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X-WR-CALNAME:Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250403T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250403T160000
DTSTAMP:20260627T034935
CREATED:20250320T112041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T112156Z
UID:10000387-1743688800-1743696000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Stakeholder Meeting and Media Briefing: Advancing Inclusive Health Insurance for the underserved
DESCRIPTION:Project: Expanding Private Health Insurance in Cameroon\nTheme: “Advancing Inclusive Health Insurance for the underserved”\nDate: Thursday 3rd April 2025\nTime: 2:00pm – 4:00pm\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\, Cameroon \n\nBackground \nCameroon faces significant challenges in making health care services available and accessible to all without financial hardship\, one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages). Despite efforts made by the government in financing access to healthcare\, a significant portion of the population (66.92%) [1]\, still rely on out-of-pocket payments for health services\, often leading to financial catastrophes during times of sickness. \nPrivate health insurance has the potential to bridge the healthcare gap in Cameroon\, offering financial protection to subscribers and preventing catastrophic health expenditures. However\, health insurance is often perceived as unaffordable and inaccessible especially for the poor – the average income for about 23% of the population is only $2.15 per person per day [2] – leading to low coverage. Developing strategies to reduce barriers to accessing health insurance is thus a critical step in the national dynamic towards Universal Health Coverage (target 8 of SDG 3). \nWithin the framework of the project “Expanding Private Health Insurance in Cameroon” funded by Atlas Network\, the Nkafu Policy Institute has established the Cameroon Health Insurance Working Group (CHIWG)\, gathering experts from the insurance market\, civil society\, Ministry of Public health\, as well as researchers and medical practitioners to discuss strategies to increase access to health insurance by ensuring availability of inclusive offers targeting the underprivileged. The aim of this stakeholder meeting and media briefing\, is to share recommendations from the Cameroon health Insurance Working Group and discuss practical steps to move from strategy to action. \nGeneral objective \nTo present the recommendations of the Cameroon Health Insurance Working Group and facilitate discussions on actionable steps for implementing inclusive health insurance solutions. \nSpecific objectives \n\nTo share key findings and recommendations from the Cameroon Health Insurance Working Group with stakeholders and the media.\nTo engage stakeholders in discussions on practical strategies for transitioning from policy recommendations to implementation.\nTo strengthen collaboration and commitment among policymakers\, insurers\, and development partners to advance inclusive health insurance solutions.\n\nExpected Outputs \nThe expected outputs are: \n\nIncreased awareness among stakeholders about the key recommendations of the Cameroon Health Insurance Working Group and their implications for improving inclusive health insurance.\nA documented summary of stakeholder discussions and proposed action steps for implementing inclusive health insurance solutions.\nCommitments and strengthened collaboration established among policymakers\, insurers\, and Ministry of Public Health to advance implementation efforts.\n\nTargeted Audience \nThis event is intended for policy makers\, insurance providers\, government officials\, public health professionals\, civil society organizations\, healthcare users and media bodies. \nVenue \nThe event will take place onsite at Mansel Hotel (Yaoundé).
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/stakeholder-meeting-and-media-briefing/
LOCATION:Muna Foundation\, Yaounde\, Centre\, 00237\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:EPHI,Event,Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250423T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250423T160000
DTSTAMP:20260627T034935
CREATED:20250319T101524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T075340Z
UID:10000386-1745420400-1745424000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Driving Impact and Sustainability in the Governance and Democratic Ecosystem\, role of Central African Think Tanks
DESCRIPTION:Venue :  Zoom Online (Register now)\nDate: April 23rd 2025\nTime: 03:00 pm -04:00 pm \n\nContext\n\nThe Central African region faces significant governance and democratic challenges\, including weak institutions\, limited civic engagement\, and inadequate policy frameworks. Think tanks\, as independent research and analysis organizations\, have a critical role to play in driving impact and sustainability in the governance and democratic ecosystem (1). The prevalence and rising trend of authoritarianism are significant challenges confronting many Francophone African countries (2). Many French speaking countries such as Gabon\, Chad\, Mali\, Burkina Faso\, Niger and even Cameroon have either undone or reversed democratic gains accrued in the past and this is evident in recurrent coups within the last few years. Furthermore\, the concentration of power in the hands of unaccountable autocrats\, an act which undermines democracy\, good governance and sustainable development is prevalent in the sub-region.  In response to this trend\, governance and democracy think tanks have a role to play in spotlighting democratic principles that promote effective governance and fundamental human rights. This webinar will expound on what think tanks could do to reinforce democratic institutions\, while pushing for necessary policy reforms. \n\nObjectives\n\nThe main objective of this webinar is to explore the potential of Central African think tanks in driving impact and sustainability in the governance and democratic ecosystem\, and to identify opportunities for collaboration and support. \nSpecific Objectives: \n\nTo assess the current state of think tanks in Central Africa and their role in governance and democracy.\nTo examine the challenges and opportunities facing think tanks in driving impact and sustainability.\nTo identify best practices and innovative approaches for think tanks to promote democratic governance.\nTo foster collaboration and networking among Central African think tanks.\n\n\nTarget Audience\n\n\nThe event targets leaders and representatives of think tanks and CSOs in (Francophone) Africa\, policy researchers\, analysts\, and academics\, donor agencies\, and international organizations supporting governance and civil society in the region.\nThe webinar also targets government officials and policy-makers interested in governance\, conflict resolution\, and civil society engagement\, and media professionals covering socio-political issues in Francophone Africa.\n\n      4. Expected Outcome of the event \n\nEnhanced capacity of Central African think tanks to drive governance and democratic reforms.\nImproved policy research and analysis informing governance decisions.\nIncreased advocacy and influence of think tanks on governance and democracy issues.\nStrengthened partnerships among think tanks\, governments\, and civil society in Central Africa.\nSustainable funding models for think tanks.\n\n     5. Event Format \nThe event will take place online\, via zoom with moderated panel discussions by experts and will be streamed live on Foretia Foundation’s Facebook page. \n    6. Event date and Time \nApril 23rd 2025 \, from 3pm to 4pm WAT \n    7. Contacts \nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54) \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/driving-impact-and-sustainability-in-the-governance-and-democratic-ecosystem-role-of-central-african-think-tanks/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Nkafu Policy Institute,webinar
