Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation

Nkafu Debate : Reducing Gender Inequality in Central Africa Requires a Change of Mindsets
2024-10-11 14:00 - 16:30 UTC | Muna Foundation, Yaounde, Centre, 00237, Cameroon
Date: October 11, 2024Time: 02:00 pm-04:30 pm
Venue: Muna Foundation (Register now)
Download Concept note & Program
Background
When talking about gender inequality in ECCAS, the focus is primarily on women, for there are still many aspects of socioeconomic and political life that hinder women’s empowerment. Africa has made tremendous progress in developing progressive laws, policies, and institutions that foster gender equality and protect women’s rights [1]. However, it has been observed that there is a general laxity in implementing these laws [2]. The progress in the legal reforms is usually slow, inconsistent, and lacks the necessary political boost. One of the key aspects hindering gender equality is the dominant patriarchal system of households, which generates discrimination. A recent study covering twenty African countries reveals gender discrimination in marriage, divorce, property rights, and custody [3]. The discrimination, continues the report, is institutionalized in the legal system and customary and patriarchal laws in ECCAS countries, including Cameroon [4, 5]. Admittedly, laws, institutions, and policies that aim at gender equality should ideally mitigate and eliminate constraints that disfavor women as members of society. At the center of this debate is the question of effective implementation of the law when it concerns gender inequality, but more precisely, how mindsets or poor application of the law perpetuates gender inequalities. Has the law been effective at mitigating or eliminating gender inequalities in terms of women’s quality education, women’s control over productive resources, reduction of gender-based violence, and giving women control over their bodies and reproductive decisions? In this light, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Fondation Denis et Lenora Foretia, is organizing a public debate on the theme “Reducing Gender Inequality in Central Africa Requires a Change of Mindsets.” The debate aims to explore these issues in greater depth, discuss the challenges, and propose solutions for effective implementation of laws to address gender disparities for progress in Central Africa.
Format of the debate
The structure of the 90-minute debate is as follows:
The debate panel will consist of two (2) experts. One will argue for the proposal, and the other will argue against it. The moderator will give opening remarks and inform the audience about the matter on the ground. One debater will focus on the effect of poor implementation of laws on promoting gender inequalities, while the second will discuss other factors that substantially impact gender inequalities. This will take 5 minutes. He or she will proceed by inviting the debaters to the stage. Debaters will have 10 minutes for their opening remarks. The next 40 minutes will be devoted to moderated discussions, with each team having 3 minutes to respond. Twenty (20) minutes will be devoted to questions from the audience, and each debater will have 2 minutes for the closing speech.
The entire debate will be video recorded and broadcast live on the social media platforms of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. During the debate, the panelists will have to defend their point of view with facts, statistics, and experience. No presentations (e.g., PowerPoint) will be allowed. Panelists are also expected to give interviews to the media after the debate and to share a meal with the team.
Expected results
Increased awareness and deeper understanding of participants on the importance of effective implementation of gender equality laws in ECCAS for achieving sustainable development and social justice in Central Africa, as well as concrete recommendations for improving the implementation of gender equality laws in ECCAS, which can be used to inform policy decisions and guide future interventions.
Target audience
The debate targets more than 50 participants from various fields of expertise and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Participants include politicians, decision-makers, think tank leaders, humanitarian organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics and researchers, students, and civil society actors. Participation is free of charge. Thanks to financial support from its partner, the Open Society Foundation (OSF-Africa).
Logistic
The debate is an onsite activity and will be held in French with English interpretation. It will be live streamed on the Foretia Foundation social media platforms.
Contact
Email: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54.

SMEs flagship training – Yaounde
2024-10-17 09:00 - 2024-10-18 15:00 UTC | Hotel GUIKO Palace, Montée Chapelle Obili, Yaoundé, Centre, 00237, Cameroon
Venue : Guiko Palace Hotel- Yaounde (REGISTER NOW)Date : 17 & 18 Oct. 2024
Time : 09:00 am to 03:00 pm

Background
In Cameroon, 80% of the businesses created die before their first 5 years of existence. Moreover, most of them remain in the informal sector. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics, about 90% of the labor force in Cameroon remains trapped in this sector. Women and youth are the most represented in this sector, due to a number of challenges they still face. In the agricultural sector, for example, Cameroonian women represent 71.6% of workers in the informal agricultural sector. Unfortunately, almost 52% of them still live below the poverty line and 79.2% of them are underemployed. This underemployment rate is estimated at 70% for youth. To address all the root causes of SME underperformance and access to employment in Cameroon, foster economic freedom, and empower both women and youth in the country, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers a comprehensive training program for young entrepreneurs for a period of 6 months to enable them to acquire viable skills in management and business, regulatory processes, finance and other capabilities necessary for overall improvement.
Objective
The main objective of this SME flagship business management training, is to assist businesses establish a comprehensive small business strategy and grow. Specifically, it will be a matter of:
Supporting SMEs in the process of developing and delivering a comprehensive and complete business plan.
Guiding SMEs in the establishment of an effective and efficient leadership.
Ensuring that all SMEs in the informal sector smoothly move to the formal sector.
Empowering SMEs to develop and implement an effective and autonomous business management system.
Equipping SMEs with up-to-date, affordable marketing and sales strategies adapted to their sector of activity and level of development.
Educating entrepreneurs on accounting practices and financial models adapted to their activities.
Equipping SMEs with the means to recruit and manage the required HR for their business and adapted to their level of development.
Showing SMEs, the fundamental role of technology and innovation for business development.
Target audience
The training program is open to business owners/entrepreneurs, Business managers, especially women and youth.
Outcome of the event
At the end of the training program there should be positive shift in the knowledge and application of the various modules in small businesses.
Location of the Training
The training shall take place in Yaounde, Guiko Palace Hotel.
For more information, please contact us at:
Email: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54
Register now

Migrations and Women Empowerment in Central Africa: Facts and Figures
2024-10-23 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: October 23, 2024Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00pm (GMT+1)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Background
Migration in Africa is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including conflict, economic opportunities, and social dynamics. It has seen a notable increase, with the number of migrants rising from 17.2 million in 2010 to 26.3 million in 2019, with women making up about 45% of this total (1). In Central Africa, migrations have been shaped by colonial legacies and socio-political upheavals. The movement of Bantu-speaking peoples, Portuguese traders, and later labor migrants during the colonial period set the stage for contemporary migration dynamics. During the transatlantic slave trade, ports in Angola were pivotal, with nearly three million people forcibly transported to the Americas from Luanda alone (2).
In conflict-affected regions, migration is often a survival strategy. Women, for instance, migrate not only for safety but also in search of better economic opportunities, often becoming the primary breadwinners for their families. Those who constitute a significant portion of migrants experience unique challenges such as triple discrimination from gender, race, nationality, health vulnerability, poor working conditions, and economic exploitation during their migration journeys. With this in mind, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, is organizing a conversation on the theme “Migrations and Women Empowerment in Central Africa: Facts and Figures.”
2. Objectives
The main objective of this conversation is to address the challenges faced by women migrants while promoting their rights and opportunities for empowerment. More specifically, it will be a matter of;
Discussing strategies to protect the rights of women migrants especially when it comes to human trafficking, access to health care and protection against violence and harassment.
Exploring ways to empower women migrants economically.
Understanding migration trends and analyzing the increasing trend of women migrating within and beyond Central Africa in search of equality, economic opportunities, and autonomy.
Providing actionable insights to inform policy decisions and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in central Africa.
3. Target audience
The event targets; policymakers, government officials, civil society organizations, international organizations; academics and researchers; media representatives.
4. Expected outcome of the event
Participants will identify specific vulnerabilities faced by women migrants, and the need for gender-responsive policies that address the unique challenges women face, resulting in actionable recommendations to enhance women’s rights and socio-economic conditions in Central Africa.
Contact details
Email: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
REGISTER NOW

Private Health Insurance as a potentiator of Universal Health Coverage
2024-10-30 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: Wednesday October 30th, 2024Time: 3:00pm -4:00pm
Venue: Zoom, Online (Register now)
Background
Health insurance is a form of financial protection that is effective in the event of an unexpected illness, as it allows healthcare users to access quality health services when and wherever they need it with minimal financial setbacks. In a population of over 25 million, in Cameroon, only 6.46% of Cameroonians had a form of social health protection [1] leaving nonsubscribers to spend exponentially in order to access healthcare services. Cameroon, alongside other nations are working towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) [2] as per the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda. Committed to achieve this, the Cameroonian government launched the Phase I of UHC in April 2023, effective in 5 of the 10 regions with the package for pregnant women and children expanded to the South West and North West region of Cameroon. With the numerous private health insurance companies in the country subscription rate remain low. This highlights the need for effective health insurance systems to facilitate broader access to healthcare services.
Objectives
The overall objective is to highlight the role health insurance plays in facilitating and enabling access to quality, and timely healthcare services whenever needed.
More specifically:
Discuss the Current State of Health Insurance: Analyze the existing health insurance landscape in Cameroon, including challenges and opportunities.
Highlight Successful Models: Present successful health insurance models from other countries African countries that could be adapted to the Cameroonian context.
Identify Barriers to Access: Examine barriers that prevent citizens from enrolling in health insurance programs and accessing UHC.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outputs are:
Increased awareness of the importance of health insurance in achieving UHC in Cameroon.
Identification of actionable strategies to enhance health insurance coverage.
Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to address barriers to access.
Development of a roadmap for future initiatives aimed at improving health financing mechanisms.
Targeted Audience
This webinar is intended for the health insurance providers, policymakers, government officials, public health professionals, public health researchers, health economists, community leaders, health advocates, and the general public
Venue
This webinar will take place on Zoom platform and will be aired on Facebook live.
Proposed Panelists/Moderator
Noudji Simon, MD, MPH, Head of Communication, marketing and promotion, UHC
Item Gustave, Branch Manager AXA Assurance
Mildred Njamnsi, Resource Mobiliser North West Special Fund for Health
Moderator:
Dr Odette Kibu, Senior Policy Analyst Nkafu Policy Institute
REGISTER NOW

Advancing Global Surgery Research in Ethiopia: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward
2024-11-15 15:00 - 16:30 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: Friday, November 15, 2024Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm (CAT/GMT+1) / 5:00-6:30pm (EAT/GMT+3)
Venue: Zoom, online (REGISTER NOW)
Background
Global surgery, once regarded as a neglected stepchild of global health, has gained increasing recognition as countries strive to strengthen their health systems. Surgical care is now widely acknowledged as an essential component of universal health coverage. According to estimates, a staggering 5 billion people worldwide lack access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical and anesthesia care. This disparity is even more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where 9 in 10 individuals are unable to receive the surgical care they need. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery highlighted in its landmark 2015 report that investing in surgery could avert millions of deaths globally and that surgery is a cost-effective public health intervention.
Ethiopia has been at the forefront of this movement. In 2015, the country became one of the early adopters of a National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) called “Saving Lives Through Safe Surgery” (SaLTS). This initiative aimed to address the significant gaps in surgical care by focusing on increasing access, improving quality, and enhancing infrastructure for surgical services. Through SaLTS, Ethiopia sought to reduce the unmet need for surgical care and integrate surgery into its broader health system strengthening efforts.
Research has played a pivotal role in this journey. It has been crucial in identifying the key challenges in global surgery, such as workforce shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and financial barriers. In Ethiopia, research efforts can help tailor the SaLTS program to address context-specific challenges, such as the uneven distribution of surgical care between urban and rural areas and the scarcity of trained surgical professionals. Studies conducted within the country have shed light on the availability of surgical services at different levels of the healthcare system, leading to targeted interventions to improve surgical capacity in underserved regions. This has not only strengthened Ethiopia’s surgical system but also contributed to the global body of knowledge on how to effectively scale up surgical care in resource-limited settings. In addition to strengthening healthcare systems, global surgery research has significant implications for health equity by highlighting the need for accessible surgical care to vulnerable populations who are often left behind in broader health initiatives. By addressing these inequities, countries like Ethiopia are contributing to the global goal of achieving health for all.
Objectives
The webinar will convene key stakeholders to evaluate the current state of global surgery research in Ethiopia. The session will aims to:
Outline and review ongoing research activities in the field of global surgery within Ethiopia.
Identify and analyze the challenges and barriers impacting global surgery research.
Discuss and strategize potential opportunities for advancing research efforts.
Facilitate contributions from each participant to ensure a comprehensive and multi-perspective understanding of the subject matter.
Targeted Audience
This webinar is designed for healthcare professionals, global health leaders, policymakers, researchers, public health specialists, students, and anyone from the global surgery and research community with an interest in Ethiopia..
Venue
This discussion will be an online event hosted on the Zoom platform and broadcasted on Facebook.
Expected outputs
– Enhanced understanding of the state of global surgery research in Ethiopia.
– Identification of key challenges and opportunities for improvement.
– Strategic recommendations for advancing research and policy.

