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X-WR-CALNAME:Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260910T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260911T170000
DTSTAMP:20260604T152850
CREATED:20260107T161312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T094945Z
UID:10000407-1789027200-1789146000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum “From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Policy Uptake in Central Africa”
DESCRIPTION:Venue: Hilton Hotel\, Yaoundé\, Cameroon\nDates: 10-11 September 2026\nBook your spot \nBackground\nCentral Africa continues to face persistent development and governance challenges\, including weak institutional capacity\, limited policy implementation\, fragile state structures\, rising inequality\, and gaps between policy design and real-world outcomes. While the region has made progress in generating research and policy-relevant evidence\, a critical challenge remains: the translation of evidence into concrete policy action. \nAs Central African countries pursue the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)\, the effectiveness of public policies increasingly depends not only on the availability of high-quality evidence\, but also on the mechanisms through which evidence is absorbed\, adopted\, and implemented by decision-makers. Think tanks and civil society organizations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in this process by producing policy-relevant research\, facilitating dialogue between stakeholders\, and advocating for evidence-informed decision-making. \nIn line with its mission to promote evidence-based policymaking and accelerate structural transformation in Central Africa\, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum. The Forum will provide a high-level platform to critically examine how research evidence can more effectively inform public policy and how institutional\, political\, and communication barriers to policy uptake can be addressed. \nHeld under the theme « From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Policy Uptake in Central Africa »\, the two-day Forum will convene policymakers\, think tanks\, civil society actors\, development partners\, researchers\, and private sector representatives to explore practical strategies for bridging the gap between research and policy implementation across the region. \nObjectives of the Forum\nThe 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum aims to: \n\nStrengthen Evidence-to-Policy Linkages: Examine how think tanks and CSOs can improve the translation of research findings into actionable public policies and reforms.\nEnhance Policy Uptake Mechanisms: Identify institutional\, political\, and technical factors that influence the adoption and implementation of evidence-based policies in Central Africa.\nPromote Strategic Engagement with Policymakers: Foster constructive dialogue and sustained engagement between researchers\, civil society\, and decision-makers at national and regional levels.\nAdvance Policy Communication and Advocacy: Explore innovative communication tools\, narratives\, and advocacy strategies that increase the accessibility and relevance of policy evidence.\nDeliver Action-Oriented Policy Recommendations: Produce concrete\, context-specific recommendations to strengthen policy uptake\, implementation\, and monitoring across key sectors.\n\nKey Themes and Areas of Discussion\nParticipants will engage around the following thematic areas: \n\nFrom Research to Reform: Understanding policy uptake in Central Africa by analysing why evidence often fails to inform policy decisions and identifying pathways to enhance research utilization in policymaking.\nThe Role of Think Tanks and CSOs in Policy Influence: Examining how think tanks and civil society can position themselves as trusted policy advisors and implementation partners.\nInstitutional Capacity and Political Economy of Policy Implementation: Exploring how governance structures\, incentives\, and political dynamics shape the adoption of evidence-based policies.\nData\, Monitoring\, and Learning for Policy Impact: Highlighting the role of data systems\, evaluation\, and learning mechanisms in tracking policy effectiveness and informing adjustments.\nRegional Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing: Discussing how regional platforms\, including ECCAS and AfCFTA-related processes\, can facilitate cross-country learning and policy diffusion.\n\nFormat of the Forum\nThe Forum will be held over two days and will include: \n\nKeynote Addresses: High-level keynote speeches by senior policymakers\, regional leaders\, and development partners to frame the evidence-to-action agenda.\nPanel Discussions: Interactive panels featuring experts\, policymakers\, and practitioners discussing real-world experiences with policy uptake.\nBreakout Sessions: Thematic group sessions allowing participants to engage deeply on sector-specific and cross-cutting challenges.\nPolicy Roundtables: Closed and semi-closed roundtables bringing together decision-makers and think tanks to co-develop actionable solutions.\n\nExpected Outcomes\nThe 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum is expected to achieve the following outcomes: \n\nImproved Policy Uptake Capacity: Enhanced ability of think tanks and CSOs to design research outputs that respond directly to policymaker needs.