \nThe position of CEMAC and other regional bodies \nThe role other CEMAC\, regional bodies and/or the international community can play in addressing the situation in Chad status-quo   \n Who should participate? \nThis event is open to conflict and security experts\, stakeholders and the general public both within and without Cameroon. It will bring together individuals from the public and private sectors\, academia\, civil society organizations\, youth leaders\, journalists\, researchers\, traditional authorities\, religious leaders and human rights activists. In general\, it will bring together resourceful stakeholders with the potentials and strategies to propose insightful information relating to the measures the AU can adopt in order to ensure the respect of the constitutional order and to ensure sustainable peace in Chad following Déby’s death. \n Expected Output  \nBased on the mission and vision of the Nkafu Policy Institute\, information harnessed from the public dialogue coupled with that gotten from the in-depth discussions will be invested in the production of comprehensive and incisive evidence-based policy recommendations that can be implored by the AU Peace and Security Council and/or other bodies when adopting a definitive position on the measures to be taken in addressing the situation in Chad. \nVenue/Time  \nTime: July 8 2021 at 3 PM Cameroon Time \nVenue: The event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live on Facebook  \n Organizers \nThis event will be organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute – a Think Tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. \n Panelists and Moderator  \nDr. Lucien Toulou: Programme Advisor/Team Leader: Peace Consolidation and Democratic Institutions at UNDP Kinshasa Urban\, Kinshasa\, Congo (DRC)?\n Mr. Paddy Ezeala:  Publisher and Editor-in-Chief’ Development Agenda’ Abuja\, Federal Capital Territory\, Nigeria \nRaissa Nouradine: Senior Journalist\, Chad \n Moderator  \nFrancis Tazoacha:  Director of Peace and Security – Nkafu Policy Institute\, Cameroon\nContact \nDenis & Lenora Foretia Foundation Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54/ 698 64 55 24  info@foretiafoundation.org – www.foretiafoundation.org  \n REGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/chad-constitutional-order-and-democratic-governance-post-idriss-deby/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/A-Return-To-Constitutional-Order-And-Democratic-Governance-In-Chad-fb-eng.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210706T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210706T160000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114923Z
CREATED:20230824T083752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114923Z
UID:10000134-1625583600-1625587200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Canada – Cameroon Relations:  A Conversation With Canadian High Commissioner To Cameroon H.E Richard Bale
DESCRIPTION:Date & Time: Tuesday July 6\, 2021 @3PM Cameroon Time (10am Washington)\nVenue: Zoom Platform (Register Here) \nBackground\nCanada and the Republic of Cameroon have had very friendly bilateral relations since 1962. This relationship is centered on shared economic prosperity\, democracy promotion\, respect for human rights\, good governance\, regional peace and security.  \nTrade and investment between both countries is on the rise especially with the signing of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agreement in March 2014 and the Air Transport Agree in 2017. The Canadian government has also increased assistance especially in health\, education\, governance and humanitarian relief.  \nEver since the outbreak of the armed conflict in the Southwest and Northwest regions\, Canada has increased its financial support and has been committed in seeking a durable resolution of the conflict.  \nIt is within this backdrop that the Nkafu Policy Institute will host His Excellency Richard Bale\, for an hourlong conversation on strengthening Canada-Cameroon relations. \nObjectives:\nThis conversation’s main objective is to explore the full diplomatic relationship between Canada and the Republic of Cameroon. The conversation will allow us to explore\, amongst others:  \nPolitical cooperation \nContributions to Peace and Security in Cameroon and the subregion \nCanada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy \nTrade and investment cooperation \nDemocracy and Human Rights\, etc  \nExpected Results:\nAt the end of the conversation\, we expect that participants will have a better understanding of:  \nCanada-Cameroon partnership and areas to further strengthen collaboration  \nDate and Venue\nTuesday July 6\, 2021 @3PM Cameroon Time (10am Washington) \nEvent will be held on ZOOM and streamed live \nPanelists/Speakers\nMain Guest – H.E. Richard Bale \nHigh Commissioner of Canada to the Republic of Cameroon \nModerator – Dr Denis Foretia \nExecutive Chairman – Nkafu Policy Institute and  Co-Chair – Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\nParticipants \nThe event will bring together public policy experts\, policy makers at the national\, leaders of civil society organizations\, leaders of NGOs and international organizations. It will be open to the general public with a session for Q&A.\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/canada-cameroon-relations-a-conversation-with-canadian-high-commissioner-to-cameroon-h-e-richard-bale/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Canada-Cameroon-Relations-fb-eng.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210629T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210629T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114949Z
CREATED:20230824T083954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114949Z
UID:10000136-1624975200-1624978800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Increasing the Impact of Business Incubators and Accelerators in Sub-Saharan Africa
DESCRIPTION:Increasing the Impact of Business Incubators and Accelerators in Sub-Saharan Africa\nDate: June 29th 2021\, Time: 2pm GMT\nVenue: online (via ZOOM) Register Here \nBackground\nAccording to a report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2017\, the informal economy accounts for between 20 and 65% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Sub-Saharan African (SSA). This sector represents up to 70% of employment in some countries\, i.e. about 80% of total employment for women and 60% for men\, most of which are very vulnerable (African Development Bank\, 2017). For many years\, it has remained omnipresent in both urban and rural areas\, employing the majority of the working population. However\, the predominance of informal enterprises in this region of the world is not without effect on the development of the various countries. It remains a major obstacle to the improvement of the business climate and weakens the position of economies on the international scene\, while depriving them of the fiscal resources necessary to carry out structural investments.\nTo address the many challenges posed by the informal sector and to promote private sector development\, Africa needs support to close the gap related to the acknowledged lack of essential skills to enable a business project to become sustainable. This explains the flurry of business incubators and accelerators that have been springing up on the continent for several years. As elsewhere in the world\, these business support structures have become almost indispensable. Over the last decade\, the number of accelerators and incubators worldwide has increased fivefold\, from 560 in 2009 to 2616 in 2018 (link). Serving the burgeoning start-up ecosystem\, first-generation incubators built their service offering around standard start-up support\, consisting of office space\, mentoring and networking. At the same time\, accelerators addressed the issues of differentiation through investment and access to technology.\nIn SSA\, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for more than 90 per cent of all enterprises\, of which 70-80 per cent are micro and very small enterprises. They are the main source of employment and income for Africans\, after subsistence farming” (Tadesse\, 2009\, p. 17). However\, more than 85% of these businesses do not survive the fifth year of operation. In contrast\, businesses that go through an incubation process generally have a survival rate of over 80% after five years of operation. Business incubators and accelerators therefore contribute to the sustainability of companies through rigorous professional support\, monitoring of management methods and an omnipresent back office for legal\, tax and accounting issues. The main stake is to develop an economic model more connected to innovation\, and to create value-added wealth. As opposed to business accelerators\, which are aimed at already autonomous and well-developed companies seeking to raise funds and increase their growth\, incubators offer young entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring innovative project ideas to fruition and to develop them serenely.\nThe World Bank and the International Association of Mobile Operators report that Africa now has more than 443 support structures\, compared to only ten or so at the beginning of the decade. However\, their development remains slow compared to other regions of the world due to a number of constraints they face. If the importance of these structures\, which are booming in Africa\, is no longer questioned\, it is nevertheless true that they are still mostly very young\, isolated\, with very heterogeneous levels of professionalism from one end of Africa to the other\, and a lack of means or adapted tools. According to Christian Jekinnou\, coordinator of the Africa Innovation Programme\, “despite their best efforts\, the business support structures will not enable the beneficiary entrepreneurs to overcome the main difficulties of their ecosystem and growth. For him\, if these structures do not improve their effectiveness\, efficiency and do not develop further\, their impact on growth\, disruptive innovation and job creation will remain limited.\nAware of the need to address these shortcomings\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the first edition of the Social Entrepreneurship Discussion on the theme: “Increasing the Impact of Business Incubators and Accelerators in Sub-Saharan Africa”.\nObjectives and key issue\nThe main objective of this event is to provide a platform for high-level experts to address the requirements for successful development of incubators and accelerators in SSA. The discussion will center around the challenges faced by incubators and accelerators in SSA and the strategies to increase their impact on the economies. Specifically\, it will provide an opportunity to: \nPresent the stakes and opportunities of business incubators and accelerators for the development of social entrepreneurship in SSA;\nPresent the obstacles for the development of business incubators and accelerators in SSA;\nIncrease understanding of the role that business incubators and accelerators can play in promoting social innovation in SSA;\nDevelop strategies to increase the impact of incubators and accelerators in specially on the development of private sector. \nVenue and date\nThe discussion is scheduled for June 29th 2021\, online (via ZOOM) at 2pm GMT. This webinar will also be streamed live on the social networks of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation.\nTarget audience & participation\nThe audience consists of incubators and accelerators\, government representatives\, academics\, researchers and students\, speakers\, social entrepreneurs\, non-governmental organizations\, civil society and public representatives etc. It is a unique opportunity to better inform on the reforms needed for SSA Countries to achieve its development by promoting the private sector and social entrepreneurship. In addition\, this event will create a platform for professional development and effective policy discourse.\nParticipation in the event is FREE. However\, people wishing to participate are requested to register beforehand through the link available on the website of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation.\nPanelists and Moderator\nPanelists\nMr. Nelson Amo\, CEO\, Innohub | Executive Director\, Ghana Tech Lab | Founder\, Accra Angels\, Network | President\, DT Automated Systems Limited\,Ghana\nModerator\nMrs. Fri. L. Asanga\, Interim Chief Executive Officer\, Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\,\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/increasing-the-impact-of-business-incubators-and-accelerators-in-sub-saharan-africa/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Increasing-the-Impact-of-Business-fb-eng.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210624T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210624T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114950Z
CREATED:20230824T083954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114950Z
UID:10000138-1624528800-1624539600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:The African Continental Free Trade Area: Benefits\, Opportunities and Challenges
DESCRIPTION:Date: 24 June 2021     –     Time: 09AM     –    Venue: Mansel Hotel -Fouda (Register Here) \nBackground\nOn 1st January 2021\, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)\, created with a view to eventually integrate all states of the African Union into a free trade area\, was effectively put in place. This continental market\, which brings together several African countries\, will cover a market of over 1.2 billion people and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 trillion. In terms of the number of participating countries\, the AfCFTA\, at full strength\, will be the world’s largest free trade area since the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) with 53 member countries. To date\, 54 of the 55 member states of the African Union have signed the Agreement\, but only 36 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification\, thus becoming States Parties to the Agreement. \nThe AfCFTA will liberalize and facilitate a single market for goods and services\, including the free movement of people and capital. It would contribute to sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development\, gender equity and\, more broadly\, lead to increased competitiveness and industrial development. It should be noted that the percentage of trade between African countries is only 16 – 18% and that most of the continent’s trade is with the rest of the world. Most African exports are in raw materials\, including extractive commodities like oil\, gas and minerals\, which are vulnerable to market volatility. Therefore\, the key focus here is on the development of value chains and manufacturing on a continental scale. \nThe countries that ratify the agreement agree to liberalize 90% of their tariff lines. In other words\, they will reduce and eventually eliminate tariffs on 90% of goods traded under the AfCFTA. The continent’s least developed countries (LDCs) are expected to reach this target in 10 years\, while the others will do so over a period of five years. Sensitive products\, which account for up to 7% of tariff lines\, will be fully liberalized over a period of 13 years for LDCs and 10 years for non-LDCs. Finally\, 3% of tariff lines will be excluded from tariff liberalization. Several other measures were also adopted\, including the monitoring and elimination of non-tariff barriers\, establishing a digital payments system\, and creating the African Trade Observatory. The bigger market will spur producers to upscale and so support increased industrialization and value addition on the continent. More employment opportunities will thus be generated for Africa’s burgeoning youth population. \nIndeed\, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) or regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) are governed by the scope of rules laid out in the GATT 1994 Article XXIV. The Article gives member states exemption from the principle of Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) by treating mutual imports preferentially through the formation of a PTA or RTA. The WTO permits the creation of three types of PTA\, i.e.\, formation of a Customs Union (CU) under Article XXIV\, Agreements under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)and Agreements crafted under the Enabling Clause. \nWith this in mind and given the socioeconomic context marked by the Covid-19 pandemic\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the first edition of the Nkafu Open Trade Initiative Discussion on the theme: “The African Continental Free Trade Area: Benefits\, Opportunities and Challenges”. \nObjectives  \nThe main objective of this event is to provide a platform for high-level experts to address the requirements for the successful implementation of the AfCFTA. The discussion will center around the challenges with implementation and the benefits and opportunities of AfCFTA for African countries. Specifically\, it will provide an opportunity to:  \nExamine the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area  \nCritically Assess the Agreement and its benefits to member countries \nOutline the development implications of the AfCFTA on health\, education\, employment and consumption \nAssess the appropriateness of current procedures in the implementation monitoring of the agreement. \nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to facilitate the process of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area.  \nVenue and date \nThe discussion is scheduled for 24th June 2021 at the Mansel Hotel in Yaoundé-Cameroon. \nTarget audience \nThis panel discussion will provide a forum of 50 participants (including the panel discussion) from different fields of expertise\, and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The audience consists of government representatives\, traders\, investors\, academics\, researchers and students\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, non-governmental organizations\, civil society and public representatives etc. It is a unique opportunity to better inform on the reforms needed for Cameroon to achieve its emerging status by 2035 whilst ensuring the effective implementation of the AfCFTA. In addition\, this event will create a platform for professional development and effective policy discourse. \nPanelists and Moderator \nPr. Christian Zamo Akono: Associate Professor of the Faculties of Economics and Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Management (FSEG) of the University of Yaoundé II-Soa (Cameroon)\nMs Frida Basok: International Trade law and Trade Policy Expert at ECCAS Women’s Entrepreneurship Council\nLandry Roland Noutchang: Director of Promotion and Cooperation at the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Crafts\, Corporate director\, Senior international consultant\, Douala\, Cameroon\nModerator: Henri Kouam\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/the-african-continental-free-trade-area-benefits-opportunities-and-challenges/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NOTI-event-01-fb-eng-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210618T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210618T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T114950Z
CREATED:20230824T083954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T114950Z
UID:10000140-1624010400-1624021200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Obtaining Construction Permit In Cameroon: Is The Interference Of Professionals’ Associations Necessary?