Optimizing Social Media for Increased Visibility and Networking
2024-11-20 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024Time: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Venue: Online Zoom (Register Now)
Background
Social media are currently the fastest and most effective ways of disseminating information across various fields (Chan et al., 2020; Lamidi & Gana, 2014). In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, think tanks and organizations must fully utilize new technologies and adapt to trends in communication to remain relevant and impactful. The ability to engage audiences, influence policy discussions and agenda as well as drive change is increasingly tied to how well these institutions leverage digital platforms.
During the first and second editions of the Central Africa Think Tank Forum and Executive & Strategic Leadership Programs which individually convened in Yaoundé – Cameroon, several communication challenges faced by think tanks in the region were highlighted. These challenges include low visibility due to ineffective social media strategies, lack of dedicated staff or budgets for professional social media management (resulting in inconsistent posting and engagement), weak digital literacy within teams, limited knowledge of the latest tools and trends in social media, and a lack of understanding of the nuances of different social media platforms for tailored content creation.
To address these challenges, the Nkafu Policy Institute is organizing a training session on “Optimizing Social Media for Increased Visibility and Networking.”
Objective
This training aims to equip communications professionals in Central African think tanks with the tools, strategies, and best practices necessary to effectively manage their organizations’ social media presence. By doing so, they can amplify their voices, broaden their audience reach, and strengthen their influence in policy discourse.
Target Audience
Communications professionals from think tanks in the Central African region.
Format
The training will be conducted virtually and will include a series of moderated questions followed by an open Q&A session with the audience. Participants will learn about:
Tailoring content for Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Strategies for maintaining an active social media presence with limited staff and budget
Using data to measure social media impact and refine strategies
Audience engagement techniques
Handling negative feedback on social media
Aligning social media efforts with broader organizational goals and policy objectives.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the training, participants will:
Be equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their think tanks’ social media presence
Have a deeper understanding of how to create and manage engaging social media content
Be able to analyze and adapt social media strategies
Gain insights into fostering meaningful networks and collaborations through social media platforms
Be empowered to overcome communication challenges unique to their think tanks.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact: Ayukmba Nkonghonyor, Senior Communications Manager
Email: Nayukmba@foretiafoundation.org Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54

Restitution Workshop : Status of Existing Startups in Cameroon
2024-11-21 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Mansel Hotel, Quartier-Fouda, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Date: November 21, 2024Time: 10:00 am – 1:00pm (GMT+1)
Venue: Mansel Hotel (Register Now)
Overview
As has been generally observed in recent years, Cameroon has experienced a burgeoning startup ecosystem driven by a young, dynamic population and increasing access to technology. However, despite this potential, startups face numerous challenges, including the lack of a regulatory framework, highlighting the urgent need for a Cameroon Startup Act. To provide an in-depth overview of the situation and offer relevant policy recommendations to policymakers, the Nkafu Policy Institute has released a report titled “Status of Existing Startups in Cameroon.
The restitution workshop to disseminate the findings of this report is scheduled to take place on November 20, 2024. This timely event will serve as a crucial platform for sharing research findings, fostering dialogue, and driving policy action. Specifically, it aims to present the results of the 2024 survey conducted through a questionnaire administered to more than 50 startups in Cameroon.
By uniting key stakeholders and policymakers, including the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cameroon (MINPOSTEL), which regulates startup activities, the Nkafu Policy Institute aims to propose significant reforms for the development of a startup Act in Cameroon. Additionally, it seeks to clarify strategies for engaging policymakers in promoting the implementation of such reforms.
2. Objective
The primary objective of this restitution workshop is to provide a platform stakeholders to discuss the findings of the research. The discussion will focus on proposing reforms to be considered in the Cameroon Startup Act, as well as strategies to engage policymakers in promoting the implementation of this Act.
3. Key Points of the Event
Overview of the Startup Ecosystem:
Current Landscape: Number and Location of Startups Operating in Cameroon
Current Statistics on Gender Representation: Female Founders and Their Challenges
Funding Landscape
Sources of Funding for Startups: Self-funding, family and friends, angel investors, venture capital, and grants.
Challenges in Accessing Funding: Common Barriers Faced by Entrepreneurs
Innovative Financing Solutions: Crowdfunding, Microfinance, and Public-Private Partnerships.
Regulatory Environment
Overview of Current Regulations Affecting Startups: Business Registration, Taxation, and Compliance Requirements.
Discussion on Regulatory Barriers: How Regulations Hinder Startup Growth and Innovation
Skills Development and Human Capital
Training and Education Initiatives: Programs Designed to Enhance Entrepreneurial Skills
The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Preparing for Future Challenges
Infrastructure Challenges and Market Access
Assessment of Current Infrastructure: Internet Access, Logistics, and Transportation.
Insights on Market Dynamics: Challenges in Accessing Local and International Markets and Strategies for Market Entry and Expansion
Competition Analysis: Understanding the Competitive Landscape for Startups.
Support Systems and Networks
The Role of Incubators and Accelerators: An Overview of Existing Support Organizations and Their Impact.
Opportunities for Collaboration: Strengthening Networks among Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Support Organizations.
Best Practices.
4. Target audience
The workshop will engage startup founders, investors, government officials, policymakers, financial institutions, representatives from incubators and accelerators. This diverse group aims to foster collaboration and enhance the startup ecosystem in Cameroon.
5. Expected outcome of the event
Participants will gain insights into the challenges faced by startups, establish valuable connections, and develop effective strategies for improving access to financing. The workshop will foster collaboration among stakeholders, enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and promote sustainable growth in Cameroon.
Contact details
Email: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54

Breaking Barriers: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Francophone Africa’s Peace and Governance Ecosystem
2025-02-26 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date : February 26th 2025
Time : 3:00pm – 4:00pm (WAT)
Venue : Zoom Online (Register Now)
Context
The issue of women’s potential and leadership efficiency remains particularly sensitive in Francophone Africa, encompassing 26 African countries where French is recognized as an official language. While Francophone Africa boasts cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, it faces significant challenges regarding gender equality in leadership roles. Across these countries, no woman serves as head of state, reflecting a deeply entrenched patriarchal structure that limits women’s representation in senior political and decision-making positions.
From a policy perspective, women make up approximately 24% of parliamentarians in Africa, divided into 25% in lower houses and 20% in upper houses. Rwanda stands out with a remarkable 61.3% female parliamentary representation, followed by Senegal (43%), Cameroon (31%), Burkina Faso (11%), and Côte d’Ivoire (15%). However, the majority of Francophone African nations continue to lag in women’s inclusion in peace, security, and governance processes.
The civic space across these countries also reflects significant gender gaps. Women’s participation in peace negotiations, governance processes, and civic engagements remains limited due to structural, cultural, and systemic barriers. Experts agree that the exclusion of women from decision-making processes hinders communities from achieving sustainable peace. During times of conflict, women’s unique vulnerabilities and needs are often overlooked, rendering peace agreements and humanitarian interventions less effective.
Objectives
This webinar seeks to:

Examine thebarriers faced by women in the peace, security, and governance ecosystem of Francophone Africa.
Amplify evidence-basedinsights into the critical roles and contributions of African women in peace and governance processes.
Showcase Africanwomen who are driving meaningful impact across the peace, security, and governance ecosystem.
Advocate for inclusive participation of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes in Francophone Africa.

Expected Outcomes

Increased Awareness:Reflect on the current challenges women face in governance and civic spaces and identify actionable solutions.
Inspiration for Young Women: Highlight successful women leaders who are making a positive impact in peace, security, and governance to inspire the next generation.
PolicyAdvocacy: Encourage policymakers to implement structural reforms to enhance

women’s inclusion and active participation in decision-making processes.
Expected Outputs

RenewedPerspectives: Generate fresh, inclusive ideas around women’s leadership in

peace and governance.

Webinar Report: A comprehensive report with actionable, evidence-based recommendations tailored to foster structural reforms and promote women’s

Target Audience
This webinar is designed for:

Government officials responsible for public policy formulation, implementation, and
Representatives of the AfricanUnion, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs).
Civilsociety leaders and
Developmentpractitioners and international organizations focused on policy
Private sector and media representatives engaged in public-private partnerships and
Publicpolicy
Womenand youth

Event Format
The webinar will be held virtually on Zoom and feature an interactive panel discussion with distinguished experts. It will be streamed live on the Nkafu Policy Institute’s media platforms to reach a broader audience. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English and French to ensure inclusivity.
Event Date
The one hour event is scheduled to hold on February 26th 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contact
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Mr Anthony Antem, Policy Analyst and Head of Conflict Analysis and Prevention; Division of Peace and Security, Nkafu Policy Institute AAntem@foretiafoundation.org
Nkafu Policy Institute P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 – www.nkafu.org

Rights and Freedoms of Socially Vulnerable Categories: How to Build Universal and Inclusive Protection from the Cameroonian Case ?
2025-03-06 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: March 6, 2025,
Time: from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)

Background

While African states have for several decades made commitments at the international and national levels to guarantee the rights and freedoms of all individuals, certain social categories considered vulnerable continue to face systemic obstacles in the effective enjoyment of their rights. Women and people with disabilities are particularly concerned: data shows that they encounter specific obstacles in accessing their social, political and economic rights. (1). It is in this general context that the Nkafu Policy Institute has produced a report entitled “Rights and freedoms of socially vulnerable categories”, to analyze in the specific case of Cameroon, the state, challenges and prospects of the rights and freedoms of these two social categories. This conversation will then mainly focus on a discussion of the main results of this report, in order to understand, from the case of Cameroon, the situation of women and people with disabilities in Africa, particularly in a context of socio-political crisis and economic and cultural challenges.

Objectives

The objective of this conversation is to broadly analyze the main ideas of the report based on evidence from Cameroon and other African countries, to highlight general trends and strategies to improve access to rights for women and persons with disabilities. Specifically, it will:

Analyze and assess the effectiveness of current legal and social mechanisms that enable women and persons with disabilities to exercise their rights in all areas ;
Identify gaps and systemic barriers (discrimination, exclusion, poverty, gender-based barriers, intersectionality) that hinder universal access to fundamental freedoms for women and persons with disabilities ;
Promote inclusive public policies that integrate participatory approaches to ensure that the voices of vulnerable people shape decisions that affect them ;
Facilitate wide dissemination of the report on the rights and freedoms of women and people with disabilities so that this document serves as a lever to influence public policies, raise awareness and enable those concerned to fully take ownership of their rights.

Expected Outcomes

Raise awareness about the rights of women and people with disabilities:Make it known that respect for the rights of women and people with disabilities is a community affair and the balance of societies is based on the inclusion and respect of all its members ;
Encourage women and people with disabilities to claim their rights:get the targets of the report to break the silence on the different forms of abuse they are victims of ;
Advocate for more inclusive policies and programs or those specifically dedicated to women and people with disabilities:Get public decision-makers to draw inspiration from the recommendations of the report and the conversation to strengthen discriminatory measures against women and people with disabilities.

