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

2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum “From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Policy Uptake in Central Africa”
2026-09-10 08:00 - 2026-09-11 17:00 UTC | Hilton Hotel, Yaounde, Cameroon
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Dates: 10-11 September 2026
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Background
Central Africa continues to face persistent development and governance challenges, including weak institutional capacity, limited policy implementation, fragile state structures, rising inequality, and gaps between policy design and real-world outcomes. While the region has made progress in generating research and policy-relevant evidence, a critical challenge remains: the translation of evidence into concrete policy action.
As Central African countries pursue the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the effectiveness of public policies increasingly depends not only on the availability of high-quality evidence, but also on the mechanisms through which evidence is absorbed, adopted, and implemented by decision-makers. Think tanks and civil society organizations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in this process by producing policy-relevant research, facilitating dialogue between stakeholders, and advocating for evidence-informed decision-making.
In line with its mission to promote evidence-based policymaking and accelerate structural transformation in Central Africa, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum. The Forum will provide a high-level platform to critically examine how research evidence can more effectively inform public policy and how institutional, political, and communication barriers to policy uptake can be addressed.
Held under the theme « From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Policy Uptake in Central Africa », the two-day Forum will convene policymakers, think tanks, civil society actors, development partners, researchers, and private sector representatives to explore practical strategies for bridging the gap between research and policy implementation across the region.
Objectives of the Forum
The 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum aims to:

Strengthen Evidence-to-Policy Linkages: Examine how think tanks and CSOs can improve the translation of research findings into actionable public policies and reforms.
Enhance Policy Uptake Mechanisms: Identify institutional, political, and technical factors that influence the adoption and implementation of evidence-based policies in Central Africa.
Promote Strategic Engagement with Policymakers: Foster constructive dialogue and sustained engagement between researchers, civil society, and decision-makers at national and regional levels.
Advance Policy Communication and Advocacy: Explore innovative communication tools, narratives, and advocacy strategies that increase the accessibility and relevance of policy evidence.
Deliver Action-Oriented Policy Recommendations: Produce concrete, context-specific recommendations to strengthen policy uptake, implementation, and monitoring across key sectors.

Key Themes and Areas of Discussion
Participants will engage around the following thematic areas:

From Research to Reform: Understanding policy uptake in Central Africa by analysing why evidence often fails to inform policy decisions and identifying pathways to enhance research utilization in policymaking.
The Role of Think Tanks and CSOs in Policy Influence: Examining how think tanks and civil society can position themselves as trusted policy advisors and implementation partners.
Institutional Capacity and Political Economy of Policy Implementation: Exploring how governance structures, incentives, and political dynamics shape the adoption of evidence-based policies.
Data, Monitoring, and Learning for Policy Impact: Highlighting the role of data systems, evaluation, and learning mechanisms in tracking policy effectiveness and informing adjustments.
Regional Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing: Discussing how regional platforms, including ECCAS and AfCFTA-related processes, can facilitate cross-country learning and policy diffusion.

Format of the Forum
The Forum will be held over two days and will include:

Keynote Addresses: High-level keynote speeches by senior policymakers, regional leaders, and development partners to frame the evidence-to-action agenda.
Panel Discussions: Interactive panels featuring experts, policymakers, and practitioners discussing real-world experiences with policy uptake.
Breakout Sessions: Thematic group sessions allowing participants to engage deeply on sector-specific and cross-cutting challenges.
Policy Roundtables: Closed and semi-closed roundtables bringing together decision-makers and think tanks to co-develop actionable solutions.

Expected Outcomes
The 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

Improved Policy Uptake Capacity: Enhanced ability of think tanks and CSOs to design research outputs that respond directly to policymaker needs.
Stronger Research–Policy Networks: Deepened collaboration between researchers, civil society, governments, and regional institutions.
Actionable Policy Frameworks: Practical recommendations and tools to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking and implementation.
Greater Visibility of Evidence-Based PolicyApproaches: Increased recognition of the value of research and data in improving governance and development outcomes.

