Theme: “Shaping the Future: Role of Think Tanks and Civil Society in
Central Africa Policy Processes”

  • August 07 - 08, 2025
  • 09am - 05pm (GMT + 1)
  • Djeuga Plalace Hotel - Cameroon
Register Your Interest
International Registration (USD100)
Local Registration (XAF50.000)

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.

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objectives

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

target audience

The forum aims to attract:

Central African think tanks & CSOs

International partners & Donors

Researchers & Academics

Regional and international organizations

Policymakers from Central African countries

Private sector representatives

Speakers

Dr. Denis Foretia

Dr. Foretia is Co-Chair of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation and Executive Chairman of the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Cameroonian think tank. Along with co-chair Lenora Ebule, he shapes and approves strategy, advocates for the foundation, and helps set the overall direction. He is also the Chairman of Merckshire LLC, an international holding company with operations in the US and Cameroon.
A surgeon by training, Foretia has always been involved in philanthropic activities and issues related to international development. He is currently the President of the Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA). He is also the Co-Founder and pioneer president of the Cameroon Professional Society (CPS) – the premier institution for Cameroonian professionals in the US focused on advancing economic opportunity and leadership development among Cameroonians.

Founder & Executive Chairman,
Nkafu Policy Institute

Enrique Mendizabal

Enrique is OTT’s founder and executive director. He leads the development and delivery of OTT’s mission. Enrique has over 20 years of experience in the field of evidence informed policy. Before founding OTT in 2011 he worked for the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) where he headed the Research and Policy in Development programme. At ODI he co-founded the Outcome Mapping Learning Community. Enrique has co-founded various initiatives aimed at supporting better informed policymaking including Purpose & Ideas, the Peruvian Alliance for the Use of Evidence, the Latin American Evidence Week and the Premio PODER al Think Tank Peruano del Año.

Founder and Executive Director, On Think Tanks

Marie-Gloriose Ingabire

Dr. Marie-Gloriose Ingabire is a dynamic development agent with over 20 years of experience. With substantive knowledge and extensive experience in international development research and programming, she has effectively collaborated with researchers, policymakers, practitioners, civil society organizations, and community leaders to improve health and wellbeing of diverse populations in low- and middle-income countries. She has cultivated several partnerships and alliances with governments, bilateral, multilateral, and other international development funding and implementing organizations, as well as private foundations. 

Marie-Gloriose’s journey at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) began in 2009, where she assumed the role of Senior Program Specialist in Ottawa, Canada. In this capacity, she spearheaded various pivotal projects encompassing health systems financing, sexual and reproductive health, research capacity strengthening, and evidence use in decision-making.

Later, she transitioned to Dakar, serving as the Regional Focal Point for West and Central Africa with the Global Health Program. She was then promoted to the position of Team Leader in the same program before ultimately taking on the mantle of Regional Director. Throughout Marie-Gloriose has represented IDRC in global health research fora and governance committees.

Prior to her tenure at IDRC, Marie-Gloriose worked at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and earlier in her career with the Canadian Federal Government. She holds a Ph.D. in economics from the Université de Montréal.


Regional Director, Central and West Africa, IDRC
Prof. Jean Emmanuel Pondi

Professor Jean-Emmanuel Pondi is a renowned Cameroonian academic, international relations expert, and passionate Pan-Africanist with over 35 years of professional experience. He currently serves as the Rector of the ICT University in Yaoundé, Cameroon, a role he assumed in 2022. His distinguished career in higher education includes previous positions as Vice-Rector of the Universities of Yaoundé I and II, Secretary-General of the University of Yaoundé I and II, and Director of the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), where he also served as a permanent faculty member from 1986 to 2023.

Professor Pondi holds a PhD in Political Science (International Relations) from Pennsylvania State University (USA), an M.Phil. in International Relations from the University of Cambridge (UK), an MSc in Political Economy from the London School of Economics (UK), and a double Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo (USA). He also completed postdoctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (USA).

Internationally, he has held teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, the Chinese Institute of International Relations in Beijing, the Diplomatic School of Madrid, and the University of Saint Joseph in Beirut, among others. He has collaborated with over 15 universities worldwide, taught students from 45 nationalities, and visited 53 countries.

Professor Pondi has authored or co-authored 25 books and published 85 academic articles. He has supervised 35 PhD dissertations and 122 Master's theses and has delivered nearly 700 public lectures globally. His areas of expertise include conflict resolution in Africa, international relations theory, African integration dynamics, and the foreign policies of major global powers.

In recognition of his scholarly contributions, he has received numerous honors, including being named an Officer and later Commander in the French Order of Academic Palms, and an Officer and Knight of Cameroon’s National Order of Valour. He is also a member of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, where he serves as Dean of the College of Social Sciences.

Professor Pondi is widely respected for his thought leadership, academic rigor, and lifelong commitment to advancing African scholarship and international dialogue.