Expected Outputs

Renewal of the approach in the analysis of human rights: adopt an analysis of rights and public policies that directly target women and people with disabilities, to avoid the generalist or holistic approaches regularly used, which do not allow for a specific assessment of the evolution of the rights of certain social groups that face specific challenges ;
Promote the dissemination of the report: This conversation will help to better highlight the importance of such a report and facilitate its dissemination to participants in the form of a directly accessible link ;
Publication of the conversation on On Policy Magazine:This conversation will be published in the form of a dialogue on the Nkafu Policy Institute magazine.

Target audience

This Conversation is accessible to everyone, without restriction.

Event Format

The Conversation will take place online, via the Zoom platform and will be simultaneously broadcast on the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation’s social media channels. In addition, French to English interpretation will be available throughout the conversation, to ensure that all participants understand the analyses.

Event Date

This is a one-hour event, which will be held on March 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cameroon time.

About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
9.About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.

Contact

Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to Ms Vanessa Aboudi, Policy Analyst, Nkafu Policy Institute Vaboudi@foretiafoundation.org.
Nkafu Policy Institute
P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54/info@foretiafoundation.org
www.nkafu.org

2025 Public Policy Analysis Course
2025-03-10 09:00 - 2025-03-12 18:00 UTC | Hôtel La FALAISE, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Date : March 10-12, 2025
Venue : La Falaise Hotel, Yaoundé-Cameroon
Register Now
Background
The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) is a regional bloc comprising 11 member states within the African Union (AU). These countries face complex set of governance, socio-economic, and developmental challenges. Addressing these challenges requires the development and implementation of evidence-based public policies to drive sustainable growth. Despite the pressing need for evidence-based policies, governments and civil society organizations in the region often grapple with significant gaps in policy analysis, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Bridging these gaps is crucial to fostering inclusive, effective, and sustainable policymaking.
The African Union Agenda 2063 underscores the importance of evidence-based governance and institutional capacity building to achieve its vision of “The Africa We Want.” Aspiration 3 of Agenda 2063 explicitly calls for “an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law.” Similarly, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) outlines commitments to strengthen institutional frameworks and support participatory governance. The African Governance Architecture (AGA) further emphasizes the need for enhanced technical and analytical capacities to ensure policy coherence and responsiveness to regional challenges.
Additional research, such as the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) 2022 Report on Capacity Building for Policy Reforms in Africa, highlights the critical role of technical and relational skills in achieving policy impact. The report identifies policy gaps and weak stakeholder engagement as key barriers to effective governance across ECCAS countries. These findings align with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Policy Analysis Framework, which stresses the importance of data-driven policy processes in fostering sustainable development.
In response to these needs and in alignment with AU and global priorities, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is launching the 2025 edition of its Public Policy Analysis Course (PPAC). The program is a strategic initiative aimed to provide a structured, practical platform for building capacity among policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to respond to ECCAS-specific challenges. This three-day annual event will enhance technical and interpersonal competencies in policy analysis, communication, and advocacy, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among ECCAS stakeholders.
By addressing these regional policy gaps, the PPAC directly supports the realization of AU frameworks, particularly those outlined in Agenda 2063 and the AGA, while reinforcing ECCAS’s role in advancing good governance and sustainable development.
Objectives
The PPAC aims to:

Build participants’ capacity in public policy analysis by equipping them with theoretical frameworks and practical tools.
Support evidence-based policymaking tailored to ECCAS-specific challenges by addressing how issues are identified, prioritized, and introduced onto the public agenda.
Develop participants’ communication and advocacy skills to enhance policy engagement and stakeholder management.

Expected Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:

Enhance Technical Proficiency: Develop skills in policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation.
Formulate Actionable Recommendations: Learn to craft concrete and practical policy recommendations based on sound analysis.
Improve Writing Skills: Gain expertise in producing compelling, evidence-based opinion pieces advocating for policy reform.
Design Advocacy Plans: Create comprehensive advocacy strategies that include clear objectives, target audiences, messages, and tactical approaches.
Master Advocacy Techniques: Acquire communication and advocacy skills critical for influencing policy decisions.
Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders to advance policy reforms and governance initiatives.

Target Audience
The course is tailored for:

Think Tank Professionals: Researchers and analysts involved in public policy evaluation within ECCAS countries.
Government Officials: Policymakers responsible for formulating, implementing, and assessing public policies.
Civil Society Leaders: Advocates working on policy reform initiatives.
Development Practitioners: Professionals from international organizations focused on policy improvements.
Private Sector and Media Representatives: Stakeholders engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy.

The conference is limited to 25 attendees in Central Africa region comprising 04 foreign partners sponsored by the Foundation and 21 nationals selected upon payment of participation fees.
Participation Requirements
Participants are required to meet the following criteria:

Have a background or active interest in public policy analysis, governance, or advocacy.
Pay the required participation fees:

Students: 20,000 XAF (or XAF 25,000 for late registrations)
Early-Career Researchers and Professionals: 30,000 XAF (or XAF 35,000 for late registrations)

The program will accept 25 participants:

16 national participants
9 foreign participants, sponsored by the Foundation.

Detailed Course Content
The PPAC will include the following modules, delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and group exercises:

Introduction to Public Policy and the Policy Cycle
Policy Analysis Techniques
Policy Context in ECCAS Countries
Policy Impact and Evaluation
Identifying Policy Gaps
Effective Policy Writing
Policy Windows and Timing
Role of Media and Public Opinion
Strategic Communication for Policy Advocacy
Advocacy Techniques
Engaging Stakeholders in Policymaking

Format, Date, and Venue

Format: Hybrid [In-person or online via Zoom].
Date: March 10-12, 2025 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily).
Venue: La Falaise Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Evaluation and Follow-Up
The evaluation process will include:

Pre- and post-course assessments to measure learning outcomes.
Individual and group assignments to evaluate practical application of concepts.
Participant feedback forms to improve future sessions.

Participants will remain engaged through a dedicated alumni network, quarterly virtual check-ins, and opportunities to contribute to policy discussions organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute.
Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process will include the following steps:

Submission of an online application, including a motivation statement.
Review and shortlisting of applications based on relevance and merit.
Notification of selected participants from February 21, 2025.

Timeline

Call for Applications: November 27, 2025.
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025.
Late Applications Deadline : March 4, 2025.
Application Screening: February 17 _March 5, 2025.
Final Selection Announcement: from February 21, 2025.
Public Policy Analysis Course in Yaoundé: March 10 – 12, 2025

Participation Payment
Participation fees cover:

Certificate of participation.
Access to all workshop sessions.
Printed copies of event materials.
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
An electronic version of the final event report.

Payment Process
Fees must be paid in full by February 11, 2025, via bank transfer or mobile payment. Payment details will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Dr Adeline Nembot Mr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu
Senior Policy Analyst Research Assistant
Division of Economic Affairs Division of Governance and Democracy
Nkafu Policy Institute Nkafu Policy Institute anembot@foretiafoundation.org bjengu@foretiafoundation.org

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

2025 Scientific and Manuscripts Writing Course
2025-03-11 09:00 - 2025-03-12 18:00 UTC | Hôtel La FALAISE, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Date : March 11-12, 2025
Venue : La Falaise Hotel, Yaoundé-Cameroon
Register Now
Background
Africa faces multifaceted challenges that require innovative solutions grounded in science and technology. However, the continent’s contribution to global scientific output remains disproportionately low. With 12% of the world’s population, Africa accounts for less than 1% of global academic publications, significantly limiting its influence on scientific progress.
Scientific writing and publication are fundamental to advancing research, ensuring credibility, and fostering global collaboration. The quality and quantity of published works often determine researchers’ career progression, peer recognition, and access to critical funding. Yet, the limited representation of African researchers as first authors, even in studies centered on African issues, highlights significant gaps in capacity and opportunity. These challenges stem from inadequate training in scientific writing, a lack of mentorship opportunities, and insufficient resources for young researchers. Addressing these gaps is essential to positioning Africa as a leader in scientific innovation.
The Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading think tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, is committed to empowering young African researchers. Through this 3rd edition of the Scientific and Manuscript Writing Course, we aim to enhance participants’ skills in scientific writing, foster confidence in the publishing process, and improve the dissemination of high-quality research.
Objectives
The Scientific and Manuscript Writing Course seeks to:

Equip young African researchers with advanced scientific writing skills.
Strengthen participants’ ability to effectively communicate research findings.
Foster a network of mentorship in scientific writing and publication.
Instill best practices in ethical publishing and research integrity.

Expected Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:

Master the principles of writing high-quality scientific manuscripts.
Gain practical strategies for publishing in high-impact journals.
Understand ethical guidelines and best practices for scientific publication.
Build confidence to lead as first authors and co-authors in global research.
Be part of an active mentorship network supporting ongoing professional growth.

Target Audience
The course is tailored for:

Master’s and PhD students.
Early-career researchers and professionals in academia and related fields.

Participation Requirements
To attend, participants must pay the applicable training fees:

Students: XAF 15,000
Early-career researchers and professionals: XAF 30,000

Participation is capped at 25 individuals, with sponsorship opportunities available for select candidates.
Payment: Once selected, participants can pay via Mtn Mobile Money, Eventbrite, cash, bank transfer or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, and PayPal). All bank charges and commissions are the responsibility of the participant. On-site payment is not allowed.
The participation fee includes:

Certificate of participation
Admission to all workshop sessions
A printed copy of all event materials
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
The final event report (electronic version)

Program Format and Date
Dates: March 11-12, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Mode: In-person at La Falaise Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Course Content
The curriculum is designed to offer comprehensive training on key aspects of scientific writing and publication:

Introduction to Scientific Writing

Understanding the structure of scientific papers (IMRAD format).
Key elements of effective writing: clarity, precision, and coherence.

Mastering the Art of Scientific Communication

Writing compelling abstracts and summaries.
Developing impactful research titles and keywords.

Referencing Systems and Reference Management

Overview of major referencing styles (APA, MLA, Vancouver, etc.).
Using reference management tools (e.g., Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley).

Navigating the World of Journals

Identifying suitable journals for your research.
Understanding journal metrics and impact factors.

Conducting and Writing Systematic Reviews

Overview of systematic review methodologies.
Writing reviews that contribute to evidence-based research.

Grant Proposal Writing

Crafting persuasive research proposals.
Identifying funding opportunities and developing budgets.

Ethical Publishing Practices

Understanding plagiarism and avoiding common pitfalls.
Authorship criteria and conflict of interest disclosures.

Research Dissemination Strategies

Leveraging open-access platforms and repositories.
Promoting research through social media and academic networks.

Workshop: Peer Review Process

Understanding how the peer review process works.
Responding to reviewer feedback effectively.

Practical Writing Sessions

Guided manuscript writing exercises with faculty feedback.
Evaluation and Follow-Up
To measure the program’s effectiveness:

Participants will complete a satisfaction survey at the end of the course.
Annual assessments will track participants’ publication records and research impact.

Selection Process and Timeline

November 27, 2024: Online application opens.
February 28, 2025: Application deadline.
March 03 – 05, 2025: Review and selection of successful applicants.
March 05, 2025: Notice and announcement of selected candidates.
March 10 – 12, 2025: Scientific and Manuscripts Writing Course in Yaoundé.