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ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250429T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250429T080000
DTSTAMP:20260627T034935
CREATED:20250128T110840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T083017Z
UID:10000381-1745913600-1745913600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:2025 SBEC National Forum
DESCRIPTION:Date : April 29 & 30\, 2025\nVenue : Djeuga Palaca Hotel\, Yaoundé-Cameroon \nRegister Now \nBackground \n Cameroon\, like much of Sub-Saharan Africa\, faces a rapidly growing population of youth and women aspiring to participate in economic growth through entrepreneurship. Female entrepreneurs represent 24% of Africa’s workforce\, with the continent boasting the highest percentage of female entrepreneurship globally\, surpassing regions like Southeast Asia and Europe. Despite this\, Cameroon\, ranked third in Africa for female entrepreneurship\, faces numerous challenges preventing the full realization of youth and women-led businesses’ potential. \nCurrently\, a very large proportion of Cameroon’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate in the informal sector\, with only 12% formally registered. Major obstacles—such as limited access to finance\, inadequate business planning\, a challenging tax structure\, and weak infrastructure—stifle the growth of women and youth-led enterprises. In addition\, public sector job creation has been unable to keep pace with the growing population\, particularly among the youth\, further pushing the need for private sector growth through entrepreneurship. \nRecognizing the critical role women and youth entrepreneurship will play in Cameroon’s economic future\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the 2025 SBEC Forum under the theme: “Scaling Up: Expanding Youth and Women-Led SMEs in Cameroon.” This forum seeks to foster discussions on how to scale up SMEs\, particularly those led by women and youth\, to drive inclusive economic development. \nObjectives  \nThe 2025 SBEC Forum aims to catalyze the expansion of youth and women-led SMEs in Cameroon by creating a supportive ecosystem that addresses existing challenges and promotes sustainable business practices. The specific objectives are: \n\nAssess the effectiveness of current policies that support women and youth entrepreneurship in Cameroon.\nAdvocate for policy reforms that create a robust and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem for women and youth.\nPromote public-private partnerships to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem and stimulate inclusive economic growth.\nRecommend policy solutions to improve access to finance\, streamline the tax burden\, and increase formalization of SMEs in Cameroon.\n\nThematic Areas  \nDiscussions during the forum will focus on the following key areas: \n\nEducation and Entrepreneurship: Strengthening the educational system to instill entrepreneurial skills and long-term entrepreneurial thinking among youth.\nFinancial Inclusion: The role of microfinance institutions and other financial entities in expanding access to funding for youth and women-led SMEs.\nPublic-Private Partnerships: Enhancing collaboration between public institutions and private entities to build a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.\nPromoting “Made in Cameroon”: Exploring how large distribution chains can support the growth and visibility of locally produced goods from women and youth-led enterprises.\n\n\nInfrastructure and Competitiveness: Examining the role of government infrastructure policies in improving the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs.\n\nTarget Audience  \n The 2025 SBEC Forum will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders\, including: \n\nPublic and Private SME Support Structures \nCivil Society Organizations \nPolicymakers from relevant government ministries such as the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MINPMEESA)\, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC)\, Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF)\, and others.\nEntrepreneurs and Cooperatives: Focus on women and youth-led businesses.\nFinancial Institutions: Including banks\, microfinance institutions\, and investment agencies.\nInternational Organizations: Engaged in cooperation and development.\nBusiness Consulting Firms: Offering expertise on scaling SMEs.\nPublic-Private Enterprises \nThe General Public: Interested in entrepreneurship and SME development.\n\nFormat of the Forum  \n The 2025 SBEC Forum will be held in-person. The program will include: \n\nBreakout Sessions: Focused discussions on thematic areas.\nPanel Discussions: Expert panels featuring government officials\, entrepreneurs\, financial experts\, and international development partners.\nExhibitions: Showcase of products and services from youth and women-led SMEs.\nAwards Ceremony: Recognition of outstanding performers in the SBEC network for innovation and business growth.\n\nVenue and Date  \n The Forum will be held from April 29 to 30\, 2025 in Yaoundé\, Cameroon. It will be held in English and French\, with simultaneous interpretation. \nPartners and Supporters  \nThe 2025 SBEC Forum is made possible by generous support from the Rising Tide Foundation\, the John Templeton Foundation\, the Atlas Network and the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. To support this initiative\, please send email to sbec@foretiafoundation.org \nContacts  \n Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to: \nMs Sylvia Namondo  \nInterim Director\, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC)  \nDirector of Operations\,  \nDenis and Lenora Foretia Foundation \nsbec@foretiafoundation.org        P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 \nwww.foretiafoundation.org
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/2025-sbec-national-forum/
LOCATION:Djeuga Palace Hotel\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SBEC-Save-the-Date-eng-03.png
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