\nStronger Research–Policy Networks: Deepened collaboration between researchers\, civil society\, governments\, and regional institutions.\nActionable Policy Frameworks: Practical recommendations and tools to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking and implementation.\nGreater Visibility of Evidence-Based PolicyApproaches: Increased recognition of the value of research and data in improving governance and development outcomes.\n\nTarget Audience\nThe Forum targets: \n\nPolicymakers and senior government officials from Central African countries\nLeaders of regional and international organizations\nThink tanks and civil society organizations from Central Africa\nResearchers\, academics\, and policy experts\nInternational development partners and donors\nPrivate sector stakeholders engaged in policy and development initiatives\n\nSponsorship and Partnerships\nThe Nkafu Policy Institute seeks strategic partnerships and sponsorships from governments\, international development partners\, regional organizations\, and private sector actors. These partnerships will be essential to ensuring the quality\, inclusiveness\, and impact of the 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum. \nConclusion\nThe 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum offers a critical opportunity to move beyond policy design toward effective policy action. By focusing on the mechanisms that enable evidence to inform decisions and drive implementation\, the Forum will contribute to more responsive\, accountable and impactful public policies in Central Africa. The Nkafu Policy Institute invites all stakeholders committed to evidence-based development to join this important initiative. \nContacts\nFor inquiries related to the organization of the Forum\, please contact:\nDr. Ahmed Salim Vessah: Policy Analyst-Economic Affairs Division\, Nkafu Policy Institute\, Email: svessah@foretiafoundation.org.\nMr. Sperry Atam Sab: Finance and Operations Manager – Nkafu Policy Institute\, Email: satam@foretiafoundation.org. \nEvent Details \n\nVenue: Hilton Hotel\, Yaoundé\, Cameroon\nDates: 10-11 September 2026\nLanguages: English and French (simultaneous interpretation provided)\n\nBook your spot
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/2026-central-africa-think-tank-forum-from-evidence-to-action-strengthening-policy-uptake-in-central-africa/
LOCATION:Hilton Hotel\, Yaounde\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_800X800.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261007T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261007T160000
DTSTAMP:20260604T152850
CREATED:20260109T153558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T124423Z
UID:10000409-1791385200-1791388800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Agro-Industrial Value Chains and AfCFTA: Unlocking Competitive Industries in Central Africa
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, October 7\, 2026\nTime: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)\nVenue: Zoom Online (Register Now) \nBackground and Rationale \nAgriculture remains central to livelihoods and economic activity across Central Africa\, yet the region continues to capture limited value from its agricultural output. Primary commodities are often exported with minimal processing\, leaving countries vulnerable to price volatility\, external shocks\, and persistent trade deficits. At the same time\, Central Africa faces pressing challenges of job creation\, industrial diversification\, and regional market integration. \nThe African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity to reverse these trends by enabling scale\, reducing trade barriers\, and fostering regional value chains. For Central Africa\, AfCFTA can serve as a catalyst for agro-industrialization\, linking farms to processing\, manufacturing\, logistics\, and regional markets. By shifting from raw material exports to competitive agro-industries\, countries can increase value addition\, stimulate private investment\, and generate decent jobs—particularly for youth and women. \nHowever\, realizing this potential is not automatic. Structural constraints persist\, including weak transport and energy infrastructure\, limited access to finance\, fragmented standards and regulations\, skills gaps\, and uneven policy implementation. Effective agro-industrial development under AfCFTA will therefore require coherent industrial policy\, targeted investments\, and stronger coordination among governments\, the private sector\, regional economic communities\, and development partners. \nThis webinar seeks to examine how Central African countries can strategically leverage AfCFTA to strengthen agro-industrial value chains\, enhance competitiveness\, and accelerate structural transformation. \nObjectives of the Webinar \nThe webinar aims to: \n\nExamine the current state of agro-industrial value chains in Central Africa and their role in economic transformation.\nAnalyze how AfCFTA can enable scale\, market access\, and competitiveness for agro-industrial products.\nIdentify policy\, infrastructure\, and financing constraints limiting value-chain upgrading.\nExplore industrial policy options and private-sector strategies to strengthen agro-processing and manufacturing.\nFoster dialogue among policymakers\, investors\, researchers\, and practitioners on actionable pathways forward.