Course Faculty Members

Dr Denis Foretia
Dr Constantine Ashangwa
Dr Ronald Gobina
Dr Odette Kibu
Dr Ignatius Esene
Desmond Jumbam
Dr Nadege Fackche

About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Ms. Solange Dabou
Health Policy Analyst
Division of Health Policy and Research,
Nkafu Policy Institute
sdabou@foretiafoundation.org
Nkafu Policy Institute
P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org

Operational Working Group: Targeting underprivileged Populations: Inclusive Health Insurance Solutions
2025-03-26 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Muna Foundation, Yaounde, Centre, 00237, Cameroon
Project: Expanding Private Health Insurance in Cameroon
Theme:“Targeting underprivileged Populations: Inclusive Health Insurance Solutions”
Date: Wednesday 26th March 2025
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Venue: Muna Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background
High poverty rates and low health insurance coverage lead to high out-of-pocket and often catastrophic health spendings. According to World Food Program (WFP), over 23% of Cameroonians live below the poverty line (less than 2.15 USD per person per day) and authors estimate the proportion of the population covered by any type of health insurance at about 6% (1, 4). Extreme poverty is particularly true for those living in rural parts of the far North, North, South-west and North-west regions of the country (3), where populations experience recurring climatic shocks or are torn by conflict, coupled with underdeveloped infrastructures.
Despite the recently implemented Universal Health Coverage (UHC) phase 1, only part of the population currently benefits from the packages offered while another considerable part is still left behind. Although health insurance offers both an alternative and a complement to public health coverage, it is often perceived as very expensive and accessible only to the well-off. With pervasive poverty and about 70% of workers operating in the informal sector, how can public and private actors ensure medical aid coverage is inclusive, particularly for the poor? What health insurance options are available for the underprivileged without further plugging into poverty? What strategies can be used to attract and maintain health insurance subscribers?
This operational working group seeks to explore medical aid coverage options for the underprivileged in Cameroon and discuss how to make health insurance packages more accessible and affordable.
Objectives
The objective of this OWG is to discuss ways in which health insurance coverage can be made more accessible and affordable to the underprivileged.
More specifically:

To identify the specific needs and challenges faced by vulnerable groups in accessing health insurance.
To discuss successful strategies and models (from other countries for example) that can be adapted to the Cameroonian context.
To explore best practices for improving access to health insurance within the Cameroonian population.

Expected Outputs
The expected outputs are:

Improved knowledge on the needs and challenges faced by vulnerable groups in accessing health insurance.
Identified strategies tailored to the needs of the under underprivileged in Cameroon.
Strengthened collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance health insurance coverage.

Targeted Audience
This OWG is intended for health insurance providers, policymakers, health economists, government officials, public health professionals, healthcare users.
Venue
This OWG will take place onsite at Muna Foundation (Yaoundé).

Stakeholder Meeting and Media Briefing: Advancing Inclusive Health Insurance for the underserved
2025-04-03 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Muna Foundation, Yaounde, Centre, 00237, Cameroon
Project: Expanding Private Health Insurance in Cameroon
Theme: “Advancing Inclusive Health Insurance for the underserved”
Date: Thursday 3rd April 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Venue: Mansel Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background
Cameroon 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.
Private 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).
Within 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.
General objective
To present the recommendations of the Cameroon Health Insurance Working Group and facilitate discussions on actionable steps for implementing inclusive health insurance solutions.
Specific objectives

To share key findings and recommendations from the Cameroon Health Insurance Working Group with stakeholders and the media.
To engage stakeholders in discussions on practical strategies for transitioning from policy recommendations to implementation.
To strengthen collaboration and commitment among policymakers, insurers, and development partners to advance inclusive health insurance solutions.

Expected Outputs
The expected outputs are:

Increased awareness among stakeholders about the key recommendations of the Cameroon Health Insurance Working Group and their implications for improving inclusive health insurance.
A documented summary of stakeholder discussions and proposed action steps for implementing inclusive health insurance solutions.
Commitments and strengthened collaboration established among policymakers, insurers, and Ministry of Public Health to advance implementation efforts.

Targeted Audience
This event is intended for policy makers, insurance providers, government officials, public health professionals, civil society organizations, healthcare users and media bodies.
Venue
The event will take place onsite at Mansel Hotel (Yaoundé).

Driving Impact and Sustainability in the Governance and Democratic Ecosystem, role of Central African Think Tanks
2025-04-23 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Venue : Zoom Online (Register now)
Date: April 23rd 2025
Time: 03:00 pm -04:00 pm

Context

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

Objectives

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

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

Target Audience

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

4. Expected Outcome of the event

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

5. Event Format
The event will take place online, via zoom with moderated panel discussions by experts and will be streamed live on Foretia Foundation’s Facebook page.
6. Event date and Time
April 23rd 2025 , from 3pm to 4pm WAT
7. Contacts
Email: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54)
REGISTER NOW

2025 SBEC National Forum
2025-04-29 08:00 UTC | Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Date : April 29 & 30, 2025
Venue : Djeuga Palaca Hotel, Yaoundé-Cameroon
Register Now
Background
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.
Currently, 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.
Recognizing 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.
Objectives
The 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:

Assess the effectiveness of current policies that support women and youth entrepreneurship in Cameroon.
Advocate for policy reforms that create a robust and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem for women and youth.
Promote public-private partnerships to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Recommend policy solutions to improve access to finance, streamline the tax burden, and increase formalization of SMEs in Cameroon.

Thematic Areas
Discussions during the forum will focus on the following key areas:

Education and Entrepreneurship: Strengthening the educational system to instill entrepreneurial skills and long-term entrepreneurial thinking among youth.
Financial Inclusion: The role of microfinance institutions and other financial entities in expanding access to funding for youth and women-led SMEs.
Public-Private Partnerships: Enhancing collaboration between public institutions and private entities to build a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Promoting “Made in Cameroon”: Exploring how large distribution chains can support the growth and visibility of locally produced goods from women and youth-led enterprises.

Infrastructure and Competitiveness: Examining the role of government infrastructure policies in improving the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs.

Target Audience
The 2025 SBEC Forum will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including:

Public and Private SME Support Structures
Civil Society Organizations
Policymakers 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.
Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives: Focus on women and youth-led businesses.
Financial Institutions: Including banks, microfinance institutions, and investment agencies.
International Organizations: Engaged in cooperation and development.
Business Consulting Firms: Offering expertise on scaling SMEs.
Public-Private Enterprises
The General Public: Interested in entrepreneurship and SME development.

Format of the Forum
The 2025 SBEC Forum will be held in-person. The program will include:

Breakout Sessions: Focused discussions on thematic areas.
Panel Discussions: Expert panels featuring government officials, entrepreneurs, financial experts, and international development partners.
Exhibitions: Showcase of products and services from youth and women-led SMEs.
Awards Ceremony: Recognition of outstanding performers in the SBEC network for innovation and business growth.

Venue and Date
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.
Partners and Supporters
The 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
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Ms Sylvia Namondo
Interim Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC)
Director of Operations,
Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation
sbec@foretiafoundation.org P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54
www.foretiafoundation.org

Innovations in Private health insurance Delivery
2025-05-09 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: Thursday, May 9th, 2025
Venue: Zoom, Online (REGISTER NOW)
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Background
Rising healthcare costs, affordability concerns, disparities in access to care, ill-equipped infrastructures and inadequate human resources are among the most pressing health system issues in Cameroon. Global technological advances have the capability of addressing several of these needs, offering a quicker and more accessible route to healthcare services, reducing waiting time in the hospitals and facilitating access to healthcare specialists. Indeed, the widening of mobile phones usage and expansion of internet penetration (34% increase in the past four years (1)), opens up doors for numerous possibilities in improving health service delivery and coverage in the country. This includes increasing accessibility and addressing affordability by reducing the financial burden related to healthcare.
Risk pooling and healthcare prepayment mechanisms such as health insurance are proven solutions to tackle healthcare related financial constraints, but this remains unpopular, with only a small proportion of the population covered. Leveraging innovation and technology to increase healthcare affordability thus goes beyond cost reduction, to address the availability and accessibility of health coverage mechanisms for all. This means transforming how health insurance is accessed, managed, and delivered.
Digital tools such as mobile platforms, electronic claims processing, data analytics, and AI-powered customer support can streamline enrolment, reduce administrative costs, and improve user experience. By embracing tech-driven solutions, private health insurance providers can enhance service efficiency and expand coverage to underserved populations. This webinar will examine how health insurance companies can harness innovation and technology to enhance service delivery, exploring possible challenges and the roles of key stakeholders in ensuring their successful and sustainable operation.
Objectives
The objective of this webinar is to showcase the potential of digital technologies to transform private health insurance service delivery in Cameroon.
More specifically, the webinar aims to:

Explore innovative solutions for enrollment, claims management, and health insurance service delivery.
Identify specific challenges in implementing tech-driven solutions for private health insurance service delivery.
Identify key stakeholders and their specific roles in implementing innovative health insurance delivery solutions.

Expected Outputs
The expected outputs are:

Improved understanding of the potential of technology to transform private health insurance in Cameroon.
Insights gained into how to address potential challenges and engage the relevant stakeholders.

Targeted Audience
This webinar is intended for health insurance providers, Healthcare providers, IT professionals and digital health innovators, Policymakers, Government officials, potential investors in digital health solutions and the public.
Venue
This webinar will take place on Zoom platform and will be aired on Facebook live.
Register

2025 Public Policy Analysis Course - Second Edition
2025-05-13 09:00 - 2025-05-15 18:00 UTC | Mansel Hotel, Quartier-Fouda, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Date : May 13-15, 2025
Venue : Mansel Hotel, Yaoundé-Cameroon
Register Now
Background
In response to these needs and in alignment with AU and global priorities, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is launching the second edition of the of its2025 Public Policy Analysis Course (PPAC). The program is a strategic initiative aimed at providing a structured, practical platform for building capacity among policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to respond to ECCAS-specific challenges. This three-day annual event will enhance technical and interpersonal competencies in policy analysis, communication, and advocacy, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among ECCAS stakeholders.
The course has been specifically designed to:

Build participants’ capacity in public policy analysis by equipping them with theoretical frameworks and practical tools.
Support evidence-based policymaking tailored to ECCAS-specific challenges by addressing how issues are identified, prioritized, and introduced onto the public agenda.
Develop participants’ communication and advocacy skills to enhance policy engagement and stakeholder management.

Expected Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:

Enhance Technical Proficiency: Develop skills in policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation.
Formulate Actionable Recommendations: Learn to craft concrete and practical policy recommendations based on sound analysis.
Improve Writing Skills: Gain expertise in producing compelling, evidence-based opinion pieces advocating for policy reform.
Design Advocacy Plans: Create comprehensive advocacy strategies that include clear objectives, target audiences, messages, and tactical approaches.
Master Advocacy Techniques: Acquire communication and advocacy skills critical for influencing policy decisions.
Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders to advance policy reforms and governance initiatives.

Target Audience
The course is tailored for:

Think Tank Professionals: Researchers and analysts involved in public policy evaluation within ECCAS countries.
Government Officials: Policymakers responsible for formulating, implementing, and assessing public policies.
Civil Society Leaders: Advocates working on policy reform initiatives.
Development Practitioners: Professionals from international organizations focused on policy improvements.
Private Sector and Media Representatives: Stakeholders engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy.

The conference is limited to 25 attendees from ECCAS, selected upon payment of participation fees.
Participation Requirements
Participants are required to meet the following criteria:

Have a background or active interest in public policy analysis, governance, or advocacy.
Pay the required participation fees:

Students: 20,000 XAF
Early-Career Researchers and Professionals: 30,000 XAF

Participants coming from outside Cameroon will be responsible for their flight tickets, accommodations, and participation fees.

Detailed Course Content
The PPAC will include the following modules, delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and group exercises:

Introduction to Public Policy and the Policy Cycle
Policy Analysis Techniques
Policy Context in ECCAS countries
Policy Impact and Evaluation
Identifying Policy Gaps
Effective Policy Writing
Policy Windows and Timing
Role of Media and Public Opinion
Strategic Communication for Policy Advocacy
Advocacy Techniques
Engaging Stakeholders in Policymaking

Format, Date, and Venue

Format:In-person.
Date:May 13-15, 2025 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily).
Venue:Mansel Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Evaluation and Follow-Up
The evaluation process will include:

Pre- and post-course assessments to measure learning outcomes.
Individual and group assignments to evaluate practical application of concepts.
Participant feedback forms to improve future sessions.

Participants will remain engaged through a dedicated alumni network, quarterly virtual check-ins, and opportunities to contribute to policy discussions organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute.
Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process will include the following steps:

Submission of an online application, including a motivation statement.
Review and shortlisting of applications based on relevance and merit.
Notification of selected participants by April 28, 2025.