DESCRIPTION:Date: June 18th 2021 at the Mansel Hotel\, Fouda\, Yaoundé-Cameroon \nBackground\nA resilient and adaptable infrastructure is necessary for economic development. In other to realize such projects\, individuals are required to obtain a building permit. The building permit is a preliminary declaration that allows for the verification of a construction initiative in a given locality\, in line with town planning and architectural rules in force. In Cameroon\, this document issued by the local council authority is mandatory for any possible new construction or modification of an existing infrastructure. Therefore\, any construction without an official permit is liable to a penalty of 30% of the estimated cost of the building.\nAccording to Law No.2004/003 of April 21\, 2004\,?governing the Cameroonian Urban Planning Code and the decree of 23rd April 2008; the process of obtaining this document has been considerably shortened. Yet\, it remains quite complex. This complexity is evident in the plurality of procedures\, requirements\, norms\, offices\, conditions\, actors\, documents\, and stakeholders involved in the process. All these are accompanied by the heavy financial burden\, time-consuming processes\, boycotts\, administrative bottlenecks and corruption; all of which lead to unorganized and slow urban development. Moreover\, within this complexity is the reality that such mechanisms differ from one place to another across the national territory; thereby creating some sought of uncertainty\, non-uniformity\, and lack of trust in the system. The improvement in the issuance mechanism of Construction Permits in Cameroon is very vital for a country that has the ambition to achieve its economic emergence by 2035.\nTo issue the document\, the administrative and technical bodies ensure that future infrastructure comply with town planning regulations\, whether it concerns the layout of the works\, their nature\, their location\, the architecture or the development of their surroundings. They equally check if the work plan has been established under the responsibility of an architect registered with the National Order of Architects of Cameroon. Law n° 2004/003 of 21 April 2004 governing urban planning in Cameroon\, stipulates in its article 107 paragraph 1 that the building permit is obtained “…after verification of its conformity with the rules of art and urban planning rules in force”.\nDespite the reforms undertaken in the urbanization sector in Cameroon (2014\, 2016\, 2017)\, many bottlenecks still mar the process of obtaining building permits. In particular\, there are governance issues. Excessive procedural patterns seem to hamper the realization of the objectives set by the government of Cameroon to attract much needed local and foreign direct investment to the country. Other related challenges are the real costs of obtaining permits\, delays\, land issues\, corruption and influence peddling.\nCognizant of all these difficulties\, and knowing that the construction permit is one of the indicators that informs the business environment of a state\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\, is organizing a public debate on the theme:?Obtaining construction permit in Cameroon: Is the interference of professionals associations necessary?”. \nObjectives  \nThe main objective of the Nkafu public debates is to provide a platform for high-level Cameroonian and African experts to address the requirements for successful investment in Cameroon. This particular event aims to provide a critical assessment of the current business environment on the processing of construction permits in Cameroon. \nSpecifically\, it will provide an opportunity to: \nExamine Cameroon’s past performance in the Doing Business Index\, particularly in terms of facilitating construction permits;\nCritically assess the legislation and administrative procedures for obtaining construction permits;\nAssess the appropriateness of transferring the processing and issuing of building permits to professional associations such as civil engineers and architects etc.;\nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to facilitate the process of obtaining construction permits and improve the business climate in Cameroon. \nPanelists  \nAbondo Antoine Rollin\, Civil Engineer\nDr. Steve Tametong\, Democracy Fellow\, Nkafu Policy health Institute\nAbanda Jean Rogwer\, Civil Engineer\, Polytechnician E-MBA Strategic Management\nEtie Lionel Makoge\, Magistrate Supreme Court \nModerator: Dr. Fuein Vera\, Research Fellow in Economics Affairs\, Nkafu Policy Institute\nVenue and date  \nThis second edition of the Nkafu Public Debates is scheduled for June 18th 2021 at the Mansel Hotel\, Fouda\, Yaoundé-Cameroon.  \n Target audience  \nThis debate will provide a forum of 50 participants from different fields of expertise\, and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The audience consists of government representatives\, professionals’ associations (civil engineers\, architects\, notaries\, etc.)\, academics\, researchers and students\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, non-governmental organizations\, civil society and public representatives etc.\nREGISTER NOW  
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/obtaining-construction-permit-in-cameroon-is-the-interference-of-professionals-associations-necessary/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Obtaining-Construction-Permit-In-Cameroon-Is-The-Interference-Of-Professionals-Associations-Necessary-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210603T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210603T123000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115005Z
CREATED:20230824T084154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115005Z
UID:10000143-1622719800-1622723400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Africa’s Road To Recovery – A Conversation With Gwendoline Abunaw
DESCRIPTION:Date and time: June 3\, 2021\, 11:30am-12:30pm\, Cameroon TimeVenue: Zoom Platform (Register Here) \n1. Background\nCOVID-19 has caused an unprecedented shock to the global economy\, with disrupted supply chains\, border closures\, and social distancing measures that have disrupted travel\, education\, trade\, and health systems across the world. The rise of teleworking\, telemedicine\, and e-learning have imposed changes across society and IMF’s Geoffrey Okamoto writes that we live in the most uncertain of times. A precise outcome may not beknown\, but the probability of a few that are most likely can be calculated.\nFurthermore\, the axiom of trade liberalization\, economic integration\, and globalization is increasingly contested as economies are increasingly regionalizing supply and pursue narrower objectives. While these trends were imminent prior to COVID-19\, the great lockdown has accelerated structural trends such as digitalization across the global economy\, prompting the need to assess their interactions in a post-COVID world.\nNow is the time for global solidarity and support\, especially with the most vulnerable in our societies\, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Only together can we overcome the intertwined health and social and economic impacts of the pandemic and prevent its escalation into a protracted humanitarian catastrophe\, with the potential loss of already achieved development gains.\nIn this hourlong conversation with Mrs. Gwendoline Abunaw\, the Nkafu Policy Institute will examine how the post pandemic world is transforming economies and societies across Sub-Saharan Africa and what the continent must do in order to thrive in the post-COVID world.\n2. Objectives\nThis event aims to provide a framework for which to analyze oncoming socio-economic and political trends\, whilst emphasizing the interaction between perceived structural trends spanning digitization\, demographic shifts\, and economic development across society.\n3. Main themes to be discussed during the event \nGovernment priorities in a post-COVID world; balancing economic realism (ballooning deficits)\, growth-centric economic reforms\, and development.\nUnderstanding the role of collective nationalism countries and implications for bilateral relationships in a post-COVID world\nThe role of economic nationalism and globalization in shaping structural trends across trade and innovation.\nClimate change and implications for employment\, competitiveness\, and sovereignty.\nGlobalization\, economic convergence\, and solidarity between developing and advanced market economies.\nThe short\, medium\, and potential long-term effects of the pandemic on continental trends such as digitization\, trade\, and demographic shifts.\nThe implications of COVID-19 on bilateral relationships and on the AfCFTA\nThe implications of COVID-19 on economic development and regional convergence between Africa and advanced economies. \n4. Expectations\nAt the end of this event\, the participants will understand the following: \nThe short\, medium\, and potential long-term effects of the pandemic on continental trends such as digitization\, trade\, and demographic shifts.\nThe implications of COVID-19 on bilateral relationships and on the AfCFTA\nThe implications of COVID-19 on economic development and regional convergence between Africa and advanced economies \n5. Date and Venue\nThursday\, June 3\, 2021. 11:30am-12:30pm. Event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live\n6. Panelists/Speakers\nMain Speaker\nMrs. Gwendoline E.N Abunaw\nManaging Director\, ECOBANK\, Cameroon.\nModerator\nDr Denis Foretia\nExecutive Chairman – Nkafu Policy Institute and Co-Chair – Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\n7. Participants\nThe event will bring together public policy experts\, policy makers at the national\, continental and international levels\, leaders of civil society organizations\, economists\, leaders of NGOs and international organizations. It will be open to the general public with a session for Q&A.\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/africas-road-to-recovery-a-conversation-with-gwendoline-abunaw-2/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Africa-Post-COVID-event-banner-fb.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210429T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210429T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115206Z
CREATED:20230824T084259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115206Z
UID:10000169-1619708400-1619713800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Gender Perspectives: The Role of Women in Resolving the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon
DESCRIPTION:Date: April 29\, 2021  Time: 3:00 pm (Cameroon time) Duration: 90 mins\nVenue: Zoom Platform (Register Here) \nContextual Analysis\nIn conflict resolution\, many actors who play various roles in resolving the conflict. Women’s role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding has long been underestimated\, especially in societies where patriarchy is the order of the day. For close to four years that the armed conflict in the North West and South West regions erupted and has dragged on\, the role of the women in mitigating and or resolving the conflict is underestimated.  The continuous conflict produces gendered outcomes in Cameroon\, with particular shifts enabling Cameroonian women to participate in activities – such as conflict resolution – that were previously considered an exclusively male domain.\nWhen the male more senior elites and chiefs are losing effective control over the heavily-armed young militia\, Cameroonian women have an opportunity to intervene in peacebuilding. As mothers\, grandmothers\, aunts\, spouses\, sisters – and as those more often victimized – Cameroonian women understand that to minimize atrocities committed\, they needed to take action to curb the violence. With this fundamental role in reducing conflict in their respective communities\, there is a greater need to empower women as a veritable tool for conflict transformation and peacebuilding in Cameroon – a role that the international community and other potential stakeholders have not been able to play.\nThe close to  4 years of armed conflict in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon has caused maleficent obliteration of human lives and property. Regardless of the efforts taken by the national and international interested parties in bringing to an end the crisis\, armed hostilities such as; kidnapping for ransoms\, civil strife\, enforced disappearances and killings committed by both the Cameroon military and separatist fighters have continued to go unabated. Front and back of all these disastrous situations\, women and girls are often exposed to acts of violence that seriously undermine their rights and deny them opportunities arising from gender inequality. It is worth stating that women are the worst hit in situations of armed conflicts.  Women have unique opportunities for conflict resolution and peacebuilding due to the unique role they play in society. The recent calls for a cessation of hostilities by some women in the country and especially those in crisis-hit regions clearly indicate their frustration with the handling of the crisis. It also demonstrates the unique roles women have in building peace in society and bringing to an end violent conflict.