Rector, The ICT University

Pamla Gopaul
Ms. Pamla Gopaul is the Unit Lead for Economic Analysis and Foresight and lead coordinator of the Policy Bridge Tank Programme at AUDA-NEPAD in South Africa. The programme aims to engage African Think Tanks to address challenges through evidence-based policy and knowledge services to advance the attainment of Agenda 2063. Ms. Gopaul is a policy and development practitioner equipped with areas of expertise in strategic planning and development transformation processes.
 
Her previous positions include Senior Policy Officer to the CEO and Senior Programme Officer on Strategic Initiatives. Ms Gopaul has more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning and development transformation processes. She is an expert at leveraging Regional and Continental evidence-based knowledge for effective programme implementation. She manages the Effective Institutions platform, a peer-to-peer learning and sharing platform and supports the Agency’s program and project implementation through evidence and research-based content.


Programme Officer – Data Analyst, AUDA NEPAD
Gwendoline Abunaw

Gwendoline Abunaw is the Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon, subsidiary of the leading Pan African banking group present in 35 countries in the Continent. Since November 2021 she is the Cluster Head CEMAC covering 6 Ecobank affiliates. On June 2022, she became the first female President of the Cameroonian Banking and Financial Institutions’ Association (APECCAM), main entity representing all the banks and financial institutions in Cameroon. With over 20 years of banking experience, she has occupied C-suite roles since 2011, including Head of Corporate Bank Cameroon with coverage of 6 other countries in central Africa, Deputy Managing Director and later, Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon. A Board Member at Ecobank Cameroon, Ecobank Chad and E-process International (Ecobank group Technology service provider); as well as Chairperson of the Boards for Pan African Savings and Loans (Microfinance member of Ecobank group), EDC Investment Corporation (Investment Bank member of Ecobank Group) and EDC Assets Management. Mrs. bunaw is also a frequent speaker at conferences covering a range of topics, from women in leadership/empowerment; innovation/ digital transformation in the financial sector as well as youth motivation and technology. Gwendoline Abunaw is a holder of both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Banking and Finance from Buea University (Cameroon) and an MBA from the London Metropolitan University (UK). Prior to joining Ecobank Cameroon in 2011, she occupied several roles at both Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank.

Managing Director, Ecobank Cameroon

Barr. Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla

Felix Agbor Nkongho, widely known as Balla, is a distinguished Cameroonian lawyer and human rights defender. He serves as the director of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), where he spearheads efforts to promote democracy, good governance, access to justice, and the rule of law. Balla is a leading advocate for the human rights of Cameroonians, particularly in the conflict-stricken Anglophone region.

His dedication to human rights is evidenced by his relentless efforts, even in the face of significant challenges, including state-sanctioned pushback and his arbitrary detention in 2017. Felix Agbor Balla's work extends beyond Cameroon, impacting the broader African continent through his commitment to justice and human dignity.

In recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication, Felix Agbor Nkongho has been awarded the 2024 International Human Rights Award by the American Bar Association. This prestigious award acknowledges his significant contributions to advancing human rights in Cameroon.

Director, CHRDA

Zrinka Janota

Ms Zrinka Janota is currently a Junior Adviser with a regional programme of GIZ, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) called Knowledge for Transformation (K4T). K4T seeks to support the knowledge-to-policy uptake on economic transformation in Africa. In her role, Ms Janota is responsible for the communication of the project and for supporting knowledge transfer between the think tank partners and BMZ. Previously, she has worked in two other programs of GIZ, where she advised the BMZ on promoting good governance and strengthening human rights in development cooperation. Ms Janota also worked as a research assistant for the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt. She holds a Master's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the Free University of Berlin. She speaks English and French and is passionate about evidence-based transformation, social cohesion, and educational equality.

Junior Adviser, GIZ

Dr Tumenta F. Kennedy

Dr. Tumenta F. Kennedy is a leading expert in private sector development and SME strategy, serving as the CEO of the African Business Information Bank (AfricanBIB) in Germany. He is also the Commissioner of the African Diaspora Development Agency (ADDA). With extensive knowledge of the entrepreneurial landscape in Central Africa, Dr. Tumenta has been key in developing SME strategies that encourage growth, innovation, and economic empowerment.

As a consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and other Central African countries, Dr. Tumenta has introduced innovative methods to enhance SME development and support their integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His "unique graduation model" has successfully assisted SMEs in transitioning from informal or artisanal setups to competitive, export-oriented enterprises.

Under Dr. Tumenta's leadership, AfricanBIB has been instrumental in advancing the private sector and SMEs in Central Africa. The organization has significantly contributed to regional integration efforts and has guided member states in implementing effective strategies. The AfricanBIB Social Business HUB has supported over 3,000 companies across Africa, providing essential business development services and fostering investment and growth for diverse enterprises.

Dr. Tumenta F. Kennedy's recent work in developing SME strategies for the Central African sub-region underscores his dedication to promoting economic development and sustainable business practices.