Timeline

Call for Applications: April 4, 2025.
Application Deadline:April 25, 2025.
Application Screening: April 26 _ 27, 2025.
Final Selection Announcement: April 28, 2025.
Public Policy Analysis Course in Yaoundé: May 13 – 15, 2025

Participation Payment
Participation fees cover:

Certificate of participation.
Access to all workshop sessions.
Printed copies of event materials.
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
An electronic version of the final event report.

Payment Process:
Fees must be paid in full by May 5, 2025, via bank transfer or mobile payment. Payment details will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Dr Adeline Nembot Senior Policy Analyst, Division of Economic Affairs – anembot@foretiafoundation.org
Mr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu Research Assistant, Division of Governance and Democracy – bjengu@foretiafoundation.org
Nkafu Policy Institute P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org
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Addressing Barriers to Private Health Insurance Adoption in Cameroon
2025-07-23 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025
Venue: Zoom, Online
Time: 3:00PM – 4:00PM (GMT+1)
Background
Accessing quality care remain a major challenge in Cameroon, particularly for the underprivileged population. Although the government’s efforts to ensure equitable access to quality health services for the Cameroonian population led to the launch of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) phase 1 in April 2023, the healthcare package offered remains limited. Most Cameroonians are thus still exposed to rising healthcare costs, high out-of-pocket payments and eventually catastrophic health spendings.
Private Health Insurance schemes (PHI) can complement UHC by providing opportunities for coverage for persons who are not benefiting from it. PHI acts as a financial protection mechanism in the event of an unexpected medical condition and presents numerous benefits. In addition to reducing the financial burden of medical costs, PHI enables timely access to adequate care, offers access to more provider choices and better service quality. Despite its role as a potential health insurance service provider, , PHI coverage in Cameroon remains low and only about 9% of the population is covered by any form of health insurance scheme (1), leading to underutilization of available health services. Our focus on PHIs will be private insurance companies and banks offering health insurance services in Cameroon.
Low insurance coverage in Cameroon is attributed to several factors including high cost of premiums, lack of trust in insurance structures, limited knowledge of insurance functioning and long administrative procedures (2). Addressing these barriers and strengthening private health insurance to be inclusive can lead to improved access to quality healthcare and accelerate progress towards achieving UHC in Cameroon.
Objectives
The objective of this webinar is to explore strategies for increasing the uptake of private health insurance services by addressing key barriers in Cameroon.
More specifically, the webinar aims to:

Identify and analyze the key barriers to private health insurance uptake among different population groups in Cameroon, focusing on knowledge, affordability, trust, and sociocultural factors.
To assess the operational challenges faced by private health insurance providers, including regulatory gaps and claims management.
To examine the role of government, private insurers, and community stakeholders in overcoming these barriers.
-Suggest possible strategies for addressing these barriers to enhance uptake of these services by the population.

Expected Outputs
The expected outputs are:

Improved understanding on barriers to insurance adoption in Cameroon.
Actionable recommendations provided for government, private insurers, and community stakeholders in overcoming these barriers.

Target Audience
This webinar is intended for health insurance providers, healthcare providers, health system strengthening experts, policymakers, government officials, PHI subscribers and the public.
Venue
This webinar will take place on Zoom platform and will be aired on Facebook live.
About the Organizers

About the Denis And Lenora Foretia Foundation

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments, policy makers, private enterprises, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods.

About the Nkafu Policy Institute

The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that allows all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic and sustainable economies. The Institute is made up of analysts, experts and researchers from all over the world, working on a wide range of topics, including governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
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2025 Emerging Leaders Program: Driving Impact
2025-08-04 08:00 - 2025-08-06 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Dates: August 04-06, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Mode: In-person at Djeuga Palace hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
REGISTER NOW

Background
The world is grappling with multifaceted challenges that demand innovative solutions, people-centered approaches, and steadfast commitment. As outlined in Aspiration 6 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Africa’s greatest asset is its youth. Cameroon, however, continues to face significant leadership deficits, manifesting in governance issues, weakened democratic norms, and the erosion of basic human rights and liberties. These challenges persist partly because deliberate efforts to identify and nurture young leaders, especially in a bilingual and multicultural context, remain inadequate.
John C. Maxwell famously stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” At the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation’s Nkafu Policy Institute, we recognize that young leaders can be catalysts for transformative change. However, their potential often remains untapped due to a lack of access to tailored training, mentorship, and resources. This program addresses these gaps by equipping emerging leaders with the skills to create meaningful change in their communities.
The Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is launching the 4th edition of the Emerging Leaders Program under the theme “Driving Impact”. Through this edition, we aimed to provide a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical learning approaches to drive impact by empowering young Cameroonians with tools, strategies, and global perspectives to enhance their leadership potential and foster a united, inclusive, and innovative society.
Theoretical sessions will focus on leadership principles, policy formulation, and global ethical standards. Practical methods will include hands-on workshops, mentorship, peer networking, and real-world projects to ensure participants not only learn concepts but also develop the capacity to implement them effectively. This combination ensures that participants are empowered to address real-world challenges with confidence and competence.
Objectives
The program seeks to empower Cameroonian women and youth with essential leadership skills through focused training and mentorship. Specifically, it aims to:

Engage participants in policy formulation and advocacy.
Raise awareness about governance, democracy, and the rule of law.
Foster a network of proactive young citizens committed to governance and democracy.
Promote global moral values for an inclusive and united society.

Expected Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will have:

Acquired skills in writing effective policy papers.
An increased understanding of public service engagement and governance.
Heightened awareness of governance and the rule of law in Cameroon.
Strengthened moral values that support societal unity.
Built a network of engaged young leaders actively participating in governance and democracy.

Target Audience
The program is open to:

Young Cameroonians aged 18–35.
Women and youth from diverse backgrounds across the 10 regions of Cameroon.
Emerging leaders active in community initiatives, public service, entrepreneurship, or civil society.
Individuals demonstrating a commitment to leadership, innovation, and social impact.

Participation Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Cameroonian aged 18–35 and residing in Cameroon.
Proficient in English and French.
Demonstrated interest in leadership, governance, or community development.
Commitment to participating fully in the three-day program.
Availability to engage in post-training activities.

Program Format and Date
Dates: August 04-06, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Mode: In-person at Djeuga Palace hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Selection Process: Participants will be selected via a call for applications. All costs will be covered for selected participants.
Program Content
The three-day program offers an intensive and interactive curriculum designed to develop well-rounded leaders. The modules include:
Day 1: Leadership Foundations

Self-Awareness and Visioning: Understanding personal values and goals.
Strategic Planning: Techniques for effective decision-making and goal-setting.
Ethical Leadership: Principles of integrity and moral responsibility.

Day 2: Driving Impact

Design Thinking: Tools for creative problem-solving and innovation.
Social Entrepreneurship: Building sustainable ventures for societal progress.
Sustainable Development: Aligning initiatives with global and local needs.

Day 3: Collaboration and Global Citizenship

Building Partnerships: Leveraging networks for collective action.
Cultural Competence: Navigating diverse contexts with empathy and understanding.
Resilience and Well-being: Strategies for maintaining balance and overcoming challenges.

Evaluation and Follow-Up
To assess participants’ progress and program effectiveness, the following evaluation methods will be applied:

Pre-Training Assessment:

Method: Online or in-person survey measuring baseline knowledge of leadership concepts, policy formulation, and governance principles.
Focus Areas: Self-awareness, understanding of governance, and familiarity with leadership strategies.

Active Participation Evaluation:

Method: Observation and scoring of participant involvement during sessions, group discussions, and debates.
Criteria: Active engagement, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.

Capstone Presentation:

Method: Participants, grouped into teams, will create and present project proposal addressing a real-world governance or community challenge.
Assessment Panel: A panel of facilitators will evaluate based on innovation, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.

Post-Training Knowledge Test:

Method: A structured questionnaire designed to assess knowledge improvement and practical understanding gained during the program.

Feedback Surveys:

Method: Anonymous surveys to gauge participants’ satisfaction with program content, facilitation, and logistics.
Purpose: Inform future iterations of the Emerging Leaders Program.

Follow-Up Engagement:
Post-training engagement ensures that participants continue applying their knowledge and skills while contributing to broader societal goals.
Engagement Methods and Activities:

Quaterly Check-Ins:

Participants will have group sessions with assigned mentors to discuss project progress and challenges.
Duration: Quaterly, from August 2025 to July 2026.

Community Projects Implementation:

Participants will implement community-focused initiatives developed during the program.
Quantity: Each group is expected to initiate and implement one community project by May 2026.

Policy Contribution:

Collaboration with the Nkafu Policy Institute’s Governance and Democracy Division to produce:

1 article per participant on a relevant and contemporary issue.
1 short video per team (60 seconds maximum) summarizing their experience with the program.

Alumni Networking Events:

Networking webinars or in-person meetups to share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.
Duration: annually; first edition, June 4th 2025 and second edition in May 2026.

Leadership Outcomes Report:
Each group will submit a report detailing the outcomes and impacts of their projects and engagement activities by June 2026.

Timeline for Follow-Up

Activity
Timeline
Frequency

Quaterly Mentorship Check-Ins
October 2025 –June 2026
Quaterly (October, January, April, July sessions)

Community Project Execution
November 2025 – May 2026
Continuous

Policy Contributions
October 2025 –June 2026
Article: 1; Video: 1 per group

Alumni Networking Events
November 2025 – June 2026
Annually

Leadership Outcomes Report
June 2026
One-time submission

Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process ensures inclusivity and representation from all regions of Cameroon.
Timeline:

Call for Applications: May 6th , 2025.
Application Deadline: June 13th , 2025
Application Screening: June 16th – 30th, 2025.
Interviews and Selection of Successful Applicants: July 1st-4th, 2025.
Final Selection Announcement: July 7th, 2025.
Emerging Leaders Program in Yaoundé: August 4th to August 6th, 2025

Selection Criteria:

Strong motivation and alignment with program objectives.
Evidence of prior leadership and community engagement.
Regional and gender representation balance.

Facilitators and Organizers
The program will be hosted by the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation and facilitated by experts from both public and private sectors, bringing diverse perspectives to enrich participants’ learning experiences.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Dr. Solange Dabou, Health Policy Analyst, Health Policy and Research Division – Nkafu Policy Institute (sdabou@foretiafoundation.org)
Dr. Pippie Hugues, Policy Analyst, Governance and Democracy Division – Nkafu Policy Institute (hpippie@foretiafoundation.org)
Nkafu Policy Institute
P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54
info@foretiafoundation.org

2025 Executive and Strategic Leadership Program for Think Tank and CSO Leaders
2025-08-05 08:00 - 2025-08-06 17:00 UTC | Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Format: In-person.
Date: August 5-6, 2025 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily).
Venue: Djeuga Palace, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Register now

Background
Think tanks and civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential pillars for fostering democratic governance, sustainable development, and regional integration in Africa. These institutions provide evidence-based policy recommendations, advocate for the public good, and support inclusive socioeconomic transformation. However, their operations are increasingly constrained by the volatility of their environments, which are marked by political instability, economic uncertainty, and social challenges.
The Central African region has faced significant disruptions in recent years. The ongoing global ramifications of the war in Ukraine, exacerbated by climate change, rising debt levels, and internal socio-political unrest, have negatively impacted the region’s economic and governance structures. These challenges have placed additional pressure on think tanks and CSOs, hindering their ability to influence policy, mobilize resources, and advocate for public interest.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions “The Africa We Want,” emphasizes good governance, peace, and security as critical components of the continent’s development (Aspirations 3 and 4). Furthermore, Article 12 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) highlights the importance of strengthening civil society’s capacity to enhance democratic governance. Similarly, the African Union Policy Framework on Strengthening the Capacities of Think Tanks and Research Institutions (adopted in 2013), recognizes the critical role think tanks play in advancing evidence-based policymaking and calls for capacity-building initiatives to enable these institutions to thrive in dynamic environments.
To address these dynamics, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation and in alignment with these continental frameworks, is launching the third edition of its Executive and Strategic Leadership Program for Think Tanks and CSOs. Designed as an intensive two-day event, the program aims to equip leaders from think tanks, CSOs, and research institutions with the skills and strategies needed to navigate volatility, sustain their operations, and contribute meaningfully to regional integration and democratic resilience within their communities and beyond. By addressing leadership, advocacy, and organizational capacity, the program directly supports the goals outlined in Agenda 2063, ACDEG, and other pivotal African Union initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive development.
Program Objectives
The primary goal of the program is to sustain the leadership and operational efficiency of think tanks and CSOs in Central Africa. Specific objectives include:
Strategic Capacity Building: Strengthen organizational management and policy development skills to produce impactful research and foster democratic governance.