\nAlthough women have frequently been the first to take the risks necessary to promote dialogue across divided communities\, as they have attempted in the on-going Anglophone conflict\, they are marginalized from taking these initiatives. It is from this viewpoint that the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation has come up with this opportunity to encourage stakeholders of the conflict and the general public to participate and discuss on the role women can play to put an end to this conflict and orchestrate the most precious peace and sustainable development in the North West and South West regions in particular and Cameroon in general.\nObjectives of the Dialogue\nThe event’s objective is to engage schools of thoughts\, stakeholders and the general public in debates and discussions how women contribute to resolving the crisis in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon.\nFrom this standpoint and in accordance with the mission of the NKAFU Policy Institute – a Think at the Denis and Lenora FORETIA Foundation\, the public dialogue will be centred on carrying out an independent research to provide comprehensive and incisive evidenced-based policy recommendations that will spur a concise roadmap in resolving the Anglophone conflict and putting in place a platform for sustainable peace and development in the North West and South West regions in particular and Cameroon in general.\nThematic areas\nDuring this event\, there will be presentations on various approaches put in place to resolve the conflict. Presentations will dwell on the different actors that have intervened in resolving the conflict\, successes\, challenges and contentions. \nThematic area 1:  Are women interested in the on-going crisis in the North West and South West region? Why are the female ministers\, parliamentarians\, senators\, etc\, silent about the on-going atrocities perpetrated in the conflict?\nThematic area 2: What are the main difficulties facing women in the resolution of the crisis? What can be the contribution of women in resolving the on-going conflict?\nThematic area 3: Is there any example in the world of a significant contribution of women in resolving a conflict? How can these examples inspire women in Cameroon in the search for solutions to the on-going conflict?\nThematic area 4: Anglophone crisis: what is the way forward in the resolution of the crisis? \nMethodology\nThe public dialogue will include short presentations from panelists followed by a moderated interactive and participatory debates and discussions from participants on issues related to the women and their efforts towards solving the conflict in the North West and South West regions.\n Who should participate?\nThis event is open to the general public both within and out of Cameroon. It will bring together participants from the women organisations\, women groups\, public & private sectors\, academia\, civil society organisations\, youth leaders\, journalists\, researchers\, traditional authorities\, religious leaders and human rights activists. In general\, it will bring together all stakeholders with the potentials and strategies to propose alternative approaches to resolves the on-going Anglophone crisis in Cameroon and put in place a road map for social cohesion and sustainable development in Cameroon.\nParticipation fees\nNo participation fee is required. Nevertheless\, all participants must register online free of charge on our website by clicking the registration button below.\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/gender-perspectives-the-role-of-women-in-resolving-the-anglophone-crisis-in-cameroon-2/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-role-of-women-in-solving-the-Anglophone-crisis-in-Cameroon-1200x1200-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210427T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210427T113000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115206Z
CREATED:20230824T084259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115206Z
UID:10000170-1619517600-1619523000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Is The Regulation Framework a Barrier To The Success Of New Businesses In Cameroon?
DESCRIPTION:Background \nUnder its framework of the Cameroon Business Forum (CBF) over the past 10 years\, Cameroon has undertaken several reforms to improve its business environment and to attract investors. However\, there are many bottlenecks to enhancing the business environment in Cameroon to promote business creation. While efforts are made to ease starting a business in Cameroon\, there remains a fundamental question about the profitability and survival of these businesses.\nCertifications and standardization norms which are among some of the regulatory policies needed in every formal economy for the protection of consumers\, seem to affect the profitability and survival of new businesses in Cameroon. Many business owners report being handicapped by the standards imposed on them. The survival and profitability of businesses in Cameroon are plagued by the requirement to obtain an authorization or homologation before any innovations and marketing which is a form of closure of the market and public space.\nFor example\, a young entrepreneur who invents a simple oximeter to allow patients to measure their blood pressure independently must submit his product to the authorization of the Ministry in charge of public health. To transform seasonal fruit into organic fruit juice\, you must undergo a series of costly certifications. Also\, the Tanty brand\, one of the few growing companies in the food industry\, had preferred to close its peanut oil production line rather than invest in standardization.\nTherefore\, the regulation framework seems to be a discouraging factor to entrepreneurs in Cameroon\, considering it is extremely difficult for some to meet up with these standards or certifications in terms of cost. This situation could also partially explain why 80% of businesses die before 5 years in the country.\nTo contribute to the improvement of Cameroon’s ranking of the Doing Business Index (DBI)\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing a public debate on March\, 11th 2021\, on the theme ‘‘Is the regulation framework a barrier to the success of new businesses in Cameroon?’’. \nObjectives and key issues \nThe main objective of this Nkafu Public Debates is to provide a platform for Cameroonian and African high-level experts the opportunity to objectively address the conditions required to succeed in investment in Cameroon. This debate will explore the necessity and role of regulatory norms on the success of new businesses in Cameroon. The main question to be answered is\, “Should the government relax regulatory norms to facilitate the profitability and growth of new businesses in Cameroon?’’\nIndeed\, some experts think that standardization norms and certification of products are difficult and expensive to get\, while others believe that businesses are reluctant to fulfil these necessary conditions.\nSpecifically\, this Nkafu Public Debates will provide an opportunity to: \nExamine Cameroon’s past performance in the Doing Business Index;\nCritically assess the current legislation as regards business creation in the country;\nUnderstand the benefits and challenges of standardization norms and certification of products;\nIdentify and propose policy recommendations to ease business creation in the country as well as the profitability and the survival of these businesses. \nProposed topics/guiding questions for discussion and format \nIn keeping with the overall theme of ‘‘Is the regulation framework a barrier to the success of new businesses in Cameroon?’’ and the debate objectives\, the following topics/issues and guiding questions are suggested for further exploration: \nCameroon’s past performance in the Doing Business Index. The ‘‘Starting a Business Indicator’’ of the Doing Business Index by the World Bank measures ‘‘the number of procedures\, time\, cost\, and paid-in minimum capital requirement for a small-to-medium-size limited liability company to start up and formally operate in each economy’s largest business city.’’ In Cameroon\, the largest business city is Douala in the Littoral region. According to the Doing Business Index by the World Bank\, Cameroon was ranked 104 across 190 economies in 2020. In other words\, the country is among the worst countries in the world where starting up a business is easy for entrepreneurs. Such a trend is also observed from 2007 to 2020. What can explain Cameroon’s poor performance in the DBI? Has the country taken measures to improve its ranking? What are the repercussions of such actions?\nLegislation as regards business creation in Cameroon. The majority of entrepreneurs in Cameroon prefer a sole proprietorship rather than a Limited Liability Company (LLC) because of its simplicity in terms of documents required and the low cost. Statistics from IFC and OHADA (2018) show that\, in Cameroon\, the number of newly registered sole proprietorships is fast-growing (from 10\,613 in 2015 to 12\,373 in 2016) while the number of newly created LLCs is low in comparison (from 2\,526 in 2015 to 2\,565 in 2016). Is the legal framework conducive for business creation in Cameroon? Are procedures to open a business in Cameroon simple\, straightforward\, and affordable? Are companies subjected to any regulatory and fiscal repression?\nStandardization norms and certification of products. It appears very difficult for young companies to meet international norms from the European Union or other trade regions. Indeed\, the majority do not have the financial capacities to meet those very high standards. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that 80% of companies die before 5 years. Do norms for the local market exist in Cameroon? Are companies forced/obliged to comply with international norms? Are the authorities envisaging a gradual progression in terms of norms compliance? \nRegarding the format\, Nkafu Public Debates represent a platform par excellence for non-politicized debates based on evidence\, facts\, and statistics. The objective of these debates is to allow Cameroonian and African high-level experts to objectively address a set of issues related to our country’s economic development. The format of the 90-minutes debate is as follows: \nThe debate panel will constitute two experts arguing FOR and two AGAINST the proposition. The moderator will spend 5 minutes on opening comments and inform the audience of the ground rules. He/she will then invite debaters to the stage. Each debater will be allotted 3 minutes for Opening Remarks. The next 30 minutes will be moderated back and forth\, with each team having 3 minutes to respond. Twenty (20) minutes will be dedicated to audience questions and\, each debater will have 2 minutes for Closing Remarks.\nThe entire debate will be videotaped and streamed live online through the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation social media platforms. During the debate\, the expectation is that panelists defend their points of view based on facts\, statistics\, and experience. There will be no PowerPoint presentation. Also\, panelists are expected to give interviews to the media after the debate and share in refreshments. \nExpected outputs and outcomes \nThe outputs expected from this debate comprise the following: \nReports of the debate (by the invited media and the organizer)\nDebate Highlights (via the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation Newsletter)\nOne op-ed on the nexus regulation framework and success of new businesses in Cameroon \nThe first Nkafu Public Debates should generate the following outcomes: \nCameroon’s past performance in the DBI examined and the measures taken to improve on this ranking explained with their impact;\nAssessment of the legislation as regards business creation effected with explanations on the procedures\, cost\, and time provided;\nBenefits and challenges of standardization norms and certification of products in Cameroon and their impact on new ventures understood;\nReforms to ease business creation in the country as well as the profitability and the survival of businesses are identified. \nVenue and date \nThe first edition of the Nkafu Public Debates is scheduled for 27th April 2021 at the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation Headquarters in Simbock\, Yaoundé-Cameroon. \nTarget audience \nThis debate will provide a forum for at least 50 participants from various fields of expertise and allow them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Participants include government officials\, speakers\, entrepreneurs\, humanitarian organizations\, non-governmental organizations\, academics and researchers\, students\, the general public\, and civil society actors\, to name a few. It is a unique occasion to better inform on the reforms needed for an emerging Cameroon by 2035. Also\, this event will create a platform for professional development and career advice.
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/is-the-regulation-framework-a-barrier-to-the-success-of-new-businesses-in-cameroon/
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Andela_850px_3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210423T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210423T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115221Z
CREATED:20230824T084318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115221Z
UID:10000172-1619190000-1619195400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:One Year Into The Covid-19 Pandemic: What Lessons Can Be Learned?
