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X-WR-CALNAME:Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260812T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260812T160000
DTSTAMP:20260806T103411Z
CREATED:20251231T093511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T103411Z
UID:10000402-1786546800-1786550400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Civil–Military Relations and Democratic Accountability in Central Africa
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, August 12\, 2026\nTime: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)\nVenue: Zoom Online (Register now) \nBackground and Rationale \nCivil–military relations remain a defining factor in the governance and democratic trajectories of Central African states. Across the region\, armed forces and security services play influential roles not only in national defense and internal security\, but also in political transitions\, regime stability\, electoral processes\, and the management of dissent. While professional\, accountable security institutions are essential for state stability\, weak civilian oversight and politicization of the military have often undermined democratic consolidation. \nIn several Central African countries\, historical legacies of military dominance\, prolonged states of emergency\, internal conflicts\, and constitutional ambiguities have blurred the boundaries between civilian authority and military power. These dynamics have contributed to challenges such as restricted civic space\, contested elections\, limited transparency in defense governance\, and erosion of public trust in state institutions. At the same time\, emerging security threats—ranging from insurgencies and cross-border violence to organized crime—have increased reliance on military actors\, further complicating accountability mechanisms. \nThis webinar seeks to provide a platform for critical reflection on how civil–military relations can be strengthened in ways that enhance democratic accountability while preserving security and stability. By bringing together policymakers\, security experts\, civil society actors\, and researchers\, the discussion will explore reform pathways\, comparative lessons\, and practical strategies relevant to Central Africa. \nObjectives of the Webinar \nThe webinar aims to: \n\nExamine the current state of civil–military relations in Central Africa and their implications for democratic governance.\nAnalyze institutional\, legal\, and political factors shaping civilian oversight of the military and security services.\nExplore the role of parliaments\, courts\, civil society\, and the media in promoting accountability and transparency in the security sector.\nIdentify practical reform options to strengthen professional\, non-partisan\, and accountable security institutions.\nFoster informed dialogue among stakeholders on balancing security imperatives with democratic norms.\n\nTarget Audience \n\nPolicymakers and public officials\nSecurity practitioners and analysts\nCivil society and human rights organizations\nThink tank researchers and academics\nDevelopment partners and donors\nStudents and emerging professionals interested in governance and security\n\nExpected Outcomes \nBy the end of the webinar\, participants are expected to: \n\nGain a deeper understanding of civil–military relations and their impact on democracy in Central Africa.\nIdentify key institutional and policy gaps in democratic oversight of security forces.\nLearn from comparative experiences and reform efforts within and beyond the region.\nStrengthen networks among policymakers\, researchers\, and civil society actors.\nContribute to evidence-based dialogue informing Nkafu’s peace\, security\, and governance programming.\n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a leading independent African policy research institution with vision to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation. It drives Africa’s prosperity through evidence-informed policymaking\, enabling all citizens to thrive in free\, fair\, democratic\, and flourishing economies. Through rigorous analysis\, high-impact publications\, and inclusive dialogue\, Nkafu promotes practical reforms that strengthen governance and enhance Africa’s development trajectory. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/civil-military-relations-and-democratic-accountability-in-central-africa/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,SCATT-BRIDGE,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/August-12-SQRR.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260702T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260702T160000
DTSTAMP:20260625T160125Z
CREATED:20251231T102532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T160125Z
UID:10000404-1783004400-1783008000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Strengthening Regional Security in Central Africa: Can ECCAS Rise to the Challenge?