Empowering Leadership: Enhance the leadership and advocacy competencies of think tank researchers, particularly women, to improve policy advocacy and drive gender equity.
Visibility and Reach: Expand the regional influence of Central African think tanks and CSOs through enhanced communication and collaboration.

Expected Outcomes

Resilient Leadership: Greater awareness and adaptive capacity among think tank and CSO leaders to address issues like governance, democracy, regional integration, and security.
Enhanced Skills: Improved managerial, leadership, and research competencies, enabling leaders to better advocate for policy improvements.
Collaborative Networks: Establishment of a robust regional network of think tanks and CSOs for shared learning and support.
Policy Impact: Strengthened research and advocacy capabilities, resulting in actionable and innovative policy recommendations.

Target Audience

Leaders of think tanks, CSOs, and independent research organizations in the Central African region.
Particular emphasis on supporting women leaders and researchers.
Policymakers and development practitioners interested in advancing regional governance and stability.

The conference is limited to 25 attendees in Central Africa region comprising 04 foreign partners sponsored by the Foundation and 21 nationals selected upon payment of participation fees.
Participation Requirements

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

Detailed Course Content
The program is designed to deliver practical and interactive sessions tailored to the needs of think tank and CSO leaders featuring keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions, conversations with policymakers, networking sessions, plenaries with brainstorming sessions led by experts and think tank leaders.
Modules include:

Strategic Leadership in Volatile Environments:

Tools for adaptive leadership.
Crisis management and decision-making under uncertainty.

Policy Advocacy and Influence:

Developing and communicating evidence-based recommendations.
Stakeholder engagement strategies.

Building Resilient Organizations:

Financial sustainability and resource mobilization.
Governance and accountability mechanisms.

Advancing Gender Equity in Leadership:

Women in leadership roles: Challenges and strategies.
Gender-sensitive policy formulation.

Regional Integration and Collaboration:

Opportunities for regional cooperation.
Networking for mutual support and shared learning.

Format, Date, and Venue
Format: In-person.
Date: August 5-6, 2025 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily).
Venue: Djeuga Palace, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Evaluation and Follow-Up

Pre-Program Assessment: Participants will complete a survey to assess their current leadership and advocacy skills.
Interactive Feedback: Real-time feedback mechanisms will be integrated into sessions to ensure relevance.
Post-Program Support: Participants will receive follow-up mentoring opportunities and access to a resource platform for continued learning and networking.
Impact Assessment: A six-month follow-up survey will evaluate changes in participants’ organizational impact and leadership practices.

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

Call for Applications: 06 May, 2025.
Application Deadline: 30 June, 2025
Application Screening: 1-4 July, 2025.
Final Selection Announcement: 8 July, 2025.
Executive and Strategic Leadership Program in Yaoundé: 5 & 6 August, 2025

Participation Fee and Payment

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

What the Fee Covers:

Access to all sessions.
Training materials and resources.
Meals and refreshments during the event.
Certificates
Payment Instructions: Details on payment procedures will be communicated to selected participants upon confirmation of acceptance.

About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Ms. Vanessa Aboudi, Policy Analyst – Division of Governance and Democracy (vaboudi@foretiafoundation.org)
Mr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu, Research Assistant – Division of Governance and Democracy (bjengu@foretiafoundation.org)
Nkafu Policy Institute
P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org

2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum
2025-08-07 08:00 - 2025-08-08 17:00 UTC | Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Date: August 7-8, 2025
Venue: Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde – Cameroon
Register here
Background and Rationale
The Central Africa region faces complex socio-political, economic, and governance challenges. These include slow democratic reforms, rising inequality, underdevelopment, and limited participation of civil society in policy-making processes. As countries in the region strive to implement the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of think tanks and civil society organizations (CSOs) in driving informed public policy and governance reforms has never been more critical.
Think tanks and CSOs act as bridges between citizens and governments, offering research-based evidence, innovative solutions, and advocacy for inclusive policymaking. The Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, in its mission to accelerate Central Africa’s socio-economic development, is organizing the 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum to explore and enhance the role of think tanks and civil society in shaping the policy processes within the region.
Under the theme “Shaping the Future: Role of Think Tanks and Civil Society in Central Africa Policy Processes”, this two-day forum will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, civil society actors, international development partners, and scholars to discuss innovative ways of addressing governance, economic development, and democratic consolidation challenges in Central Africa.
Objectives of the Forum
The 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum will focus on:

Strengthening the Influence of Think Tanks and Civil Society: Understanding how think tanks and civil society can play a more robust role in influencing policymaking and governance reforms in Central Africa.
Building Partnerships: Fostering collaborations between governments, think tanks, civil society, and international organizations to ensure inclusive policy-making processes.
Advancing Policy Innovation: Identifying innovative approaches and policy solutions to address governance, economic, and social challenges facing Central Africa.
Enhancing Accountability and Transparency: Exploring mechanisms for holding governments accountable to their citizens, including the use of data, research, and advocacy tools.
Creating Actionable Recommendations: Delivering concrete policy recommendations that will be shared with governments, regional organizations, and international development partners.

Key Themes and Areas of Discussion
During the forum, participants will engage in the following key thematic areas:

The Role of Think Tanks and Civil Society in Democratic Governance: Exploring how think tanks and CSOs can support democratic governance, advocate for reforms, and foster civic participation in policy processes.
Innovative Policy Solutions for Economic Development: Identifying policy innovations that can spur economic growth, reduce inequality, and promote inclusive development in Central Africa.
Strengthening Regional Integration and Cooperation: Discussing the role of think tanks in promoting regional cooperation, particularly in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional initiatives.
Civil Society and Think Tanks as Catalysts for Peace and Security: Examining how CSOs and think tanks can contribute to peacebuilding efforts, conflict prevention, and addressing violent extremism in the region.
The Role of Data and Research in Shaping Public Policy: Highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policy advocacy in Central Africa.

Format of the Forum
The forum will take place over two days and will consist of the following:

Keynote Speeches: High-level keynote addresses from regional leaders, policymakers, and international development partners will set the tone for the forum.
Panel Discussions:Panel discussions will feature thought leaders and experts exploring the key thematic areas, with interactive sessions encouraging participation from the audience.
Breakout Sessions:Smaller, focused breakout sessions will allow participants to delve deeper into specific themes such as economic growth, governance, peacebuilding, and social inclusion.
Policy Roundtables:Policy roundtables will bring together think tanks, CSOs, and policymakers to discuss actionable recommendations for the future.

Expected Outcomes
The 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum is expected to produce the following outcomes:

Strengthened Networks:Enhanced collaboration and networking between think tanks, civil society organizations, and policymakers in Central Africa.
Increased Visibility for Think Tanks and CSOs:Greater recognition of the role of think tanks and CSOs in shaping policy processes in the region.
Actionable Strategies for Governance and Economic Reforms:Practical strategies to address key governance, peace, and economic challenges in Central Africa. A detailed set of policy recommendations to be shared with governments and regional organizations.
Capacity Building:Improved capacities of think tanks and civil society organizations to engage in policy advocacy and influence public policy.

Target Audience
The forum aims to attract:

Policymakers from Central African countries
Leaders of regional and international organizations
Representatives of Central African think tanks and civil society organizations
Researchers, academics, and thought leaders
International development partners and donors
Private sector representatives interested in governance and policy development

Venue and Date
The Forum will be held from 07-08 August, 2025 at Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde – Cameroon. It will be held in English and French, with simultaneous interpretation services.
Sponsorship and Partners
The Nkafu Policy Institute seeks strategic partnerships and sponsorships from regional governments, international organizations, and private sector entities to support the successful organization of the 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum. These partnerships will be crucial for ensuring the impact and reach of the event.
Conclusion
The 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum provides a unique platform for advancing policy dialogue and fostering collaboration between key stakeholders in Central Africa. By bringing together thought leaders, civil society, and policymakers, this forum will play a critical role in shaping the future of governance, economic development, and regional integration. We invite all interested partners to join us in this impactful initiative to strengthen the policy processes that will shape Central Africa’s future.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Mr Anthony Antem, Head, Conflict Analysis and Prevention; Division of Peace and Security, Nkafu (AAntem@foretiafoundation.org) Ms Sylvia Namondo, Deputy Director of Operations Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation (SNamondo@foretiafoundation.org)
Nkafu Policy Institute
P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org

Women's Dual Burden: Navigating Careers and Care Responsibilities in Sub-Saharan Africa
2025-08-28 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: August 28, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00pm (GMT+1)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Background
In Africa, women play a critical role in the formal and informal economy, with a high percentage performing care work, including housework, childcare, elder care, and health care. Such work, though necessary to the functioning of society, is typically underpaid, undervalued, and invisible (1). Although career work in the formal economy has become an increasingly appealing activity for women in recent years, care work remains predominantly a feminized sector and essential to family and community well-being. Women in sub-Saharan Africa, especially, spend significantly larger proportions of their time on unpaid care work compared to men. Women in sub-Saharan Africa spend much more time on unpaid care work than men, averaging 4.15 hours per day compared to men’s 1.25 hours (2). In the majority of Sub-Saharan Africa, the division of labor continues to place a significant burden on women to provide both reproductive and productive labor. Professional women, in their quest for professional careers, struggle to combine their career with care work chores. The double burden of care work and career tends to lead to time poverty, limited access to career advancement opportunities, and health effects on women. There is a need to address the gendered nature of care work and reflect on how women can be enabled to excel at career as well as care work. The Nkafu Policy Institute, think tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, is organizing a webinar on the subject “Women’s Dual Burden: Navigating Careers and Care Responsibilities in Sub-Saharan Africa”.
Objectives
The main objective of this webinar is to discuss the unique challenges women face in career and care work and how to empower them in both fields. Specifically, the webinar will:

Provide a comprehensive overview of the primary challenges women face in balancing work, careers, and care responsibilities in SSA;
Explore the part played by men and communities in changing society’s expectations and distributive responsibilities for care;
Advocate for workplace practices that support women’s career participation without compromising caregiving roles;
Discuss strategies and policy shifts to empower women in SSA through improved jobs, healthcare, and caregiving support.

Target audience
The event targets policymakers, women leaders, activists, civil society, international agencies, researchers, media, and employers advancing gender equality and economic empowerment.
Expected outcomes of the event
The event aims to achieve the following outcomes:

Enhanced understanding of the societal and structural problems of women in managing career and care work in Sub Saharan Africa.
Increased understanding regarding the need for an equal share of responsibility between women and men in care professions, necessitating deeper cultural and societal shifts in gender roles.
Issued recommendations to improve the visibility of care work, ensure fair pay, promote worker-friendly policies, and support women’s equality.