DESCRIPTION:One Year Into The Covid-19 Pandemic: What Lessons Can Be Learned?\nTime: 23rd April 2021 at 3 PM (Cameroon Time)\nVenue: Event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live on Facebook (Register Here) \nBackground \nAfter the world recorded the first case of the virus\, the global economy is yet to recover from the shock of the health crisis that has affected every sector. March 2021 marks 1 year since the 1st case of coronavirus was reported in Cameroon. Unfortunately\, presently speaking\, Cameroon and the rest of the world are still recording deaths. It might be pessimistic to say COVID-19 has come to stay but\, we are yet to be free from the virus until a lasting solution is found. The socio-economic impact of the pandemic on the Cameroon economy has been tremendous. However\, the response strategy of some countries and how they have been limiting its spread is “a light at the end of the tunnel” for others. \nObjective of the event  \nThis event has as objective to assess the Cameroonian anti-COVID-19 response one year into the pandemic and discuss the way forward \nMain themes to be discussed  \nTo evaluate the ramifications of the pandemic so far on the global economy with a specific focus on Africa and Cameroon over the past one year and what lessons can be learned?\nEvaluate the level of cooperation between states in finding a sustainable solution to the outbreak and spread of the pandemic\nEvaluate response strategies adopted by both in the private and public sectors and propose modifications \nExpectations \nAt the end of this event\, participants should understand the following: \nThe one year impact of the pandemic in Cameroon\nThe measures taken so far in the past one year\, how to reinforce them to successfully get out of the pandemic\, and what lessons can be learned. \nParticipants  \nThe event will gather different actors involved like researchers\, experts on public policy and policymakers at the national and international level; civil society organizations\, economists\, leaders of NGOs and International Organizations. \nDate and Venue \nTime: 23rd April 2021 at 3 PM Cameroon Time\nVenue: The event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live on Facebook (Register Here) \nOrganizers \nThis event will be organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute – a Think Tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. \nPanelists/Speakers  \nProf Mbacham Wilfred\nProfessor of Public Health Biotechnology.\nFellow of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences\nDr.  Marie-Solange NDOM\nCardiologist\nMedical adviser\, Laquintinie Douala\,\nProf Tangwa Godfrey\nProfessor emeritus (Philosophy) of the University of Yaoundé 1\nDr. Charlotte Bongfen (Moderator)\nHealth Policy Analyst\nNkafu Policy Institute\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/one-year-into-the-covid-19-pandemic-what-lessons-can-be-learned/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ONE-YEAR-INTO-THE-COVID-19-FB.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210413T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210413T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115422Z
CREATED:20230824T084336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115422Z
UID:10000177-1618326000-1618331400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Preparing for the Next Pandemic – Lessons from COVID-19 for Africa
DESCRIPTION:Date & Time: April 13\, 2021 at 10AM – 11AM EST (3PM – 4PM Cameroon)\nVenue: Zoom Platform (Register Here) \n1. Background\nThe world was caught unprepared by the COVID-19 pandemic\, which has resulted in the loss of 2.4million lives worldwide and poses an unparalleled threat to public health\, food supply\, and economic systems. The economic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic have devastated large and small countries alike. Even prosperous nations with well-equipped and managed healthcare systems were not spared.\nDespite growing calls for pandemic preparedness and biodefense from leaders including Bill Gates and the US first Secretary for Homeland Security Tom Ridge\, COVID-19 revealed how ill-prepared the world is to combat a pandemic. It is not too early to draw lessons from this lack of preparation and global coordination. Not only will doing so aid current recovery efforts\, but it would also increase readiness for the next communicable or vector-borne disease to threaten the world.\nQuestions such as how the world will prepare for the next inevitable pandemic and what needs to be done to reduce the likelihood of future pandemics are at the forefront of many people’s minds. The Nkafu Policy Institute\, a think tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation\, intends to deliberate on how to prepare for the next pandemic with a focus on lessons learned from COVID-19 in this wide-ranging conversation with key public health experts.\n2. Objectives:\nThis conversation’s main objective is to distil lessons from this painful experience so that the world is better positioned to cope with potential future waves of the current pandemic and avoid disaster when the next one strikes. This event will \nEvaluate the various measures already put in place to curb the spread that can be replicated.\nWhat are the possible loopholes?\nEvaluate the proposed solutions.\nAnalyse the challenges faced in implementing some of the COVID-19 measures enacted \n3. Expected Results:\nAt the end of the conversation\, we expect that participants will have a better understanding of: \nLessons learnt from COVID-19-what worked and what didn’t work.\nEffective emergency preparedness strategies for future outbreaks \n4. Date and Venue\nApril 13th\, 2021 at 10AM EST (3PM Cameroon) Event will be held on ZOOM (Register) and streamed live \n5. Panelists / Moderator\nDr. Mwenya Kasonde\nGlobal Health consultant (USAID\, UNICEF & WHO)\nDr. Yele Aluko MD\, MBA\nChief Medical Officer – EY Americas\nDr Ronald Gobina\nDirector of the Health Policy and Research Program – Nkafu Policy Institue\nDr. Christian Bime\nMedical Director\, Medical Intensive Care Unit\, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson\nDr Denis Foretia (Moderator)\nExecutive Chairman – Nkafu Policy Institute and Co-Chair – Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\n6. Participants\nThe event will bring together public policy experts\, policy makers at the national\, continental and international levels\, leaders of civil society organizations\, economists\, leaders of NGOs and international organizations. It will be open to the general public with a session for Q&A.\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/preparing-for-the-next-pandemic-lessons-from-covid-19-for-africa/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Preparing-for-the-Next-Pandemic-Lin-updated-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210407T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210407T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115422Z
CREATED:20230824T084336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115422Z
UID:10000179-1617807600-1617813000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:How Efficient are the Mechanisms for Financing Territorial Decentralization in Cameroon?
DESCRIPTION:Date: April 7th\, 2021  Time: 3:00 pm (Cameroon time) Duration: 90 minutes\nVenue: Zoom Platform (Register Here) \nThe issue of financing is at the heart of the renewal of territorial decentralization marked by the establishment of Regions in Cameroon. The General Code of Decentralized Territorial Collectivities (GCDTC) adopted on December 24\, 2019 did not ignore this thorny issue. Echoing the principle of the free administration of local authorities enshrined in the Constitution of January 18\, 1996 with the corollary of the administrative and financial autonomy of the DTCs\, the GCDTC specifies in its article 11 (2) that “Territorial Collectivities have budgets and own resources for the management of regional and local interests ”. Article 12 is even more precise when it states that “the resources necessary for the exercise by the local authorities of their competences are devolved to them either by transfer of taxation\, or by endowments\, or by both at the same time”. Reading this provision\, it is easy to understand that taxation and grants constitute the two main mechanisms for financing decentralization.\nIn fact\, the tax transfer mentioned above refers\, on one hand\, to the local taxes and duties\, on which the legislator legislated by the 2009 law on local taxation with its subsequent amendments; On the other hand\, the transfer of taxation also refers to those of state taxes\, the proceeds of which are allocated in whole or in part to DTCs. Regarding allocations\, the GCDTC provides in its article 25 (1) which  “established a General Decentralization Endowment intended for the partial financing of decentralization“. This resource\, indexed to a fraction of annual government revenue\, may not be less than 15%. Moreover\, special allocations may also be granted to local authorities by the state in the case where insufficient financial resources risk compromising the achievement or execution of public service missions.\nIn addition to local taxation\, the General Decentralization Endowment (GDE) and special allocation\, the GCDTC has considered other financing mechanisms. These are the resources emanating from the transfer of powers from the State to the DTCs\, resources resulting from income-generating activities\, the proceeds of the exploitation of the domain and of its services\, the resources drawn from the exploitation of the soil and subsoil\, equity investments\, the creation of establishments or local public capital companies\, decentralized cooperation\, loans\, public-private partnerships\, financing of private individuals\, donations and bequests.\nIn view of all these mechanisms\, one would come\, hastily no doubt\, to the conclusion that the financing difficulties which have long obstructed the smooth running of decentralization are only a distant memory. But in reality\, how effective are these financing mechanisms? The issue of efficiency deserves special attention in view of the obstacles inherent in the operationalization of the latter. It suffices to point out that the main sources of financing\, namely the GDE and local taxation have not yet been acquired. In 2020\, the GDE was 49.9 billion\, or 1% of the state budget. In 2021\, it increased significantly to 232.1 billion\, or 7.2% of state revenue. Despite this increase\, we are well below the 15% forecast by the GCDTC. With regard to local taxation\, it remains a real Arlesian\, because the fiscal autonomy of the DTCs is put to the test in practice\, as is the management of subsoil resources. As for borrowing\, it remains confined within a restrictive legal framework and a coercive financial framework. In an international environment disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis\, an internal war in the North-West and South-West regions with a strong impact on public finances\, a stifling domestic and external debt\, a trade balance deficit and massive embezzlement of public funds\, it is not without interest to debate the question of the effectiveness of the financing of territorial decentralization in Cameroon.\nObjectives of the dialogue\nThe objective of this public dialogue is to question the effectiveness of the decentralization financing mechanisms provided for by the GCDTC. By giving the floor to experts\, this public dialogue aims to: \nClarify the specificities of each decentralization financing mechanism;\nQuestion the difficulties and obstacles inherent in their operationality;\nExplore ways and efficient financing solutions for the advent of effective decentralization. \nAxes of dialogue\nThis public dialogue will be organized around three (3) axes.\nAxis 1: What are the financing mechanisms for territorial decentralization? Does the General Code of Decentralized Territorial Collectivities innovate?\nAxis 2: What are the practical difficulties inherent in the financing of decentralization? What are the obstacles to local taxation?\nAxis 3: How to consider better financing of decentralization in Cameroon? What are the possible new financing avenues?\nOrganization and conduct of the dialogue\nThis Public Dialogue is organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute\, Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation. This is an online event to be held on Wednesday\, April 07\, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. prompt and will last for 90 minutes. Led by a moderator\, each panelist will present on the 03 different thematic for 15 minutes. Then\, the phase of exchanges between participants and panelists will begin. This phase will last 30 minutes. (Register Here)\nPanelists \nDr. DOUANLA Edocile Bardo\,\nPublic Accountant at the Municipal Revenue Office of the Town hall of Dschang\nDr. BOUAKUIETSO POUNEGNONG Melvin\,\nPh.D in Public Law\, Managing Partner of Cabinet LAF CONSULTING SARL\nDr. TCHIENO TIMENE Arsène\,\nExpert-Consultant in Public Finance\, Decentralization and Local Development\nNTYAMA ONDO Socrate\,\nAssistant at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences\, University of Douala\nModerator\nDr. TIDO BATIO René\,\nAssistant at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of the University of Bamenda\nWho can participate?\nThis public dialogue is open to everyone from the public and private sectors\, civil society\, actors in the political scene\, religious leaders\, journalists\, trade unionists\, students\, etc …\nParticipation fee\nParticipation in the dialogue is free. However\, those wishing to take part are requested to register in advance using the link available on the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation website.\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/how-efficient-are-the-mechanisms-for-financing-territorial-decentralization-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/How-Efficient-are-the-Mechanisms-for-Financing-Territorial-Decentralization-in-Cameroon.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210311T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210311T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115623Z
CREATED:20230824T084354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115623Z
UID:10000094-1615474800-1615480200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:The Covid-19 Vaccine In Africa. What Should Inform Your Decision On Whether Or Not To Accept The Vaccine
DESCRIPTION:The Covid-19 Vaccine In Africa. What Should Inform Your Decision On Whether Or Not To Accept The Vaccine\nTime: 11th March 2021 at 3 PM (Cameroon Time)\nVenue: Event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live on Facebook \nBackground \nSince the outbreak of the novel coronavirus\, Africa has suffered from devastating effects as a result of the pandemic as so many lives have been lost and still counting. As reported by the Africa CDC\, Africa has had over 3.4 million cases and a little over 85 thousand deaths as of January 24th\, 2021. The continent like other continents around the globe has been making efforts to respond to the pandemic. Nevertheless\, the number of cases is seen to increase with most countries now experiencing a second wave. Experts had feared COVID-19 spreading rapidly in Africa\, because of weak healthcare systems in many of the countries that make up the continent\, lack of funding\, insufficient training of healthcare workers\, inefficient data transmission\, limiting testing\, amongst other things. This fear which was is now becoming a reality with many African countries now experiencing many more cases and deaths with the coming on the second wave of the disease. It is now believed by health experts that the COVID-19 vaccine is the main solution to curbing the further spread of the pandemic and minimizing severe disease.\nToday\, vaccines are available\, with the Pfizer vaccine approved by WHO\, and others such as the Moderna are used in other Western countries. However\, they seem to be a lot of fear within communities with respect to receiving the COVID 19 vaccine\, especially in Africa. This event\, therefore\, aims to provide up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccine through a panel discussion with health experts. \nThe Goal and Purpose of this event \nTo provide up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccine (efficacy\, safety/side effects\, approved vaccines\, persons qualified to receive the vaccine etc).\nCounter act the myths that are circulating with respect to the COVID 19 vaccine.\nTo propose context-based actions that could ensure the effective rollout and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Africa. \nMain themes to be discussed during the event \nUp to date information about the COVID 19 vaccine\nPublic perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine\nContext based actions that could ensure effective rollout of the COVID 19 vaccine in Africa \nExpected Results \nThe audience will have a clear understanding about;   \nRecent information on the COVID 19 vaccine\nMyths circulating about the COVID 19 vaccine and;\nContext based actions to ensure effective rollout of the COVID 19 vaccine in Africa \nProposed Time/Venue \nTime: 11th March 2021 at 3 PM Cameroon Time\nVenue: Event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live on Facebook \n7. Participants\nThis event will bring together public policy experts\, policy makers at the national\, continental and international levels\, leaders of civil society organizations\, leaders of NGOs and international organizations. It will be open to the general public with a session for Q&A. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/the-covid-19-vaccine-in-africa-what-should-inform-your-decision-on-whether-or-not-to-accept-the-vaccine/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_800X800.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210222T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210222T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T115713Z
CREATED:20230824T084401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T115713Z
UID:10000106-1614006000-1614011400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: “Searching for a Negotiated Settlement to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon:  Possibilities and Potential”.