\n\nTarget Audience \n\nPolicymakers and regulators in trade\, agriculture\, and industry\nAgribusinesses\, SMEs\, and private investors\nDevelopment partners and financial institutions\nThink tank researchers and academics\nCivil society and producer organizations\nStudents and practitioners interested in regional integration and industrialization\n\nExpected Outcomes \nBy the end of the webinar\, participants are expected to: \n\nGain a clearer understanding of how AfCFTA can support agro-industrial transformation in Central Africa.\nIdentify priority value chains and policy bottlenecks limiting competitiveness.\nLearn from comparative experiences and practical approaches to value-chain upgrading.\nStrengthen networks among public\, private\, and regional actors.\nContribute to evidence-informed dialogue on industrial policy and regional integration.\n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a leading independent African policy research institution with vision to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation. It drives Africa’s prosperity through evidence-informed policymaking\, enabling all citizens to thrive in free\, fair\, democratic\, and flourishing economies. Through rigorous analysis\, high-impact publications\, and inclusive dialogue\, Nkafu promotes practical reforms that strengthen governance and enhance Africa’s development trajectory. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/agro-industrial-value-chains-and-afcfta-unlocking-competitive-industries-in-central-africa/
LOCATION:Zoom Online\, Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,IMPACT,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/October-7.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261124T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261124T160000
DTSTAMP:20260604T152850
CREATED:20251231T095618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T124413Z
UID:10000403-1795532400-1795536000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:The Governance Landscape in Central Africa: Actors\, Authority\, and Accountability
DESCRIPTION:Date: Tuesday\, November 24\, 2026\nTime: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)\nVenue: Zoom Online (Register now) \nBackground and Rationale \nGovernance outcomes in Central Africa are shaped by a complex ecosystem of actors that extend well beyond formal state institutions. Executive power\, security establishments\, political parties\, traditional authorities\, business elites\, civil society organizations\, religious institutions\, and external partners all influence how authority is exercised and how public decisions are made. Understanding this governance landscape is essential for advancing democratic accountability\, policy reform\, and inclusive development in the region. \nAcross Central Africa\, highly centralized political systems coexist with informal power structures and weak accountability mechanisms. While constitutions and legal frameworks often articulate principles of separation of powers and citizen oversight\, the practical operation of governance frequently reflects asymmetries of power\, limited institutional checks\, and constrained civic space. These dynamics affect public service delivery\, economic management\, security governance\, and public trust in state institutions. \nFor think tanks\, civil society actors\, development partners\, and reform-minded policymakers\, engaging effectively in this environment requires a clear understanding of who holds authority\, how decisions are influenced\, and where leverage points for accountability and reform exist. This webinar seeks to unpack these dynamics by examining governance actors\, formal and informal power relationships\, and accountability pathways across Central Africa. \nObjectives of the Webinar \nThe webinar aims to: \n\nMap key actors shaping governance and decision-making in Central Africa.\nExamine how authority is exercised across formal institutions and informal power networks.\nAnalyze the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms\, including parliaments\, courts\, civil society\, and the media.\nIdentify leverage points for strengthening governance reform and policy influence.\nFoster informed dialogue among policymakers\, researchers\, civil society\, and development partners.\n\nTarget Audience \n\nPolicymakers and public officials\nThink tank researchers and analysts\nCivil society and advocacy organizations\nDevelopment partners and donors\nAcademics\, students\, and media professionals\nPractitioners interested in governance reform and policy influence\n\nExpected Outcomes \nBy the end of the webinar\, participants are expected to: \n\nGain a clearer understanding of governance actors and power dynamics in Central Africa.\nIdentify gaps and opportunities in accountability mechanisms.\nDevelop more informed strategies for policy engagement and reform advocacy.\nStrengthen networks among governance actors across the region.\nContribute to Nkafu’s broader work on governance\, democracy\, and policy uptake in Central Africa.\n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a leading independent African policy research institution with vision to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation. It drives Africa’s prosperity through evidence-informed policymaking\, enabling all citizens to thrive in free\, fair\, democratic\, and flourishing economies. Through rigorous analysis\, high-impact publications\, and inclusive dialogue\, Nkafu promotes practical reforms that strengthen governance and enhance Africa’s development trajectory. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/the-governance-landscape-in-central-africa-actors-authority-and-accountability/
