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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://nkafu.org/
X-WR-CALNAME:Nkafu Policy Institute
X-WR-CALDESC:Catalyzing Africa’s Economic Transformation
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250805T080000
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UID:MEC-d25fdd6b1fe1ae5c96fb2cd009d8e414@nkafu.org
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SUMMARY:2025 Executive and Strategic Leadership Program for Think Tank and CSO Leaders
DESCRIPTION:Format: In-person.\nDate: August 5-6, 2025 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily).\nVenue: Djeuga Palace, Yaoundé, Cameroon.\nRegister now ( https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/n4bXW8hjo3295S4 )\n\nBackground\nThink 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.\nThe 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.\nThe 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.\nTo 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.\nProgram Objectives\nThe primary goal of the program is to sustain the leadership and operational efficiency of think tanks and CSOs in Central Africa. Specific objectives include:\nStrategic Capacity Building: Strengthen organizational management and policy development skills to produce impactful research and foster democratic governance.\n\nEmpowering Leadership: Enhance the leadership and advocacy competencies of think tank researchers, particularly women, to improve policy advocacy and drive gender equity.\nVisibility and Reach: Expand the regional influence of Central African think tanks and CSOs through enhanced communication and collaboration.\n\nExpected Outcomes\n\nResilient Leadership: Greater awareness and adaptive capacity among think tank and CSO leaders to address issues like governance, democracy, regional integration, and security.\nEnhanced Skills: Improved managerial, leadership, and research competencies, enabling leaders to better advocate for policy improvements.\nCollaborative Networks: Establishment of a robust regional network of think tanks and CSOs for shared learning and support.\nPolicy Impact: Strengthened research and advocacy capabilities, resulting in actionable and innovative policy recommendations.\n\nTarget Audience\n\nLeaders of think tanks, CSOs, and independent research organizations in the Central African region.\nParticular emphasis on supporting women leaders and researchers.\nPolicymakers and development practitioners interested in advancing regional governance and stability.\n\nThe 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.\nParticipation Requirements\n\nDemonstrated leadership or research experience in a think tank, CSO, or related organization.\nCommitment to improving organizational impact and advocacy capabilities.\nSubmission of a completed application form with a statement of purpose highlighting professional goals.\n\nDetailed Course Content\nThe 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.\nModules include:\n\nStrategic Leadership in Volatile Environments:\n\nTools for adaptive leadership.\nCrisis management and decision-making under uncertainty.\n\n\nPolicy Advocacy and Influence:\n\nDeveloping and communicating evidence-based recommendations.\nStakeholder engagement strategies.\n\n\nBuilding Resilient Organizations:\n\nFinancial sustainability and resource mobilization.\nGovernance and accountability mechanisms.\n\n\nAdvancing Gender Equity in Leadership:\n\nWomen in leadership roles: Challenges and strategies.\nGender-sensitive policy formulation.\n\n\nRegional Integration and Collaboration:\n\nOpportunities for regional cooperation.\nNetworking for mutual support and shared learning.\n\n\n\nFormat, Date, and Venue\nFormat: In-person.\nDate: August 5-6, 2025 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily).\nVenue: Djeuga Palace, Yaoundé, Cameroon.\nEvaluation and Follow-Up\n\nPre-Program Assessment: Participants will complete a survey to assess their current leadership and advocacy skills.\nInteractive Feedback: Real-time feedback mechanisms will be integrated into sessions to ensure relevance.\nPost-Program Support: Participants will receive follow-up mentoring opportunities and access to a resource platform for continued learning and networking.\nImpact Assessment: A six-month follow-up survey will evaluate changes in participants’ organizational impact and leadership practices.\n\nSelection Process and Timeline\nThe selection process ensures inclusivity of the most qualified and motivated participants while maintaining transparency and regional representation.\nTimeline\n\nCall for Applications: 06 May, 2025.\nApplication Deadline: 30 June, 2025\nApplication Screening: 1-4 July, 2025.\nFinal Selection Announcement: 8 July, 2025.\nExecutive and Strategic Leadership Program in Yaoundé: 5 & 6 August, 2025\n\nParticipation Fee and Payment\n\nParticipation Fee:\nThink tanks and CSO leaders: $ 200\nResearchers: $150\nParticipants from last year: $180\nLate payment (missed deadline): $ 300\n\nWhat the Fee Covers:\n\nAccess to all sessions.\nTraining materials and resources.\nMeals and refreshments during the event.\nCertificates\nPayment Instructions: Details on payment procedures will be communicated to selected participants upon confirmation of acceptance.\n\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.\nContacts\nQuestions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:\nMs. Vanessa Aboudi, Policy Analyst – Division of Governance and Democracy  (vaboudi@foretiafoundation.org)\nMr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu, Research Assistant – Division of Governance and Democracy (bjengu@foretiafoundation.org)\nNkafu Policy Institute\nP: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 www.nkafu.org\n\n
URL:https://nkafu.org/m-events/2025-executive-and-strategic-leadership-program-for-think-tanks-and-scos-leaders/
ORGANIZER;CN=Nkafu Policy Institute:MAILTO:info@nkafu.org
CATEGORIES:Event
LOCATION:Yaoundé
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