DESCRIPTION:“Searching for a Negotiated Settlement to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon: Possibilities and Potential”.\nDate: 22nd February 2021 – Time: 3pm (Cameroon time)\nVenue: Zoom Online – Duration: 90 minutes \nBackground                                              \nUnlike many African countries\, Cameroon enjoyed relative peace and stability since achieving independence and reunification in 1960 and 1961 from French and British colonial rules respectively. While the drivers of this peace and stability are subject to political debates\, the last couple of years has seen the country plunged into political chaos characterized by growing instability and insecurity. Most often\, the Anglophone crisis that is raging in the Northwest and South West Regions\, the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North Region\, and the conflict in the neighboring Central African Republic with a shared border with Cameroon’s East Region are quickly cited as the causes of instability in Cameroon. Despite the efforts made by the Cameroon government and multilateral engagements involving foreign powers and international organizations\, the insecurity seems to be intensifying\, thus compromising already achieved development gains and blurring the growth and emergence of the country by the 2035 agenda\nOf critical concern among instability drivers in Cameroon is the Anglophone crisis which began as peaceful protests against longstanding Anglophone marginalization (real or perceived) led by Common Law lawyers and teachers of the English sub-system of education (with the Common Law and the Anglo-Saxon system of education representing the core colonial inheritances of the then British Southern Cameroons). Since the insurrection\, various attempts by the government of Cameroon\, have proven largely inadequate\, resolving the crisis sustainably. The government of Cameroon opted for a military strategy from the very beginning of the peaceful protest that quickly metamorphosed into an armed conflict. With the deepening of the crisis\, the government has also made several peaceful concessions and top-down institutional responses\, including the Major National Dialogue conveyed by the President of the Republic and Chaired by the Prime Minister Chief Dr. Dion Ngute\, from September 30 to October 4\, 2019.\nUnfortunately\, the crisis has continued unabated\, gradually transforming itself into a civil war between government forces and the Anglophone separatist who are clamoring for the independence of a supposed state they call Ambozania. This has continued to usher in grave security and human rights consequences. The International Crisis Group (ICG) in a statement on 26 September 2019 notes that the “violence has claimed around 3\,000 lives\, displaced half a million people within Cameroon\, compelled another 40\,000 to flee to Nigeria\, deprived 700\,000 children of school­ing in their home areas and left one in three people in the Anglophone regions in need of humanitarian aid.\nIn the face of this political and security stalemate\, some countries (including the US and Switzerland)\, as well as conflict resolution experts and institutions/organizations\, have continued to advise the government of Cameroon on the need for an inclusive dialogue mediated by an internal or external mediator in order to seek for a negotiated settlement of the Anglophone conflict. Even though there are no signs of progress in this regard\, it is necessary to engage in public discourse on how a negotiated settlement of the crisis could be approached. In this connection\, the Nkafu Policy Institute is organizing a public dialogue event to stimulate discussions and debates on the potentials of arriving at a negotiated settlement of the Anglophone Crisis in a bit to bring about durable peace and security in The two conflict-affected regions.\nObjective of the event\nThe objective of this event is to engage the Cameroonian public in frank dialogue on the possibilities and challenges of getting to a negotiated settlement between the main conflict parties.  What are the opportunities\, possibilities\, and potential challenges?\nThis is in line with the mission of the NKAFU Policy Institute\, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora FORETIA Foundation\, which pivots around carrying out independent research in order to provide in-depth and insightful evidence-based recommendations that advance the development of Cameroon and other Sub-Saharan African countries.\nWho should participate?\nThis event aims to bring together participants from the public\, private and civil society sectors\, including youth leaders\, journalists\, researchers\, traditional authorities\, religious leaders\, and scholars to engage in discussions on strategies that can restore peace in Cameroon.\nParticipation fees?\nNo participation fee is required. However\, all participants are required to register online free of charge on our website by clicking the registration button below.\nThematic focus areas of the Public Dialogue\nThe public dialogue event will focus on presentations on how to arrive at a negotiated settlement of the Anglophone crisis. This\, it is hoped\, is critical in bringing back peace and security which are essential for sustainable development in Cameroon. The thematic areas of this public discourse are centered but not exclusive to the following: \nHow to get to a negotiated settlement to the Anglophone crisis;\nThe opportunities of using a negotiated settlement to the crisis;\nThe potential challenges to arrive at a negotiated settlement to the crisis and how to overcome them. \nThe event will consist of a 90 minutes’ open discussion on the proposed themes.\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/webinar-searching-for-a-negotiated-settlement-to-the-anglophone-crisis-in-cameroon-possibilities-and-potential/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Emerging Leaders,Events,Nkafu Policy Institute,webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210113T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210113T100000
DTSTAMP:20250127T120149Z
CREATED:20230824T084429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T120149Z
UID:10000215-1610528400-1610532000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Presentation of The Report on The Effects of BEAC’s Monetary Policy In Cameroon In 2020
DESCRIPTION:Presentation of The Report on “The Effects of BEAC’s Monetary Policy In Cameroon In 2020”\nDate: January 13 – Time:9:00 am – 10:00 am\nVenue: Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation \nBACKGROUND \nSince March 2020\, all the economies of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic and social repercussions oblige the authorities in charge of public action to take a series of measures to stop the spread of the disease. In this context\, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC)\, CEMAC’s monetary authority\, has decided to conduct an accommodating monetary policy. Among the main measures taken during the meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee (CPM) in 2020 is the reduction of the Interest Rate on Tenders from 3.5% to 3. 25%; the setting of the Marginal Lending Facility Rate at 5%; the setting of reserve requirement coefficients at 7.00% on-demand liabilities and 4.50% on term liabilities; the suspension of liquidity sterilization operations\, which had started in February 2020\, in favor of refinancing the banking system in order to anticipate the effects of the health crisis of the COVID-19; the raising of the amount of the global envelope likely to be made available to credit institutions in CEMAC countries\, to the tune of 500 billion.\nThe Monetary Policy Report published by the Nkafu Policy Institute analyses the contribution of the monetary policy conducted by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) to strengthening the resilience of the Cameroonian economy in 2020. More specifically\, it examines whether the monetary policy decisions taken by the CPM have influenced the general price level\, the average overall effective rates practiced by financial institutions and their deposit and credit operations\, as well as the evolution of monetary aggregates.\nThe report is structured around five key inter-related thematic parts as follows While Part I\,  examines the socio-economic situation in Cameroon before Covid-19 Part II focuses on the economic and social repercussions of the pandemic on the economic conjuncture in 2020 Part III then\, presents BEAC’s responses to this gloomy economic conjuncture while part IV brings forth the reactions of the Cameroonian economy to BEAC’s monetary policy decisions in 2020. Finally\, part V proposes some monetary policy options to decision-makers (V). \nOBJECTIVE OF THE EVENT \nThis press conference has the following objectives: \nTo present Cameroon’s socio-economic situation before the start of the Covid-19\, its economic and social repercussions as well as BEAC’s responses;\nConduct an analysis on the contribution of monetary policy to the resilience of the Cameroonian economy in 2020;\nMake some monetary policy recommendations to both the sub-regional monetary authorities and the Cameroonian authorities in favor of more resilient monetary and economic policies. \nDATE\, PLACE\, AND METHODOLOGY OF THE EVENT  \nThe press conference\, scheduled to take place on January 13\, 2021\, from 09:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Cameroon time)\, is organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute – a think tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\, located in Simbock\, Yaounde – 100 m from the Collège Jésus-Marie \nPANELISTS \nThe panel will consist of three (02) speakers and a moderator.\nSpeakers : \nDr. Jean Cédric KOUAM  – Economic Policy Analyst\, Head of Fiscal and Monetary Policy Sub-Section at the Nkafu Policy Institute;\n Ulrich D’POLA – Senior Economic Policy Analyst\, Co–Coordinator of the Nkafu Policy Institute; \nModerator\nDr. Fuein Vera KUM FOMUNJONG – Research Fellow in Economic Affairs at the Nkafu Policy Institute. \nTHEMATIC CONCERNS  \nThe press conference will focus on a main question formulated as follows:\n“Have BEAC’s monetary policy decisions in 2020 contributed to strengthening Cameroon’s economic resilience?” \nWHO WILL PARTICIPATE? \nThe event will bring together journalists from print\, radio\, television\, and online media as well as bloggers. No participation fee is required. Other media organizations will have the opportunity to follow the event live on Zoom and Facebook. They will receive the links for this occasion. \nEXPECTATIONS \nAt the end of the event\, participants are expected to:\nAt the panel level:  \nTo present in a succinct manner the economic and social repercussion of the COVID-19 crisis on the economy of Cameroon in 2020;\nTo show whether the monetary policy decisions taken by BEAC have effectively and efficiently contributed to strengthening the resilience of Cameroon’s economy in 2020; \nAt the level of the media: \nDisseminate\, write articles\, and discuss the report in their various media outlets so that a wider audience understands the analysis and recommendations made. \nPROGRAMME OF THE EVENT \nTIME\nACTIVITY\nIN CHARGE PERSON \n08 :00 a.m. – 09 :00 a.m.\nArrival and networking\nJournalists\nNkafu Team \n09 :00 a.m.\nStart of the press conference \n09 :00 a.m. – 09 :05 a.m.\nWelcome address\nForetia Foundation \n09 :05 a.m. – 09 :35 a.m.\nPresentation of the Monetary Policy Report\nPanelists (speakers and moderator) \n09 :35 a.m. – 09 :45 a.m.\nQuestions and answers session\nJournalists and panelists \n09 :45 a.m. – 09 :55 a.m.\nInterviews\nGraphic Team (Foretia Foundation)\nNkafu Team\nJournalists \n09 :55 a.m. – 10 :15 a.m.\nRefreshments\nForetia Foundation \n10 :15 a.m.\nEnd of the press conference and departure
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/presentation-of-the-report-on-the-effects-of-beacs-monetary-policy-in-cameroon-in-2020/
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MPR-lin-fb-eng.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210113T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210113T100000
DTSTAMP:20250127T120149Z
CREATED:20230824T084429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T120149Z
UID:10000213-1610528400-1610532000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Présentation du Rapport sur les effets de la Politique Monétaire de la BEAC au Cameroun en 2020