LOCATION:Zoom Online\, Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,SCATT-BRIDGE,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/November-24.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261202T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261202T160000
DTSTAMP:20260604T152850
CREATED:20260107T082633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T123717Z
UID:10000405-1796223600-1796227200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Bridging the Digital Divide – Technology\, AI and the Future of Work in Central Africa
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, December 2\, 2026\nTime: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)\nVenue: Zoom Online (Register now) \nBackground and Rationale \nDigital technologies—and increasingly artificial intelligence (AI)—are transforming labor markets worldwide. Automation\, machine learning\, digital platforms\, and data-driven systems are reshaping how work is organized\, which skills are demanded\, and how productivity gains are distributed. For many economies\, these technologies are becoming central to competitiveness\, innovation\, and long-term growth. \nIn Central Africa\, the potential of digitalization and AI remains unevenly realized. While mobile technologies and digital services have expanded\, especially in urban centers\, deep digital divides persist across geography\, gender\, education levels\, and firm size. Limited broadband infrastructure\, high connectivity costs\, weak digital ecosystems\, and gaps in advanced digital and AI-related skills constrain the region’s ability to fully participate in the digital economy. \nThe rapid emergence of AI raises both opportunities and risks for Central Africa’s labor markets. On one hand\, AI-enabled tools can improve productivity\, enable new forms of work\, support entrepreneurship\, and expand access to markets and services. On the other hand\, without deliberate policy choices\, AI and automation risk reinforcing informality\, displacing vulnerable workers\, and widening inequalities between those with digital skills and those without. \nThese dynamics are unfolding amid high youth unemployment\, rapid demographic growth\, and a labor market dominated by informality. The central policy challenge is therefore not whether technology and AI will shape the future of work in Central Africa—but how governments\, the private sector\, and development partners can ensure that this transformation is inclusive\, job-creating\, and aligned with decent work principles. \nThis webinar will provide a platform for evidence-informed dialogue on how Central Africa can bridge digital divides\, build AI-ready skills\, and harness technology to support productive employment and shared prosperity. \nObjectives of the Webinar \nThe webinar aims to: \n\nExamine the nature of digital and AI-related divides in Central Africa and their implications for work.\nAssess how digital technologies and AI are reshaping employment\, productivity\, and informality.\nExplore the risks and opportunities of AI adoption for youth and women in the labor market.\nIdentify policy\, regulatory\, and investment priorities to support inclusive digital and AI-driven economies.\nPromote dialogue on aligning technology and AI strategies with skills development and decent work.\n\nTarget Audience \n\nPolicymakers and regulators\nTechnology firms and private-sector leaders\nDevelopment partners and donors\nThink tank researchers and academics\nCivil society organizations\nYouth\, students\, and workforce development practitioners\n\nExpected Outcomes \nBy the end of the webinar\, participants are expected to: \n\nGain a clearer understanding of how technology and AI are shaping the future of work in Central Africa.\nIdentify key digital and AI-related barriers to inclusive employment.\nUnderstand priority policy and investment actions needed to bridge digital divides.\nStrengthen networks among stakeholders working on digitalization\, AI\, and jobs.\nContribute to evidence-informed policy dialogue on inclusive digital and AI transitions.\n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a leading independent African policy research institution with vision to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation. It drives Africa’s prosperity through evidence-informed policymaking\, enabling all citizens to thrive in free\, fair\, democratic\, and flourishing economies. Through rigorous analysis\, high-impact publications\, and inclusive dialogue\, Nkafu promotes practical reforms that strengthen governance and enhance Africa’s development trajectory. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/bridging-the-digital-divide-technology-ai-and-the-future-of-work-in-central-africa/
LOCATION:Zoom Online\, Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,IMPACT,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/December-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
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