Target Audience
The Forum targets:

Policymakers and senior government officials from Central African countries
Leaders of regional and international organizations
Think tanks and civil society organizations from Central Africa
Researchers, academics, and policy experts
International development partners and donors
Private sector stakeholders engaged in policy and development initiatives

Sponsorship and Partnerships
The Nkafu Policy Institute seeks strategic partnerships and sponsorships from governments, international development partners, regional organizations, and private sector actors. These partnerships will be essential to ensuring the quality, inclusiveness, and impact of the 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum.
Conclusion
The 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum offers a critical opportunity to move beyond policy design toward effective policy action. By focusing on the mechanisms that enable evidence to inform decisions and drive implementation, the Forum will contribute to more responsive, accountable and impactful public policies in Central Africa. The Nkafu Policy Institute invites all stakeholders committed to evidence-based development to join this important initiative.
Contacts
For inquiries related to the organization of the Forum, please contact:
Dr. Ahmed Salim Vessah: Policy Analyst-Economic Affairs Division, Nkafu Policy Institute, Email: svessah@foretiafoundation.org.
Mr. Sperry Atam Sab: Finance and Operations Manager – Nkafu Policy Institute, Email: satam@foretiafoundation.org.
Event Details

Venue: Hilton Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Dates: 10-11 September 2026
Languages: English and French (simultaneous interpretation provided)

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Agro-Industrial Value Chains and AfCFTA: Unlocking Competitive Industries in Central Africa
2026-10-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom Online
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register Now)
Background and Rationale
Agriculture remains central to livelihoods and economic activity across Central Africa, yet the region continues to capture limited value from its agricultural output. Primary commodities are often exported with minimal processing, leaving countries vulnerable to price volatility, external shocks, and persistent trade deficits. At the same time, Central Africa faces pressing challenges of job creation, industrial diversification, and regional market integration.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity to reverse these trends by enabling scale, reducing trade barriers, and fostering regional value chains. For Central Africa, AfCFTA can serve as a catalyst for agro-industrialization, linking farms to processing, manufacturing, logistics, and regional markets. By shifting from raw material exports to competitive agro-industries, countries can increase value addition, stimulate private investment, and generate decent jobs—particularly for youth and women.
However, realizing this potential is not automatic. Structural constraints persist, including weak transport and energy infrastructure, limited access to finance, fragmented standards and regulations, skills gaps, and uneven policy implementation. Effective agro-industrial development under AfCFTA will therefore require coherent industrial policy, targeted investments, and stronger coordination among governments, the private sector, regional economic communities, and development partners.
This webinar seeks to examine how Central African countries can strategically leverage AfCFTA to strengthen agro-industrial value chains, enhance competitiveness, and accelerate structural transformation.
Objectives of the Webinar
The webinar aims to:

Examine the current state of agro-industrial value chains in Central Africa and their role in economic transformation.
Analyze how AfCFTA can enable scale, market access, and competitiveness for agro-industrial products.
Identify policy, infrastructure, and financing constraints limiting value-chain upgrading.
Explore industrial policy options and private-sector strategies to strengthen agro-processing and manufacturing.
Foster dialogue among policymakers, investors, researchers, and practitioners on actionable pathways forward.

Target Audience

Policymakers and regulators in trade, agriculture, and industry
Agribusinesses, SMEs, and private investors
Development partners and financial institutions
Think tank researchers and academics
Civil society and producer organizations
Students and practitioners interested in regional integration and industrialization

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

Gain a clearer understanding of how AfCFTA can support agro-industrial transformation in Central Africa.
Identify priority value chains and policy bottlenecks limiting competitiveness.
Learn from comparative experiences and practical approaches to value-chain upgrading.
Strengthen networks among public, private, and regional actors.
Contribute to evidence-informed dialogue on industrial policy and regional integration.