DESCRIPTION:Présentation du Rapport sur “les effets de la Politique Monétaire de la BEAC au Cameroun en 2020”Date : le 13 Janvier 2021 – Heure : de 09 h à 10 h\nLieu : Fondation Foretia \nContexte\nDepuis mars 2020\, l’ensemble des économies de la Communauté Economique et Monétaire de l’Afrique Centrale (CEMAC) sont affectées par la pandémie de la COVID-19. Les répercussions économiques et sociales obligent les autorités en charge de l’action publique à prendre un ensemble de mesures afin de stopper la propagation de la maladie. Dans ce contexte\, la Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC)\, l’autorité monétaire de la CEMAC a décidé de mener une politique monétaire accommodante. Au nombre des principales mesures prises au cours des réunions du Comité de Politique Monétaire (CPM) en 2020\, on cite notamment : la baisse du Taux d’Intérêt des Appels d’Offres de 3.5% à 3.25% ; la fixation du Taux de la Facilité marginale de prêt à 5% ; la fixation des coefficients des réserves obligatoires à 7\,00 % sur les exigibilités à vue et  4\,50 % sur les exigibilités à terme ; la suspension des opérations de stérilisation de liquidités\, qui avaient démarré en février 2020\, au profit du refinancement du système bancaire afin d’anticiper les effets de la crise sanitaire de la COVID-19 ; le relèvement du montant de l’enveloppe globale susceptible d’être mise à la disposition des établissements de crédit des pays de la CEMAC à hauteur de 500 milliards.\nLe Rapport sur la Politique Monétaire publié par le Nkafu Policy Institute\, analyse la contribution de la politique monétaire menée par la Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC) au renforcement de la résilience de l’économie camerounaise en 2020. Plus spécifiquement\, il a été question de voir si les décisions de politique monétaire prises par le Comité de Politique Monétaire (CPM) ont influencé le niveau général des prix\, les taux effectifs globaux moyens pratiqués par les institutions financières ainsi que les opérations de dépôts et de crédits de ces dernières sans oublier l’évolution des agrégats monétaires.\nLe rapport est structuré autour de cinq points essentiels. Tout d’abord\, il examine la situation socio-économique du Cameroun avant la Covid–19 (I) ainsi que les répercussions économiques et sociales de la pandémie sur la conjoncture en 2020 (II). Ensuite\, il présente les réponses de la BEAC face à cette conjoncture morose (III) ainsi que les réactions de l’économie camerounaise proprement dite face aux décisions de politique monétaire de la BEAC en 2020 (IV). Enfin\, il formule quelques recommandations de politique monétaire à l’endroit des décideurs (V).\nObjectif de l’événement\nCette conférence de presse vise les objectifs suivants : \nPrésenter la situation la socio-économique du Cameroun avant la crise sanitaire à Coronavirus de 2019\, ses répercussions économiques et sociales ainsi que les réponses de la BEAC;\nFaire une analyse sur la contribution de la politique monétaire à la résilience de l’économie camerounaise en 2020;\nEmettre quelques recommandations de politique monétaire tant aux autorités monétaires sous-régionales qu’aux autorités camerounaises en la faveur des politiques monétaires et économiques plus résilientes. \nDate\, lieu et méthodologie de l’événement\nLa conférence de presse est prévue au siège de la Fondation Denis & Lenora Foretia sis au quartier Simbock à Yaoundé – 100 m du Collège Jésus Marie – le 13 janvier 2021 de 09h00 à 10h00 (heure du Cameroun). Elle sera organisée par le Nkafu Policy Institute – Think tank de la Fondation Denis et Lenora Foretia.\nPanélistes\nLe panel sera constitué de trois (02) intervenants et d’une modératrice. Ce sont : \nDr. Jean Cédric KOUAM – Analyste de Politiques Economiques et Chef de la Sous-division des Politiques Budgétaires et Monétaires au Nkafu Policy Institute; Yaoundé-Cameroun.\n Ulrich D’POLA – Economiste Principal au Nkafu Policy Institute et Co–coordinateur du Nkafu Policy Institute; Yaoundé-Cameroun. \nModératrice : Dr. Fuein Vera KUM FOMUNJONG – Economiste et Chercheure Associée au Nkafu Policy Institute ; Yaoundé-Cameroun.\nPréoccupations thématiques\nLa conférence de presse portera sur une question principale formulée comme suit : \nLes décisions de politique monétaire menée par la BEAC en 2020 ont-elles contribué au renforcement de la résilience économique du Cameroun \nParticipation\nL’événement réunira des journalistes de la presse écrite\, de la radio\, de la télévision et des médias en ligne ainsi que des blogueurs. Aucun frais de participation n’est demandé. Les autres organes de presse auront la possibilité de suivre l’événement en direct sur Zoom ou Facebook. Ils recevront les liens pour cette occasion.\nAttentes\nÀ la fin de l’événement\, les participants sont censés :\nAu niveau du panel \nPrésenter de manière succincte les répercussions économiques et sociales de la crise sanitaire à coronavirus sur la conjoncture économique du Cameroun en 2020.\nMontrer si les décisions de politique monétaire menée par la BEAC ont contribuées de manière efficace et efficiente au renforcement de la résilience de l’économie camerounaise en 2020. \nAu niveau des médias \nDiffuser\, écrire des articles et discuter du rapport dans leurs différents organes de presse afin qu’un public plus large comprenne l’analyse et les recommandations formulées ; \nProgramme de l’évènement \nHeure\nActivité(s)\nResponsable(s) \n08h30 – 09h00\nArrivée et réseautage\nJournalistes & Equipe Nkafu \n09h00\nDébut de la conférence de presse \n09h00 – 09h05\n \nMot de Bienvenue\nFondation Foretia \n09h05 – 09h35\n \nPrésentation du rapport sur le budget\nIntervenants\n(Modératrice et panélistes) \n09h35 – 09h45\n \nSession de Questions-Réponses\nJournalistes & Intervenants \n09h45 – 09h55 \nInterviews \nEquipe Graphique (Fondation Foretia)\, Equipe Nkafu & Journalistes \n09h55 – 10h00 \nRafraichissement\nFondation Foretia \n10h00 \nFin de la conférence de presse et départ
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/presentation-du-rapport-sur-les-effets-de-la-politique-monetaire-de-la-beac-au-cameroun-en-2020/
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MPR-lin-fb-fr.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201204T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201204T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T120549Z
CREATED:20230824T084446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T120549Z
UID:10000222-1607094000-1607099400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Le processus de démocratisation au Cameroun 30 ans après:quel bilan à l’épreuve des crises?
DESCRIPTION:Date : 04 Décembre 2020/  Heure : 15h/ Durée : 90 minutesVenue: Zoom Online\nIntroduction\nL’année 2020 est symbolique dans la marche du Cameroun sur les sentiers de la démocratie. En effet\, il y’a trente (30) ans que le pays s’est engagé dans la mouvance démocratique à la faveur des transitions consécutives à la chute du mur de Berlin\, d’une part\, et la conditionnalité imposée par les bailleurs de fonds\, d’autre part. La trajectoire historique de ce pays situé au cœur de l’Afrique centrale mérite d’être revisitée avant d’analyser sa conversion progressive aux principes et valeurs démocratiques.\nEn effet\, l’expérience du multipartisme éprouvée au lendemain de l’indépendance en 1960 n’aura pas connu une fortune heureuse en raison de l’avènement du parti unique en 1966. Au nom de la construction de l’unité nationale\, le Cameroun sera dirigé par le Président Amadou Ahidjo d’une « main de fer ». L’exercice des libertés fondamentales\, telles la liberté d’expression\, de penser et de manifester était systématiquement réprimée. En dépit de l’organisation des scrutins électoraux\, la compétition électorale était inexistante\, l’ensemble des partis politiques ayant fusionné pour donner naissance à un seul parti : l’Union Nationale Camerounaise (UNC). Quant à la Constitution\, considérée comme la loi fondamentale\, elle était dépouillée de toute force contraignante. En tout point de vue\, les éléments structurants d’une démocratie n’existaient point. La démission du président Amadou Ahidjo en 1982 et l’avènement du Président Paul Biya au pouvoir ne modifiera pas le visage autoritaire de l’État au Cameroun.\nIl aura fallu attendre les années 90 avec le triomphe de l’idéologie libérale pour voir le Cameroun se convertir aux principes et exigences de la démocratie pluraliste. Outre le « vent de l’Est » et la conditionnalité\, la conversion  du Cameroun vers l’idéal démocratique était aussi motivée par les révoltes sociales internes consécutives à la mise en œuvre des plans d’ajustements structurels. En dépit du rejet par les tenants du pouvoir politique d’une « conférence nationale souveraine »\, l’ouverture démocratique va s’opérer avec l’adoption des lois favorables au retour du multipartisme\, à l’expression des libertés publiques et à une compétition politique équitable. Une nouvelle Constitution sera adoptée le 18 janvier 1996 faisant du Cameroun un État unitaire décentralisé. De nouvelles institutions\, à l’instar des régions\, devraient progressivement être mises en place.\nTrente années après\, l’expérience du processus démocratique au Cameroun ne peut être décrite de manière linéaire. Si l’on peut noter des avancées satisfaisantes\, des régressions observées sont au cœur des crises que traverse le pays depuis peu. La première crise est institutionnelle. En effet\, le parachèvement vingt-quatre (24) ans après de la mise en place des institutions de la décentralisation a fait naître une crise sanglante dans la partie anglophone du pays\, remettant en cause le socle du vivre-ensemble. En effet\, ce qui est longtemps apparu comme le problème anglophone s’est transformé depuis fin 2016 en conflit guerrier opposant les forces sécessionnistes et l’armée. Le préjudice humain de cette guerre est aujourd’hui inestimable. Outre la crise institutionnelle\, il est loisible d’observer que les libertés et les droits fondamentaux sont aussi en crise. Si le pays a ratifié l’ensemble des conventions internationales relatives aux droits et libertés fondamentaux de l’homme\, l’expression de ces droits et libertés demeure\, cependant\, compromise par des atteintes multiformes. La troisième crise est électorale. De fait\, en dépit de l’existence de plusieurs partis politiques et de la tenue permanente des élections présidentielles\, législatives\, municipales\, la dernière élection présidentielle du 07 octobre 2018 a dévoilé les limites d’un système électoral incapable de garantir la sincérité et la transparence du vote. La crise se nourrit chaque jour du désaccord persistant entre les acteurs du jeu politique autour de la nécessité de revoir le système électoral. La levée du verrou de la limitation du nombre des mandats présidentiels en 2008 a accentué de fort belle manière les dissensions entre les acteurs. Au moment de la célébration de trente années du processus de démocratisation au Cameroun\, la nécessité d’y consacrer un dialogue public revêt un intérêt indéniable.\nObjectifs\nL’objectif de ce dialogue organisé par la Nkafu Policy Institute de la Denis & Lenora Foundation est de revisiter\, étape par étape\, la marche du Cameroun vers l’idéal démocratique. Bien plus\, il s’agit de poser un regard analytique sur les avancées enregistrées. Mais aussi et surtout\, il est question d’évaluer le processus démocratique camerounais à l’aune des crises multiples qui l’ébranle. Enfin\, il s’agit de formuler des recommandations précises capables de consolider le processus de démocratisation en cours et de résorber les crises multiples.\nAxes du débat\nLe dialogue public sera organisé autour de trois axes principaux.\nAxe 1 : Quel bilan de la mise en œuvre des institutions démocratiques ?\nLa mise en place du Senat en 2013\, du Conseil Constitutionnel en 2018 et des Régions concourent-ils à l’affirmation d’un État démocratique au Cameroun ? Que peut-on attendre des régions dans le processus de décentralisation ? Peuvent-elles contribuer à résoudre de manière durable la crise anglophone ? Quid du fédéralisme ? Peut-on parler d’une véritable séparation des pouvoirs ?\nAxe 2 : Quel bilan des libertés publiques et de l’État de droit ?\nQuel regard porté sur la mise en œuvre des « lois libertés» adoptées  le 19 décembre 1990 ? La préservation de l’ordre public est-elle aisément conciliable avec l’exercice des libertés publiques ? Le pouvoir judicaire joue-t-il véritablement son rôle de garant des droits et libertés et de l’État de droit? Quel est le rôle de la société civile ? Quelles sont les recommandations en faveur d’une meilleure prise en compte des droits et libertés au Cameroun ?\nAxe 3 : Quel bilan de la démocratie électorale et du constitutionnalisme ?\nQuels sont les textes qui encadrent la compétition électorale au Cameroun depuis 1990 ? Peut-on parler d’élections libres\, transparentes\, et honnêtes depuis cette date jusqu’à nos jours ? Les institutions administratives et juridictionnelles habilitées à veiller à la sincérité du scrutin ont-elles toujours joué leur rôle ? Quid du nouveau Conseil constitutionnel ? De l’alternance au pouvoir ? Du statut de l’opposition ? Comment sortir du cycle des élections contestées au Cameroun ?\nMéthodologie du dialogue\nLe dialogue public dure 90 minutes. Sous la conduite d’un modérateur\, chaque panéliste exposera son propos liminaire pendant 15 minutes. Puis\, s’ouvrira la phase des échanges entre les participants et les panélistes. Cette phase dure 45 minutes.\nQui peut participer ?\nLe dialogue public organisé par la Nkafu Policy Institute de la Denis&Lenora Foundation est ouvert à tout le monde sans restriction\, qu’il s’agisse des personnes du secteur public\, privé\, de la société civile\, des acteurs de la scène politique\, des religieux\, des journalistes\, des syndicalistes\, des étudiants\, etc…\nFrais de participation\nLa participation au débat en ligne est gratuite. Toutefois\, les personnes désireuses d’y prendre part sont priées de se faire enregistrer au préalable à travers le lien disponible sur le site de la Fondation.\nModération : Dr. Steve TAMETONG  \nINSCRIVEZ-VOUS-ICI
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/le-processus-de-democratisation-au-cameroun-30-ans-apresquel-bilan-a-lepreuve-des-crises/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/The-democratization-process-lin-fr-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201130T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201130T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T120549Z
CREATED:20230824T084446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T120549Z