Contact details
Email: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
REGISTER NOW

Cameroon 2025 elections: Between challenges of Alternation, Security Risks and Democratic Consolidation
2025-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: September 24th 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm (WAT)
Venue: Zoom Online
Context
The 2025 presidential elections in Cameroon is taking place in a national context marked by rising political, social, and security tensions. On the political front, President Paul Biya, aged 92, is seeking an eighth term after more than forty years in power (1).This longevity raises significant questions about the management of political transition. The composition of the Constitutional Council as well as the institutional links between Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), the territorial administration, and the ruling CPDM party raise questions about the independence of electoral processes and the fairness of political competition (2). Moreover, the main opposition leader Maurice Kamto saw his candidacy rejected by ELECAM, a rejection confirmed on August 5 by the Constitutional Council which dismissed his appeal(3). In the same vein, two former Ministers of State have resigned from their positions to file their candidacies, a turning point that further disrupts the scenario of a presidential election that seemed predetermined (4). However, these new candidacies do not resolve the divergences within the opposition regarding the formation of a united coalition, thus compromising the prospects for political transition. On the security front, Cameroon is particularly weakened by two major crises. In the North-West and South-West regions, a prolonged conflict pits government forces against Anglophone separatist groups, who threaten to violently disrupt the conduct of elections by instituting boycotts and blockades (5), thus compromising electoral participation in these areas. Furthermore, the Far North region is confronted with a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks, considerably aggravating insecurity and disrupting civilian life, including the organization of polls. These conflicts have caused massive population displacements, complicating electoral logistics and accentuating the exclusion of certain citizens from the democratic process. Faced with these challenges, holding free, fair, and peaceful elections appears as a major stake for the country’s stability.
Objectives
This webinar aims to analyze and debate the main issues related to the 2025 presidential election in Cameroon, focusing on the challenges of political alternation, security risks, and mechanisms for democratic consolidation. More specifically, it seeks to:

Assess the political and social conditions ahead of the 2025 elections and identify obstacles to a peaceful and credible political alternation.
Evaluate security threats likely to affect the electoral process, as well as strategies to ensure a secure and inclusive election.
Promote best practices and recommendations to strengthen democracy through transparent electoral institutions, peaceful political dialogue, and active citizen participation.

Expected Outcomes
At the end of this process, the goal is to achieve:

A better understanding of the political issues specific to the October 12, 2025 presidential election, particularly in terms of governance and alternation; Increased awareness of the effects of security risks on holding reliable and transparent elections;
Concrete recommendations to strengthen electoral institutions, encourage citizen inclusion, and ease political tensions;
The promotion of an inclusive national dialogue aimed at fostering a peaceful and stable political climate.

Target Audience
This reflective effort is primarily addressed to:

political decision-makers and institutions in charge of organizing elections; political parties,
civil society and human rights organizations; national and international actors involved in peace and security;
mediaorgans that focus on political communication
researchers who specializein political science and democratic development; and
the entire Cameroonian citizenry.

Event Format
The webinar will take place online, via zoom through an interactive panel discussion by experts and will be streamed live across all organizational media outlets.
Event Date
The one-hour long event is scheduled to hold on September 24th 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers work on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contact
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Mr. Antem Anthony, Policy Analyst, and Head of Conflict Prevention and Analysis Unit, Peace and Security Division, AAntem@foretiafoundation.org
OR
Ms. Aboudi Vanessa, Policy Analyst, Governance and Democracy Division, vaboudi@foretiafoundation.org
Nkafu Policy Institute, P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54, www.nkafu.org.
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Driving Democracy, Accountability and Integrated Governance in Central Africa: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships
2025-11-20 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: November 20th 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm (WAT
Venue : Zoom Online
Context
Democratic Deficits
The Central African sub region faces numerous challenges related to democracy, accountability and governance. The wave of political instability, longevity in power, unconstitutional changes of government, as well as civil conflicts in countries of the Central African sub region highlights the challenges to the consolidation of democracy. The region is plagued by weak governance structures, impeding efficient public administration and the establishment of democratic principles. Countries of the sub-region; notably, Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Gabon, The Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Equatorial Guinea all rank consistently low on key democratic indicators (1). As a result, many countries in this region struggle with issues like corruption, human rights violation, limited civil liberties, weak rule of law, lack of free and fair elections, lack of accountability, and weak institutional frameworks; which all account for the low level of development in the sub region. International programs identify five major guidelines for strengthening democratic governance, including; The protection of fundamental rights, the reduction of economic and social inequalities, the construction of the rule of law, the promotion of political pluralism and Social pluralism (2).
The Case for Integrated Governance
Even though the afore-mentioned principles are crucial for bolstering democratic and integrated governance, their application remains difficult across the region because of deeply ingrained political cultures that are resistant to change. Faced with this challenge, there is need for a strategic approach that combines various elements of governance across different sectors to improve efficiency, accountability, sustainability, and service delivery for citizens. To achieve this, effective partnerships among governments, civil society organizations, international agencies, and private sectors is very essential. These collaborations have the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of integrated governance frameworks, democratic principles, and accountability systems which are critical for sustainable development.
Objectives
This webinar is part of the SCATT-BRIDGE Project which aims to strengthen think tank resilience and democratic governance across Central Africa. The main objective of the webinar is to examine innovative partnership approaches that can strengthen the democratic process, enhance accountability and guarantee effective governance across the central African sub region. More specifically, the webinar seeks to:

Analyze the current economic and socio-political landscape in the Central African Region and identify key challenges related to integrated governance, democracy and accountability.
Exploreinnovative partnership models to close gaps in governance, democracy and accountability and promote constructive change in Central African government systems.
Fosterdialogue on best practices for collaboration between international organizations, the corporate sector, civil society, and government authorities.
Generateinsights to inform future programming and donor strategies in the

Expected Outcomes
At the end of the discussion, it is expected that:

Attendees gain a more profound understanding of the specific governance challenges that theCentral African Region faces.
Identification of Best Practices and successful cooperation models between stakeholders thatcan be adapted or duplicated within the region.
Developmentof actionable recommendations to guide stakeholders in establishing effective partnerships with the goal of improving governance, democracy and accountability.
Improved effectiveness and strategic alignment of future programming and donor strategies in the region.

Expected Outputs
Immediate output from this webinar includes;

Arecording of the webinar that will be made available online for future
Acomprehensive report that summarizes the webinar’s main discussion, key insights and actionable policy recommendations.

Target audience
The webinar is targeted for:

Regionalgovernance experts
Government officials from Central African countries responsiblefor public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation
AfricanUnion, RECs and RMs
Donorrepresentatives
Civilsociety leaders and advocates
Developmentpractitioners from international organizations, with a focus on policy reforms
Privatesector and media representatives engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy
PublicPolicy experts
Womenand youth leaders

Event Format
The webinar will take place online, via zoom through an interactive panel discussion by experts and will be streamed live across all organizational media outlets.
Event Date
The one-hour long event is scheduled to hold on November 20th 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm (WAT).
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers work on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contact
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Ms. Muriel Kinkoh, Research Associate, Peace and Security division, Nkafu MKinkoh@foretiafoundation.org
Nkafu Policy Institute P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 | www.nkafu.org
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African Integration and Global Fragmentation: Which Path for AfCFTA?
2025-11-26 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris) | Zoom Online
Date: Wednesday November 26 2025
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00pm (GMT+1)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Background
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest free trade area with over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, stands as an economic integration project of unprecedented scale. Its primary goal is to stimulate intra-African trade, catalyse industrialisation, and bolster the continent’s competitiveness (1). The recent admission of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 has provided Africa with a premier institutional platform from which to project its ambitions onto the global stage.
However, this new standing on the world stage is not an end in itself; rather, it marks the starting point of a formidable strategic challenge. As Africa accelerates its own integration, it does so amidst a period of rising global fragmentation—a trend visible within the very alliances and tensions that define the G20. This paradox raises several critical questions: How will Africa speak with one voice on complex trade matters? How can the G20’s short-term priorities be aligned with the AfCFTA’s long-term industrialisation goals? Crucially, how can the AfCFTA avoid becoming merely a market for G20 economies, rather than a genuine engine of endogenous production?
These questions are particularly pressing as pivotal issues populate the global agenda. Whether it is the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions, the energy transition which is redefining the value of African resources, or the regulation of the digital economy, the AfCFTA must articulate a clear and strategic position to defend its interests.
Objectives
The primary objective of this webinar is to analyse the strategic options available to Africa to ensure AfCFTA’s success within a complex and fractured global environment. Specifically, the event will seek to:

Analyse the nature of geopolitical competition (Sino-American tensions, competing blocs) and concretely assessing the risks (political pressures, economic shocks) and opportunities (diversification of partnerships) for the AfCFTA’s implementation.
Explorehow the AfCFTA can serve as a shield to enhance the continent’s resilience to external shocks on one hand, and on the other, act as a lever to negotiate with a unified voice and project Africa’s economic power internationally.
Identify and debate the main options for the continent: active non-alignment, building thematicvariable-geometry alliances, or pursuing privileged partnerships with specific blocks. Which path offers the best balance between sovereignty and growth?
Propose tangible policy standpoints. From the analysis, formulate pragmatic recommendations for African negotiators and policymakers on key dossiers on the global agenda, notably the reform of financial institutions, the energy transition, and digital governance.

Target audience
This event is designed for a diverse group of stakeholders, including:

Tradeexperts and G20 representatives
Internationaleconomic organizations and regional economic communities
Privatesector stakeholders and investors
Academics andresearchers in trade and development
Civilsociety organizations focused on economic integration and development
Mediaprofessionals covering trade, economics, and global

Expected outcome of the event
Participants will gain actionable insights and policy recommendations to strengthen the AfCFTA’s global positioning, enhance Africa’s integration into global supply chains, and leverage the AU’s G20 membership to attract investment and drive trade-led growth.
Contact details
Email: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
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Improving Service Delivery to Strengthen PHI Uptake in Cameroon
2025-12-05 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: Friday, December 5th 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm (GMT+1)
Venue: Zoom, Online (Register now)

Background
Financial constraints remain a major obstacle to accessing timely and quality healthcare in Cameroon, where four in ten citizens live below the national poverty line (1). These barriers often force individuals to delay or forgo treatment, compounding the effects of already limited and uneven access to healthcare services. As a result, families with limited income fall deeper into poverty, while health disparities widen and outcomes deteriorate for the most vulnerable groups, especially in rural communities. Private health insurance (PHIs) offers a complementary pathway to improve access to quality healthcare by protecting individuals from financial hardship. However, uptake of health insurance over the years has remained significantly low, with less than 10% (2) of the population covered by any form of health insurance scheme. In Cameroon, low insurance coverage is attributed to several issues, including high premium costs, lack of trust in insurance companies, and persistent problems with service delivery, such as drawn-out administrative processes, erratic customer service, and slow claims resolution. These obstacles erode consumer trust and directly influence their satisfaction in the schemes offered. In addition, the quality of services offered by health facilities to insured patients can greatly impact the reputation of health insurance companies as well as its acceptance by the population. Poor customer experiences perpetuate a negative perception of the service and reduce the willingness of community members to purchase PHI.
PHI has the potential to expand access to quality care in Cameroon, but only if service delivery is equitable, transparent, and responsive to community needs. Effectively enhancing the quality of service delivery is thus essential to significantly improve acceptance of PHI in the country, demystifying negative experiences and increasing utilization rates. This webinar aims to explore strategies for enhancing the quality of services delivered by private health insurance providers in Cameroon, with the goal of increasing community uptake.
Objectives

To identify and discuss the state of health service delivery by insurance companies and health facilities. To identify and discuss the operational challenges faced by private health insurance providers, including regulatory gaps and claims management.
To discuss the causes of poor quality service delivery within health facilities.
To explore innovative strategies and best practices for improving service delivery standards among PHI providers to enhance client satisfaction and retention.

Expected Outputs
The expected outputs are:

A deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers to quality service delivery in PHIs.
Improved awareness of service quality as an important factor in PHI uptake.
Insights into practical strategies and innovations to enhance the quality of care in private health institutions.
Actionable recommendations provided for government, private insurers, and community stakeholders in overcoming these barriers.
A Policy brief summarizing insights and recommendations.