DESCRIPTION:Date: July 2\, 2026\nTime: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)\nVenue: Zoom Online (Register now) \nBackground and Rationale \nCentral Africa continues to face complex and interlinked security challenges\, including armed conflict\, violent extremism\, cross-border insurgencies\, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea\, unconstitutional changes of government\, and the proliferation of illicit trafficking networks. These threats transcend national borders and increasingly require coordinated regional responses. \nThe Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) was established to promote peace\, security\, and stability across the region. Through instruments such as the Council for Peace and Security in Central Africa (COPAX)\, ECCAS has articulated an ambitious mandate covering conflict prevention\, crisis management\, peacekeeping\, and post-conflict reconstruction. Yet\, persistent insecurity in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo\, Central African Republic\, Lake Chad Basin\, and border regions has raised critical questions about ECCAS’ effectiveness\, capacity\, political authority\, and operational readiness. \nThis webinar seeks to critically examine whether ECCAS is adequately equipped—politically\, institutionally\, and financially—to respond to the region’s evolving security landscape. It will also explore reform options and complementary approaches involving member states\, civil society\, and international partners. \nObjectives of the Webinar \nThe webinar aims to: \n\nAssess the current security challenges confronting Central Africa and their regional dimensions.\nExamine ECCAS’ institutional mandate\, governance structures\, and operational tools for peace and security.\nIdentify political\, financial\, and coordination constraints limiting ECCAS’ effectiveness.\nExplore opportunities for reform\, strengthening\, and strategic partnerships.\nGenerate policy-relevant insights to inform regional security cooperation in Central Africa.\n\nTarget Audience \n\nPolicymakers and government officials from Central Africa\nRegional and continental institutions\nThink tank researchers and analysts\nCivil society and peacebuilding organizations\nDevelopment partners and donors\nAcademics\, students\, and security practitioners\n\nExpected Outcomes \nBy the end of the webinar\, participants are expected to: \n\nGain a clearer understanding of ECCAS’ strengths and limitations in addressing regional security challenges.\nIdentify reform priorities and partnership opportunities for strengthening regional security governance.\nEnhance dialogue between policymakers\, researchers\, and civil society actors.\nGenerate policy-relevant insights to inform Nkafu’s peace and security programming and advocacy.\n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a leading independent African policy research institution with vision to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation. It drives Africa’s prosperity through evidence-informed policymaking\, enabling all citizens to thrive in free\, fair\, democratic\, and flourishing economies. Through rigorous analysis\, high-impact publications\, and inclusive dialogue\, Nkafu promotes practical reforms that strengthen governance and enhance Africa’s development trajectory. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/strengthening-regional-security-in-central-africa-can-eccas-rise-to-the-challenge/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,SCATT-BRIDGE,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wbinar-july-2-sqr.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260212T160000
DTSTAMP:20260115T150743Z
CREATED:20251219T090931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T150743Z
UID:10000401-1770908400-1770912000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Enhancing Policy Uptake in Central Africa: Navigating Challenges Faced by Think Tanks and Civil Society Actors
DESCRIPTION:Venue: Zoom  Online (Register now)\nDate: February 12th\, 2026 \nTopic: Enhancing Policy Uptake in Central Africa: Navigating Challenges Faced by Think Tanks and Civil Society Actors. \nIntroduction   \nCentral 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. \nThink 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. \nObjectives   \n\nIdentify the primary challenges that obstruct policy uptake in Central Africa.\nShare best practices and lessons learned from successful policy engagement experiences in the region.\nStrengthen the capacity of think tanks and civil society actors to effectively engage with policymakers and influence policy uptake.\nPropose actionable strategies to improve policy uptake in the region and foster collaboration and networking among think tanks\, civil society actors\, policymakers\, and other stakeholders.\nEnsure systematic documentation of policy recommendations and participant engagement for institutional learning and donor reporting.\n\nExpected Outcomes   \nThe anticipated outcomes include: \n\nEnhanced 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.\nKnowledge Sharing: Participants will exchange knowledge and best practices on effective policy engagement strategies and tactics.\nCapacity Development: An estimated 80% of Participants will acquire skills and knowledge on how to effectively engage with policymakers and influence policy uptake.\nPolicy Recommendations: The webinar will generate policy recommendations for governments\, think tanks\, and civil society actors to improve policy uptake in Central Africa.\nIncreased 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.\nLong 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.\n\nMethodology/Format \nVenue: Zoom  Online (Register now)\nDate: February 12th\, 2026 \nTarget Audience   \nThis 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. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/enhancing-policy-uptake-in-central-africa-navigating-challenges-faced-by-think-tanks-and-civil-society-actors/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,SCATT-BRIDGE,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/impact-eng_sqr-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250924T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250924T170000
DTSTAMP:20250922T173009Z
CREATED:20250904T102842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T173009Z
UID:10000399-1758726000-1758733200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Cameroon 2025 elections: Between challenges of Alternation\, Security Risks and Democratic Consolidation