UID:10000223-1606748400-1606753800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:DIFFUSION DES RÉSULTATS DE RECHERCHE SUR L’ACCES AU CRÉDIT AU CAMEROUN
DESCRIPTION:ContexteDans les économies en développement\, dont le Cameroun\, l’accès au financement est l’une des principales contraintes auxquelles les entrepreneurs sont confrontés lorsqu’ils veulent développer leurs activités. Un regard critique sur l’indicateur d’accès au crédit de la Banque mondiale pour la période 2007-2020 montre que le Cameroun a fait des progrès dans l’obtention de crédits par rapport à d’autres pays d’Afrique subsaharienne. En effet\, en 2007\, le Cameroun occupait la 117ème place\, derrière des pays comme le Gabon\, qui occupe la 101ème place\, ou le Mozambique\, qui occupe la 87ème place. Actuellement\, le Cameroun a dépassé ces pays qui se classent respectivement à la 132ème et 165ème place. Cependant\, le Cameroun n’a pas encore obtenu son meilleur classement pour l’indice d’accès au crédit. En effet\, l’asymétrie d’information entre les emprunteurs et les prêteurs rend difficile la canalisation des ressources disponibles vers les secteurs productifs de l’économie. En outre\, les procédures et conditions requises pour l’obtention d’un crédit sont trop lourdes pour les citoyens ordinaires\, en majorité\, employés dans le secteur informel. Par conséquent\, seulement 14\,20% des entreprises du secteur formel déclarent avoir une ligne de crédit ou un prêt d’une institution financière\, tandis que 41\,1% des entreprises identifient l’accès et le coût du financement comme un obstacle “majeur” ou “très grave”. La grande question qui a suscité des inquiétudes dans le cadre de cette étude est la suivante : pourquoi un nombre considérable d’entreprises sont-elles exclues du secteur financier formel au Cameroun ?\nObjectif de l’événement\nLe séminaire vise les objectifs suivants : \nDiffuser les conclusions d’un rapport thématique sur l’obtention de crédit au Cameroun ;\nFaire une évaluation de l’état actuel de l’accès au crédit au Cameroun ;\nProposer des recommandations aux décideurs politiques qui peuvent contribuer à améliorer la position du Cameroun dans le classement. \nDate\, lieu et méthodologie de l’événement\nLe séminaire est prévu en ligne via Zoom le 30 Novembre 2020 de 15h à 16h30 (heure du Cameroun). Il sera organisé par le Nkafu Policy Institute\, le think tank de la Fondation Denis et Lenora Foretia. Les discussions seront enregistrées et partagées avec les participants inscrits.\nPanélistes\nLe panel sera constitué de trois intervenants et d’un modérateur. Ils comprennent :\nLes panélistes: \nDr. Louis-Marie KAKDEU – Directeur des Chercheurs Associés au Nkafu Policy Institute et chef d’équipe du projet DBI au Cameroun ; Yaoundé-Cameroun.\nDr. OKAH Françoise – Enseignante-Chercheure en Economie et Finances ; Université de Yaoundé II ; Cameroun. (à confirmer).\nM. Enokenwa BESONG – Gestionnaire de portefeuille à Afriland First Bank ; Yaoundé-Cameroun. (à confirmer). \nModérateur : \nHenri Kouam – Analyste de politique économique au Nkafu Policy Institute ; Yaoundé-Cameroun. \n Préoccupations thématiques\nLa discussion portera sur quatre questions principales que les individus et les entreprises rencontrent dans l’obtention de crédits au Cameroun\, et qui sont formulées comme suit : \nL’état actuel du classement du Cameroun dans l’indice d’obtention de crédit est-il encourageant ?\nLes procédures d’obtention de crédit au Cameroun sont-elles décrites comme trop complexes ? Est-ce une pilule amère à avaler pour les demandeurs ?\nLes conditions d’obtention d’un crédit au Cameroun sont-elles favorables aux investisseurs étrangers ?\nLes conditions d’obtention de crédit sont-elles souvent difficiles à remplir pour les femmes ? Quelles sont les recommandations qui peuvent être faites pour améliorer la situation des femmes en particulier et les conditions générales d’obtention de crédit au Cameroun ? \nParticipation\nL’événement prévoit de réunir des participants de divers secteurs\, notamment mais pas exclusivement des investisseurs potentiels\, des banquiers\, des personnes des secteurs public et privé\, les médias\, ainsi que des économistes et des chercheurs dans le domaine de l’accès au financement. Il n’y a pas de frais de participation.  La seule condition est de s’inscrire en ligne à l’événement et d’avoir accès à Internet.\nAttentes\nÀ la fin de l’événement\, les participants sont censés savoir \nSi l’état actuel du classement du Cameroun dans l’indicateur d’obtention de crédit est encourageant ou non.\nSi les procédures pour obtenir un crédit au Cameroun sont complexes\, et si c’est une pilule amère à avaler par les demandeurs.\nSi les conditions d’obtention d’un crédit au Cameroun sont favorables ou non aux investisseurs étrangers.\nSi les conditions d’obtention d’un crédit sont souvent difficiles à remplir pour les femmes. \nProgramme de l’évènement\n15h00                          Début\n15h00 – 15h05             Mot d’ouverture\n15h05 – 15h15             Présentation du rapport\n15h15 – 16h05             Discussion avec les différents panélistes\n16h05 – 16h25             Session de questions et réponses\n16h25 – 16h30             Mot de clôture\n16h30                          Fin\nINSCRIVEZ-VOUS-ICI
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/diffusion-des-resultats-de-recherche-sur-lacces-au-credit-au-cameroun/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cameroon-map.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200917T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200917T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T124328Z
CREATED:20230824T084515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T124328Z
UID:10000240-1600354800-1600360200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Effective Decentralization: A sustainable solution to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon?
DESCRIPTION:Theme: Effective Decentralization: A sustainable solution to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon?\nDate: 17 September 2020 / Time: 3pm (Cameroon time)/ Duration: 90 minutes\nOrganizer: Nkafu Policy Institute\, Think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia foundation. \nBackground  \nThe history of the modern state of Cameroon is replete with a number of constitutional issues\, some of which could be argued to be geared towards stabilizing the country by promoting the peaceful co-existence of Cameroonians be they Anglophones or Francophones). One of these constitutional issues is the adoption of the 1996 Constitution which made Cameroon a decentralized unitary state. By this 1996 constitution\, the political leadership thought that this will bring the government closer to the local population so that they can actively participate in their own individual and community development. Indeed\, Article 55 of the constitution\, stipulates that the  State will devolve upon regional and local authorities\, under conditions laid down by the Law\, powers over matters essential to their economic\, social\, health\, educational\, cultural and sports development in Cameroon. In this way\, it is assumed by proponents of decentralization that citizens will be economically and socially empowered.\nHowever\, since the adoption of this constitution in 1996 which clearly gave provisions for decentralization\, it was not until 2004 that the three main laws on decentralization were adopted. The stakes behind these three laws on decentralization are quite high as the decentralisation process forms part of the national policy on democratisation and state modernisation. The piece of legislation that emphasises the democratic governance dimension of decentralization is contained in Law No. 2004/017 of 22 July 2004 on the orientation of decentralisation.  Section 2 (1) states that decentralization shall consist of devolution\, by the State\, of special powers\, and appropriate resources to regional and local authorities and section 2 (2) stipulates that decentralisation shall constitute the basic driving force for the promotion of development\, democracy and good governance at the local level.  It is therefore\, clear that the 2004 decentralization law has the promotion of local development\, democracy and governance as its main impetus.\nHowever\, even after 2004 up till date\, many political and governance experts still think that the decentralization process in the country remains a government’s lip service venture with no realities on the ground. To them\, the outburst of the Anglophone crisis\, which has been going on for almost four years now\, would not have erupted in the first place if the decentralization process was effectively implemented. As a mater fact\, today\, the government more  seriously considers  the decentralisation’ strategy and process as a major way forward to help  address the current problems caused by increased complexity of governance\, growing demands for local empowerment\, intractable problems of local democracy ethno-regional conflicts and development etc.  This is evident in the Head of State\, H.E. President Biya’s New Year 2018 speech to the nation advocating for effective and efficient decentralization. In his words:\n My dear compatriots my conviction that our fellow citizens desire greater participation in managing their affairs\, especially at the local level\, has been strengthened by the consultations I have held and the many opinions and suggestions I have received. In this regard\, it is my firm belief that fast-tracking our decentralization process will enhance the development of our Regions. To that end\, I have ordered the implementation of the necessary measures to speedily give effect to this major reform…\nMoreover\, one of the key resolutions from the Major National Dialogue that took place from September 30 to October 4\, 2019 with the aim of looking for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the ongoing Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon\, was the proposal for a “special status” for the two conflict-affected regions due to their cultural and linguistic specifities. This subsequently led to the adoption by parliament of the Decentralisation Code of Regional and Local Authorities (Law No. 2019/024 of 24 December 2019). Nevertheless\, debates have continued till date over the role of decentralization in restoring peace and security especially in the restive Anglophone regions of the country.\nIt is within this framework that the Nkafu Policy Institute is creating avenues to encourage greater public participation in debates and discussions on the effectiveness of decentralization in bringing about the much needed peace and normalcy in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of the country.\nObjective of the event\nThe objective of this event is to engage scholars\, youth leaders and the public on discussions and debates on how and to the extent to which effective decentralization can contribute to sustainable peace in the NW and SW regions in particular and Cameroon as a whole.\nThis is in line with the mission of the NKAFU Policy Institute\, a Think Tank of the Denis and Lenora FORETIA Foundation\, which pivots around carrying out independent research to provide in-depth and insightful evidence-based policy recommendations that advance the development of Cameroon and other Sub-Saharan African countries.\nWho should participate?\nThis event is open to the general public both within and out of Cameroon. As such it aims to bring together  participants from the public\, private and civil society sectors\, including youth leaders\, journalists\, researchers\, displaced persons\, traditional authorities\, and scholars who have the potential to propose strategies to resolve the ongoing Anglophone crisis in Cameroon.\n Participation fees?\nNo participation fee is required. However\, all participants are required to register online free of charge on our website by clicking the registration button below.\nThematic focus areas of the Public Dialogue\nDuring the event\, there will be presentations on Decentralization trajectories in Cameroon in terms of prospects for peace and development\, stakes and challenges and the various possible strategies to contribute to the effective implementation of the decentralization policy as a governmental mechanism to achieving sustainable local development and peace and in the country.  The event will consist of a 90 minutes’ open discussion.\nThe discussions will be organized around the following key thematic focus areas \nDecentralization in Cameroon.\nOverview of the Decentralization process in Cameroon\nStakes and challenges of the Decentralization process in Cameroon\nEffective decentralization as an effective governmental mechanism to peacefully resolving the existing Anglophone crisis  and contributing to sustainable peace in the NW and SW regions in Particular and Cameroon  as a whole. \n.fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-1 i {color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1 {border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1:hover .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-1:hover i\,.fusion-button.button-1:focus .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-1:focus i\,.fusion-button.button-1:active .fusion-button-text\, .fusion-button.button-1:active{color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1:hover\, .fusion-button.button-1:focus\, .fusion-button.button-1:active{border-width:0px;border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-1:hover .fusion-button-icon-divider\, .fusion-button.button-1:active .fusion-button-icon-divider{border-color:#ffffff;}.fusion-button.button-1{width:100%;}\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/effective-decentralization-a-sustainable-solution-to-the-anglophone-crisis-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cameroon-crisis.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200827T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200827T160000