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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The Governance Landscape in Central Africa: Actors, Authority, and Accountability
2026-11-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom Online
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Background and Rationale
Governance outcomes in Central Africa are shaped by a complex ecosystem of actors that extend well beyond formal state institutions. Executive power, security establishments, political parties, traditional authorities, business elites, civil society organizations, religious institutions, and external partners all influence how authority is exercised and how public decisions are made. Understanding this governance landscape is essential for advancing democratic accountability, policy reform, and inclusive development in the region.
Across Central Africa, highly centralized political systems coexist with informal power structures and weak accountability mechanisms. While constitutions and legal frameworks often articulate principles of separation of powers and citizen oversight, the practical operation of governance frequently reflects asymmetries of power, limited institutional checks, and constrained civic space. These dynamics affect public service delivery, economic management, security governance, and public trust in state institutions.
For think tanks, civil society actors, development partners, and reform-minded policymakers, engaging effectively in this environment requires a clear understanding of who holds authority, how decisions are influenced, and where leverage points for accountability and reform exist. This webinar seeks to unpack these dynamics by examining governance actors, formal and informal power relationships, and accountability pathways across Central Africa.
Objectives of the Webinar
The webinar aims to:

Map key actors shaping governance and decision-making in Central Africa.
Examine how authority is exercised across formal institutions and informal power networks.
Analyze the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms, including parliaments, courts, civil society, and the media.
Identify leverage points for strengthening governance reform and policy influence.
Foster informed dialogue among policymakers, researchers, civil society, and development partners.

Target Audience

Policymakers and public officials
Think tank researchers and analysts
Civil society and advocacy organizations
Development partners and donors
Academics, students, and media professionals
Practitioners interested in governance reform and policy influence

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

Gain a clearer understanding of governance actors and power dynamics in Central Africa.
Identify gaps and opportunities in accountability mechanisms.
Develop more informed strategies for policy engagement and reform advocacy.
Strengthen networks among governance actors across the region.
Contribute to Nkafu’s broader work on governance, democracy, and policy uptake in Central Africa.

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.
REGISTER NOW

Bridging the Digital Divide – Technology, AI and the Future of Work in Central Africa
2026-12-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom Online
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)
Background and Rationale
Digital technologies—and increasingly artificial intelligence (AI)—are transforming labor markets worldwide. Automation, machine learning, digital platforms, and data-driven systems are reshaping how work is organized, which skills are demanded, and how productivity gains are distributed. For many economies, these technologies are becoming central to competitiveness, innovation, and long-term growth.
In Central Africa, the potential of digitalization and AI remains unevenly realized. While mobile technologies and digital services have expanded, especially in urban centers, deep digital divides persist across geography, gender, education levels, and firm size. Limited broadband infrastructure, high connectivity costs, weak digital ecosystems, and gaps in advanced digital and AI-related skills constrain the region’s ability to fully participate in the digital economy.
The rapid emergence of AI raises both opportunities and risks for Central Africa’s labor markets. On one hand, AI-enabled tools can improve productivity, enable new forms of work, support entrepreneurship, and expand access to markets and services. On the other hand, without deliberate policy choices, AI and automation risk reinforcing informality, displacing vulnerable workers, and widening inequalities between those with digital skills and those without.
These dynamics are unfolding amid high youth unemployment, rapid demographic growth, and a labor market dominated by informality. The central policy challenge is therefore not whether technology and AI will shape the future of work in Central Africa—but how governments, the private sector, and development partners can ensure that this transformation is inclusive, job-creating, and aligned with decent work principles.
This webinar will provide a platform for evidence-informed dialogue on how Central Africa can bridge digital divides, build AI-ready skills, and harness technology to support productive employment and shared prosperity.
Objectives of the Webinar
The webinar aims to:

Examine the nature of digital and AI-related divides in Central Africa and their implications for work.
Assess how digital technologies and AI are reshaping employment, productivity, and informality.
Explore the risks and opportunities of AI adoption for youth and women in the labor market.
Identify policy, regulatory, and investment priorities to support inclusive digital and AI-driven economies.
Promote dialogue on aligning technology and AI strategies with skills development and decent work.

Target Audience

Policymakers and regulators
Technology firms and private-sector leaders
Development partners and donors
Think tank researchers and academics
Civil society organizations
Youth, students, and workforce development practitioners

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

Gain a clearer understanding of how technology and AI are shaping the future of work in Central Africa.
Identify key digital and AI-related barriers to inclusive employment.
Understand priority policy and investment actions needed to bridge digital divides.
Strengthen networks among stakeholders working on digitalization, AI, and jobs.
Contribute to evidence-informed policy dialogue on inclusive digital and AI transitions.

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.
REGISTER NOW