DESCRIPTION:Date: September 24th 2025\nTime: 3:00pm – 4:00pm (WAT)\nVenue: Zoom Online \nContext  \nThe 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. \nObjectives \nThis 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: \n\nAssess the political and social conditions ahead of the 2025 elections and identify obstacles to a peaceful and credible political alternation.\nEvaluate security threats likely to affect the electoral process\, as well as strategies to ensure a secure and inclusive election.\nPromote best practices and recommendations to strengthen democracy through transparent electoral institutions\, peaceful political dialogue\, and active citizen participation.\n\nExpected Outcomes  \nAt the end of this process\, the goal is to achieve: \n\nA 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;\nConcrete recommendations to strengthen electoral institutions\, encourage citizen inclusion\, and ease political tensions;\nThe promotion of an inclusive national dialogue aimed at fostering a peaceful and stable political climate.\n\nTarget Audience \nThis reflective effort is primarily addressed to: \n\npolitical decision-makers and institutions in charge of organizing elections; political parties\,\ncivil society and human rights organizations; national and international actors involved in peace and security;\nmediaorgans that focus on political communication\nresearchers who specializein political science and democratic development; and\nthe entire Cameroonian citizenry.\n\nEvent Format \nThe webinar will take place online\, via zoom through an interactive panel discussion by experts and will be streamed live across all organizational media outlets. \nEvent Date \nThe one-hour long event is scheduled to hold on September 24th 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. \nAbout the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation \nThe 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. \nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe 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. \nContact \nQuestions related to the organization of this event can be sent to: \nMr. Antem Anthony\, Policy Analyst\, and Head of Conflict Prevention and Analysis Unit\, Peace and Security Division\, AAntem@foretiafoundation.org \nOR \nMs. Aboudi Vanessa\, Policy Analyst\, Governance and Democracy Division\, vaboudi@foretiafoundation.org \n Nkafu Policy Institute\, P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54\, www.nkafu.org. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/cameroon-2025-elections-between-challenges-of-alternation-security-risks-and-democratic-consolidation/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,SCATT-BRIDGE,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/eng_sqrr.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250226T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250226T160000
DTSTAMP:20250219T163440Z
CREATED:20250128T105751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250219T163440Z
UID:10000380-1740582000-1740585600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Barriers: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Francophone Africa’s Peace and Governance Ecosystem
DESCRIPTION:Date : February 26th 2025\nTime : 3:00pm – 4:00pm (WAT)\nVenue : Zoom Online (Register Now) \nContext\nThe 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. \nFrom 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. \nThe 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. \nObjectives\nThis webinar seeks to: \n\nExamine thebarriers faced by women in the peace\, security\, and governance ecosystem of Francophone Africa.\nAmplify evidence-basedinsights into the critical roles and contributions of African women in peace and governance processes.\nShowcase Africanwomen who are driving meaningful impact across the peace\, security\, and governance ecosystem.\nAdvocate for inclusive participation of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes in Francophone Africa.\n\nExpected Outcomes\n\nIncreased Awareness:Reflect on the current challenges women face in governance and civic spaces and identify actionable solutions.\nInspiration for Young Women: Highlight successful women leaders who are making a positive impact in peace\, security\, and governance to inspire the next generation.\nPolicyAdvocacy: Encourage policymakers to implement structural reforms to enhance\n\nwomen’s inclusion and active participation in decision-making processes. \nExpected Outputs\n\nRenewedPerspectives: Generate fresh\, inclusive ideas around women’s leadership in\n\npeace and governance. \n\nWebinar Report: A comprehensive report with actionable\, evidence-based recommendations tailored to foster structural reforms and promote women’s\n\nTarget Audience\nThis webinar is designed for: \n\nGovernment officials responsible for public policy formulation\, implementation\, and\nRepresentatives of the AfricanUnion\, Regional Economic Communities (RECs)\, and Regional Mechanisms (RMs).\nCivilsociety leaders and\nDevelopmentpractitioners and international organizations focused on policy\nPrivate sector and media representatives engaged in public-private partnerships and\nPublicpolicy\nWomenand youth\n\nEvent Format\nThe 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. \nEvent Date\nThe one hour event is scheduled to hold on February 26th 2025 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. \nAbout the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation\nThe 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. \nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute\nThe 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. \nContact\nQuestions related to the organization of this event can be sent to: \nMr Anthony Antem\, Policy Analyst and Head of Conflict Analysis and Prevention; Division of Peace and Security\, Nkafu Policy Institute AAntem@foretiafoundation.org \nNkafu Policy Institute P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 – www.nkafu.org
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/breaking-barriers-advancing-womens-leadership-in-francophone-africas-peace-and-governance-ecosystem/
LOCATION:Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,SCATT-BRIDGE,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SCATT-BRIDGE-Webinar-Square-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
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