DTSTAMP:20250127T124328Z
CREATED:20250127T124328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T124328Z
UID:10000274-1598536800-1598544000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Democracy and Leadership
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/democracy-and-leadership/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute,webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200826T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200826T163000
DTSTAMP:20250127T124528Z
CREATED:20230824T084523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T124528Z
UID:10000245-1598454000-1598459400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Disseminating The Research Findings Of A Thematic Report On Starting A Business In Cameroon
DESCRIPTION:Date: August 26\, 2020 – Time: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (Cameroon Time)\nonline via Zoom \nBackground\nFor over a decade\, and within the construct of Cameroon Business Forum (CBF)\, Cameroon has carried out numerous reforms to ameliorate its business environment. The country aims to attract the local and foreign direct investment needed for its economic progress\, job creation\, and living conditions of its people. Nonetheless\, there are several blockages to enhance the business environment in Cameroon to encourage business creation. The ranking in Doing Business is a solemn recap of those obstacles each year. Starting a business in Cameroon is hampered by several barriers that can be diagnosed at different levels: 1) The legal aspect: the OHADA reforms to which Cameroon is a party have not yet thrived to motivate the formation of Limited Liability Companies but have preferred the creation of ‘Establishments’. Besides\, the essential documents to start a business is still many\, corruption and fiscal pressure remain an unfavorable element for business owners. 2) Concerning the governance aspect\, entrepreneurs still face several barriers such as tense relations between private sector actors and the state authorities in charge of taxation. 3) Regarding the gender aspect\, we notice that women still face a lot of challenges when they want to invest. Most of them do not have access to land easily and their desire to invest depends on the endorsement of their husbands. 4) Regarding trade agreements\, there is a lack of free competition and openness in the market\, the taxation policy is counter-productive\, and we have unfair economic policies. 5) Looking at impact investment\, government subventions are not restricted to the benefit of enterprises with social impacts.\n Purpose of the event\nThe seminar aims to report on the progress that Cameroon has made in the business environment as regards starting a business; and what is still expected to achieve an effective free-market society where business can thrive.\nThe date\, host\, and method of the event\nThe seminar is scheduled to take place online via Zoom on August 26\, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (Cameroon Time). It will be hosted by the Nkafu Policy Institute\, a leading Cameroonian think tank lodged at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. The discussions will be registered and shared with registered participants.\n Panelists\nThe panel will be constituted of four speakers and a moderator. They include:\nPanelists: \nDr. Louis-Marie Kakdeu \nDirector of Nkafu Fellows at the Nkafu Policy Institute and Team Lead of the Cameroon DBI Project\, Yaoundé-Cameroon \nMr. Egoh Aziz \nDevelopment Policy Analyst at the Nkafu Policy Institute and Team Member of the Cameroon DBI Project\, Yaoundé-Cameroon \nMr. Ngeh Edison Tamfu \nBusiness and Development Consultant – Director of EDOAN Enterprises\, Yaoundé-Cameroon\nModerator: \nDr. Fuein Vera Kum \nResearch Fellow at the Nkafu Policy Institute\, Yaoundé-Cameroon\nThematic concerns\nThe discussion will be focused on five main issues that act as impediments to business creation in Cameroon\, and are formulated as follows: \nIs the current legislation favorable to business creation in Cameroon?\nAre business creation structures fully operational?\nIs business creation free and equal for women?\nIs Market access free and competitive for all?\nIs there promotion of companies with social impacts? \n Participation\nThe event envisages to pull participants from various sectors including but not limited to potential business start-ups\, individuals from the public and private sectors\, the media as well as business scholars and researchers. There is no participation fee\, and the only requirement is to register for the event and have access to internet.\nExpectations\nAt the end of the event\, participants are expected to know: \nWhether the current legislation is conducive for business creation in Cameroon\nIf business creation structures are fully operational or not\nIf business creation is free and equal for women\nWhether market access is free and competitive for all or not\, and\nIf there are promotions of companies with social impacts in Cameroon. \nOnline PlatformThis event will be organized on ZOOM. There will be a Q&A session for participant engagement \n                                REGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/disseminating-the-research-findings-of-a-thematic-report-on-starting-a-business-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Disseminating-research-webinar-Panelists-web.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200814T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200814T160000
DTSTAMP:20250127T124328Z
CREATED:20230824T084532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T124328Z
UID:10000251-1597417200-1597420800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:COVID-19 and African Economies: A Conversation with Charles Boamah
DESCRIPTION:COVID-19 and African Economies: A Conversation with Charles Boamah\n(Former Senior Vice President at African Development Bank Group)\n Date: 14th August 2020\nTime: 3pm Ghana Time / 4pm Cameroon Time \n \nBackground\nThe spread of COVID-19 is accelerating across the world. In Africa\, most countries have now confirmed cases and the number of fatalities is rising. If allowed to spread unmanaged\, the impact on African citizens and economies will be substantial. Just barely 4 months when Africa recorded its first corona virus case\, there has been an upsurge in the number of cases and fatalities.   According to the Africa CDC\, the continent has recorded 476\,200 COVID-19 cases\, which is considered very low when compared to other continents.\nHowever\, Africa may yet be worst hit by this invisible disease. It’s already fragile health systems\, poverty and very dense urban agglomerations are likely to increase the vulnerability of the continent and maybe the lethality of the virus. According to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization\, Africa should “wake up” to the COVID-19 threat and prepare for a worst-case scenario.\nIn the wake of this pandemic\, the African Development Bank has rolled out emergency response support which began in March to assist African countries and has provided packages for financial relief\, preparedness and response.\nOverall goal of this event\nThis event aims to present a clear and accurate picture\, highlighting where efforts can be concentrated in the management and mitigation of COVID-19 on the African continent.\nMain themes to be discussed during the event \nPreventing and responding to the international spread of disease while avoiding unnecessary disruption to traffic and trade.\nMobilization of International Economic Support to fight against COVID-19 in African.\nThe current health landscape and related challenges\, while considering the road ahead.\nHow the continent is dealing with the presence of armed conflicts and political instabilities amidst the COVID-19 given that both are economically demanding.\nProvide a comprehensive\, accurate\, country-level overview of how to raise funds to accompany the implementation of WHO and government requirements in order to develop capacities to detect\, monitor and maintain public health capacities and functions.\nThe criteria for funding by African Financial Institutions (case study the African Development Bank) during this pandemic. \nExpectations\nAt the end of this event\, the participants will understand the following: \nThe short\, medium and potential long-term effects of the pandemic on the continent.\nThe role financial institutions in Africa are playing during the pandemic as a whole and potential avenues to explore.\nThe role International Economic Support has played in fighting against COVID-19 in Africa.\nThe impact of COVID-19 on various economic activities such as investments\, production\, distribution\, and international trade. \nDate and Venue\nDate: 14th August 2020\nTime: 3pm Ghana Time / 4pm Cameroon Time\nEvent will be held on ZOOM and streamed live\nPanelists/Speakers \nMr. Charles Boamah \nFormer Senior Vice President at African Development Bank Group \nDr Denis Foretia \nExecutive Chairman – Nkafu Policy Institute and Co-Chair – Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\nParticipants\nThe event will bring together public policy experts\, policy makers at the national\, continental and international levels\, leaders of civil society organizations\, economists\, leaders of NGOs and international organizations. It will be open to the general public with a session for Q&A. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/covid-19-and-african-economies-a-conversation-with-charles-boamah-2/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/A-Conversation-with-Charles-Boamah_lin-1_eng.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200730T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200730T160000
DTSTAMP:20250127T124528Z
CREATED:20230824T084533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T124528Z
UID:10000254-1596117600-1596124800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Assessing Cameroon’s Response To The Covid 19 Pandemic
DESCRIPTION:Theme:  Assessing Cameroon’s Response To The Covid 19 Pandemic \nJuly 30\, 2020\n2PM – 4PM Cameroon time (9AM – 11AM D.C Time)\nBackground\nSince the outbreak of the novel corona virus\, Cameroon has had its own bitter portion of this disease as so many lives have been lost and still counting. As reported by Africa CDC\, Cameroon has had over 380 deaths as of the 26th of July. Like most other countries around the globe the country has been struggling to appropriately respond to the pandemic. The pandemic has affected virtually all sectors of the economy and stands to dramatically exacerbate the current sociopolitical crises. The scientific community continues to make progress in understanding the virulence\, available treatment options and possible vaccine candidates. It is increasingly evident that COVID-19 will be around for a long time\, hence it is imperative for Cameroon to better calibrate re-opening the economy while better controlling spread of new cases.\nObjectives \nEvaluate interventions taken by Government of Cameroon as a response to the pandemic\nDiscuss the challenges the country has faced while responding to the pandemic\nDiscuss the way forward for Cameroon’s growth and development amidst the pandemic and new strategies that policymakers and the executive should put in place \nExpected Results\nThe assessment will yield recommendations which will be used to inform and update the response to the pandemic. It will also highlight possible ways for the country to make progress amidst  this pandemic.\nTime/Venue\n30th July 2020\, + 2pm (GMT + 1)\nEvent will be held on ZOOM and streamed live\nFocus areas \nCameroon’s response to the pandemic\nChallenges in responding to the pandemic\nEffect of the pandemic on Cameroon’s growth and development\nHow Cameroon can ensure its growth and development in the COVID era \n Panelists/Speakers \nDr. Etoudi Mballa George Alain \nDirector of Disease Control\nMinistry of Public Health\, Cameroon \nProf. Charles Wiysonge \nDirector: South African Cochrane Centre\nSouth African Medical Research Council \nProf. Emeritus Rose Gana Fomban Leke \nBiotechnology Center\, University of Yaoundé 1\nQUEEN MOTHER Cameroon Medical Community\nHeroine of Health 2018 \nProf. Mbacham Wilfred \nProfessor of Public Health Biotechnology\nFellow of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences\nFellow of the African Academy of Sciences \nProf. Nsagha Dickson Shey \nAssociate professor of Epidemiology:\nInfectious Diseases of Poverty/NTD\nUniversity of Buea\nModerator \nDr. Gobina Ronald \nPublic Health Fellow\nCoordinator of the Corona Virus Taskforce\nNkafu Policy Institute\nOnline Platform\nThis event will be organized on ZOOM. There will be a Q&A session for participant engagement \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/assessing-cameroons-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Events,Nkafu Policy Institute,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ASSESSING-CAMEROON’S-RESPONSE-TO-THE-COVID-19-PANDEMIC-lin.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Team":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation.org
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