Target Audience
This webinar is intended for health insurance providers and administrators, healthcare providers, health system strengthening experts, policymakers, community leaders, PHI subscribers and the public.
Venue
This webinar will take place on Zoom platform and will be aired on Facebook live.
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Public Policy Analysis Course - Third Edition
2026-01-21 08:00 - 2026-01-23 17:30 UTC | Cofe Hotel, Yaounde, Cameroon
Date : January 21-23, 2026
Venue : Cofee Hotel, Yaoundé-Cameroon
Background
In alignment with AU and global priorities, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is launching the third cohort of its 2025 Public Policy Analysis Course (PPAC). The program is a strategic initiative aimed at providing a structured, practical platform for building capacity among policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to respond to ECCAS-specific challenges. This three-day annual event will enhance technical and interpersonal competencies in policy analysis, communication, and advocacy, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and fostering collaboration among ECCAS stakeholders.
The course has been specifically designed to:

Build participants’ capacity in public policy analysis by equipping them with theoretical frameworks and practical tools.
Support evidence-based policymaking tailored to ECCAS-specific challenges by addressing how issues are identified, prioritized, and introduced onto the public agenda.
Develop participants’ communication and advocacy skills to enhance policy engagement and stakeholder management.

Expected Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:

Enhance Technical Proficiency: Develop skills in policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation.
Formulate Actionable Recommendations: Learn to craft concrete and practical policy recommendations based on sound analysis.
Improve Writing Skills: Gain expertise in producing compelling, evidence-based opinion pieces advocating for policy reform.
Design Advocacy Plans: Create comprehensive advocacy strategies that include clear objectives, target audiences, messages, and tactical approaches.
Master Advocacy Techniques: Acquire communication and advocacy skills critical for influencing policy decisions.
Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders to advance policy reforms and governance initiatives.

Target Audience
The course is tailored for:

Think Tank Professionals: Researchers and analysts involved in public policy evaluation within ECCAS countries.
Government Officials: Policymakers responsible for formulating, implementing, and assessing public policies.
Civil Society Leaders: Advocates working on policy reform initiatives.
Development Practitioners: Professionals from international organizations focused on policy improvements.
Private Sector and Media Representatives: Stakeholders engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy.

The conference is limited to 25 attendees from ECCAS, selected upon payment of participation fees.
Participation Requirements
Participants are required to meet the following criteria:

Have a background or active interest in public policy analysis, governance, or advocacy.
Pay the required participation fees:

Students: 20,000 XAF
Early-Career Researchers and Professionals: 30,000 XAF

Participants coming from outside Cameroon will be responsible for their flight tickets, accommodations, and participation fees.

Detailed Course Content
The PPAC will include the following modules, delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and group exercises:

Introduction to Public Policy and the Policy Cycle
Policy Analysis Techniques
Policy Context in ECCAS countries
Policy Impact and Evaluation
Identifying Policy Gaps
Effective Policy Writing
Policy Windows and Timing
Role of Media and Public Opinion
Strategic Communication for Policy Advocacy
Advocacy Techniques
Engaging Stakeholders in Policymaking

Format, Date, and Venue

Format: In-person.
Date: January 21-23, 2026 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily).
Venue: Cofee Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Evaluation and Follow-Up
The evaluation process will include:

Pre- and post-course assessments to measure learning outcomes.
Individual and group assignments to evaluate practical application of concepts.
Participant feedback forms to improve future sessions.

Participants will remain engaged through a dedicated alumni network, quarterly virtual check-ins, and opportunities to contribute to policy discussions organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute.
Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process will include the following steps:

Submission of an online application, including a motivation statement.
Review and shortlisting of applications based on relevance and merit.
Notification of selected participants.

Participation Payment
Participation fees cover:

Certificate of participation.
Access to all workshop sessions.
Printed copies of event materials.
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
An electronic version of the final event report.

About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
Contacts
Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:
Anthony Antem, Head of Conflict Prevention, and Analysis Unit, Peace and Security Division – AAntem@foretiafoundation.org
Enowbachem Agbortanyi, Policy Analyst, Peace and Security Division – EAgbortanyi@foretiafoundation.org
Nkafu Policy Institute P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org

Enhancing Policy Uptake in Central Africa: Navigating Challenges Faced by Think Tanks and Civil Society Actors
2026-02-12 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Date: February 12th, 2026
Topic: Enhancing Policy Uptake in Central Africa: Navigating Challenges Faced by Think Tanks and Civil Society Actors.
Introduction
Central Africa, a region endowed with abundant natural resources and rich cultural diversity, stands at a pivotal point where the effective uptake of policies can profoundly shape its future development. Policy uptake refers to the translation of policy from intention to action, where citizens, businesses, and local governments adopt, implement and comply with new measures. It serves as a crucial indicator of a policy’s effectiveness, necessitating deliberate strategies to surmount obstacles such as lack of awareness or motivation and ensure compliance or participation. Key aspects of policy uptake encompass Adoption and Implementation, which entails transitioning a policy from theory to practice and ensuring adherence, as well as Acceptance and Compliance, wherein the target groups’ willingness to embrace new rules or programs can be swayed by incentives, social legitimacy, and capacity.
Think tanks and civil society actors play a crucial role in this context, as they are key to promoting and facilitating informed policy decisions. However, these organizations encounter numerous challenges that hinder their capacity to drive successful policy adoption and implementation. This webinar, organized under the SCATT-BRIDGE Project and funded by IDRC will examine these challenges identified through Nkafu Progress reports and propose strategies to address them. It forms part of the Nkafu Policy Institute broader mission of advancing governance and democracy within the Central Africa sub-region.
Objectives

Identify the primary challenges that obstruct policy uptake in Central Africa.
Share best practices and lessons learned from successful policy engagement experiences in the region.
Strengthen the capacity of think tanks and civil society actors to effectively engage with policymakers and influence policy uptake.
Propose actionable strategies to improve policy uptake in the region and foster collaboration and networking among think tanks, civil society actors, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Ensure systematic documentation of policy recommendations and participant engagement for institutional learning and donor reporting.

Expected Outcomes
The anticipated outcomes include:

Enhanced Understanding: At least 80% of Participants will gain a deeper insight into the challenges faced by think tanks and civil society actors in Central Africa regarding policy uptake.
Knowledge Sharing: Participants will exchange knowledge and best practices on effective policy engagement strategies and tactics.
Capacity Development: An estimated 80% of Participants will acquire skills and knowledge on how to effectively engage with policymakers and influence policy uptake.
Policy Recommendations: The webinar will generate policy recommendations for governments, think tanks, and civil society actors to improve policy uptake in Central Africa.
Increased Collaboration: The webinar will open avenues for collaboration and partnership among think tanks, civil society actors, and policymakers in Central Africa, giving rise to at least 3 new engagements.
Long term Policy Influence: As a result of the webinar, think tanks and civil society actors will be better equipped to sustain influence on policy decisions and promote good governance in Central Africa.

Methodology/Format
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Date: February 12th, 2026
Target Audience
This webinar is designed for think tank members, leaders of civil society organizations, policymakers, researchers, government officials’ regional bodies like African Union, sub-regional bodies like ECCAS countries, ECOWAS countries, diaspora actors, youth leaders and the general public. It will further ensure inclusivity by targeting at least 30% female participation, with deliberate outreach to women leaders and youth.
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From Research To Action: Tackling Inequality And Informality To Achieve Inclusive Growth In Central Africa?
2026-05-13 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Theme: From research to action: Tackling inequality and informality to achieve inclusive growth in Central Africa?
Session 1 – May 13, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (GMT+1)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
1. Background
Central Africa still faces persistent development challenges, including rising socioeconomic inequalities, a large informal economy, weak institutions, and vulnerability to external shocks. Despite its significant potential, the region struggles to translate its strengths into inclusive and sustainable growth.
In this context, the Nkafu Policy Institute, in collaboration with five partner think tanks, conducted comparative research in six countries of the region, producing:

Six Country Reports (Burundi, Congo, Rwanda – EPRN, Rwanda – IPAR, Cameroon, Chad)
A Flagship Report on Central Africa

In order to ensure widespread dissemination of the results, strengthen understanding of the observed dynamics and facilitate the intake of policy recommendations, the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation will organize a series of dissemination webinars, structured in three sessions.
2. Overall objective of the series
Create a continental space for dialogue, knowledge transfer and engagement between researchers, policymakers, civil society, international partners and media around the structural challenges related to informality, inequality and governance in Central Africa.
3. Specific objectives

To present the main results from country studies in a progressive and accessible manner.
To enable critical exchange between partner think tanks, public decision-makers and development actors.
To identify the obstacles to the implementation of the proposed reforms.
To strengthen the use of empirical evidence in decision-making processes.
To promote the flagship regional report and encourage consolidated thinking across Central Africa.

4. Session 1 – May 13, 2026 | Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (GMT+1)
Think tanks: EPRN – CDE Great Lakes – Nkafu Policy Institute

Burundi – CDE Great Lakes
“Enquête sur l’informalité, les inégalités et la croissance inclusive en Afrique : cas du Burundi”
Rwanda – EPRN
“Effect of Agricultural Land Reform on Household Wealth Accumulation and the Role of Urbanization in Rwanda”
Cameroon – Nkafu Policy Institute
“Women in the Informal Sector in Cameroon: Opportunities and Economic Contributions»

Focus on:

Regional trends in inequality and informality
Cross-cutting factors: governance, institutions, territorial dynamics
Integrated recommendations for inclusive growth in Central Africa
Strategic discussion with all partners

5. Target audience

Leaders and representatives of think tanks and civil society organizations.
Researchers, academics and social science analysts.
Donor agencies and international organizations.
Government officials and political decision-makers.
Media professionals covering socio-political issues in Francophone Africa.

6. Expected results

A greater understanding of the structural dynamics of inequality and informality in the region.
Enhanced dissemination of results within national and regional decision-making circles.
Concrete, contextualized and applicable strategies for inclusive growth.
Strategic recommendations for governments, regional organizations (AU, ECCAS, CEMAC) and development partners.

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Energy Transition as a Growth Engine: Unlocking Jobs and Investment in Central Africa
2026-05-21 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom Online
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Background and Rationale
Central Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development trajectory. The region possesses vast renewable energy resources—solar, hydro, wind, and biomass—yet continues to face chronic energy deficits, low electrification rates, and limited industrialization. At the same time, Central Africa confronts a pressing jobs challenge, driven by rapid population growth, urbanization, and a young labor force entering markets that struggle to absorb new entrants.
The global energy transition presents a strategic opportunity to address these twin challenges. Beyond climate and environmental benefits, energy transition can function as a powerful growth engine, catalyzing private investment, strengthening value chains, expanding productive capacity, and generating quality jobs across multiple sectors—from energy generation and transmission to manufacturing, construction, services, and digital technologies.
However, realizing this potential requires more than ambition. Investors face real and perceived risks related to regulatory uncertainty, financing constraints, infrastructure gaps, skills mismatches, and fragmented markets. Governments and development partners must therefore work in concert with the private sector to create enabling policy environments, de-risk investments, and align workforce development with emerging green energy value chains.
This webinar seeks to move beyond abstract discussions of energy transition by focusing squarely on jobs, investment, and growth. It will bring together private-sector leaders, investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore how Central Africa can transform energy transition into a driver of inclusive economic growth.
Objectives of the Webinar
The webinar aims to:

Examine the investment and job-creation potential of green and renewable energy in Central Africa.
Identify priority energy subsectors with the strongest employment and growth multipliers.
Explore the policy, regulatory, and financing conditions required to unlock private investment.
Discuss strategies for building local skills, enterprises, and value chains linked to energy transition.
Foster dialogue between investors, governments, and development partners on practical pathways forward.

Target Audience

Private investors and energy developers
Financial institutions and impact investors
Policymakers and regulators in energy, labor, and investment
Development partners and multilateral institutions
Think tanks, researchers, and civil society organizations
Entrepreneurs and professionals interested in green energy markets

Expected Outcomes
By the end of the webinar, participants are expected to:

Gain a clearer understanding of how energy transition can drive growth and employment in Central Africa.
Identify concrete investment opportunities and priority subsectors for job creation.
Better understand policy and financing tools that can unlock private capital.
Strengthen connections between investors, policymakers, and development partners.
Contribute to evidence-based dialogue on inclusive and sustainable energy-led growth.

About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The 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.
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