Founder/CEO African Business Information Bank

Emmanuel Noubissie Ngankam

Economiste de formation, Emmanuel Noubissie Ngankam revendique 40 années d’un riche parcours professionnel particulièrement diversifié dans le secteur privé, les organisations non gouvernementales internationales, la presse économique et le Groupe de la Banque mondiale où il a occupé pendant 20 ans des responsabilités de haut niveau notamment Représentant Résident de la Banque mondiale en Algérie de 2013 à 2016,  Coordonnateur des programmes (Adjoint au Directeur des Opérations) pour le groupe de pays : Côte d’Ivoire, Bénin, Burkina Faso et Togo de 2016 à 2017, Coordonnateur des programmes (Adjoint au Directeur des Opérations) pour l’Afrique Australe : Afrique du Sud, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibie, Zambie, Zimbabwe.

 

Après avoir pris sa retraite de la Banque mondiale, il est rentré en 2022 au Cameroun où il s’est installé comme consultant indépendant. Il a également créé une Fondation dont la mission est de promouvoir le développement du Capital Humain et faire bénéficier aux communautés villageoises de son expérience nationale et internationale dans le domaine du développement.  

 

En mai 2023, il a été coopté au Conseil d’Administration de PTF (Partnership for Transparency Fund), une organisation internationale à but non lucratif dont la mission est la lutte contre la corruption et la promotion de la transparence à travers le monde.

Economist/Independent Consultant

Dr. Gatsi Tazo

Enseignant-Chercheur des Universités chez Université de Buea. He is an African Transitional Justice Expert for AU members States and RECs. He doubles as a researcher for law and public policy, Senior Researcher at CEIDES Think Tank.

Lecturer-Researcher, University of Buea

Barr. Jacques Jonathan Nyemb

His practice focuses on local and international corporate and financial transactions including business creation and development, large project investments, private equity and leverage and structured finance. He also advises governments and other local or international public and private entities in policy-making and regulations. He was notably member of the Experts Team in charge of revising OHADA Corporate Law.

Mr. Nyemb joined Cabinet Nyemb in 2016 with more than six years of experience working in Europe and USA. He was notably Associate in the Paris office of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP from 2010 to 2014. He also worked for other top international law firms (Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Clifford Chance LLP, etc.) and organizations (OHADA, International Chamber of Commerce, etc.). He has been Teaching Assistant in Public Policy at Harvard University and is currently a guest lecturer on “Law and Practice of International Finance” at the Catholic University of Central Africa. Mr. Nyemb also currently serves on the boards of various non-profit organizations in Europe and Africa.

Jacques Jonathan Nyemb holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and an LL.M. with Merit in Banking Law and Financial Regulation from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also graduated magna cum laude and valedictorian from the Paris II Pantheon-Assas University (DESS Droit Bancaire et Financier). He has been admitted to the Paris Bar and is a member of the Cameroonian Bar. He is fluent in French and English.

President, The Okwelians

Christian Klatt

Christian Klatt is the Director of the social-democratic Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Cameroon.
Before moving to Cameroon in 2024 the Political Scientist worked between 2019 and 2024 in Bamako, Mali for the FES.

Director, FES in Cameroon

Hermine Mbarga
Economist and International Trade Policy analyst/Consultant. WTO/AfCFTA/ Rules of origin/Market Access/ Value chain /Trade facilitation/Digital Trade/ Women & youth empowerment. Entrepreneure.
Hermine MBARGA AZAMBOU has a complete career in international trade policy which allows her to intervene at the level of States, Regional Economic Communities, also at the level of companies:

- At the level of public trade policies
From 2008 to 2010, after her master's degree in International Economics, she received a scholarship from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie for a master's degree in Politics and Multilateral Trade Negotiations at the University of Yaoundé 2 Sao (Cameroon).
She obtained several certificates in South-South Trade and International Trade and Development with TRAPCA (Trade Policy Center in Africa), Tanzania. President of Action for Trade and Development in Africa (ACODAF) whose main mission is to strengthen the capacities of the public and private sectors in international trade policy.
In 2018 she obtained an Executive Post-Graduate Diploma in International Trade Policy and Trade Law, with the University of Lund (Sweden) in partnership with TRAPCA. In 2020 she obtained a Masters degree in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from the same institutions.
She has to her credit carried out several studies (based on statistical and econometric tools), analytical papers and seminars related to international trade policy, in particular regional integration (WAEMU, ECCAS EPA with European Union, AfCFTA, etc.), market access (tariff analysis, rules of origin, TBT measures) safeguard measures, trade facilitation, intellectual property law, trade in services, etc.

-At the level of international policy within companies:
Since 2011 she has been a trainer in professional university. From 2015, she responds to requests from her former students and begins to intervene in companies. His area of expertise is centered around development strategies of firms on the international market, international trade techniques, supply chain and trade negotiation. Since 2022, she is the founder of an international trade consulting company (ITP).

Executive President ACODAF

Dr. Aline Zobo

Claude Aline ZOBO is a highly motivated and hardworking individual who earned a PhD in economics and achieved excellent grades both in economics and leadership. She's also the CEO-Founder of IRADDAC, a
Think Tank focused on Sustainable Development in Central Africa. Seeking an opportunity which combines her
passion for macroeconomics policies, economic/social development, regional integration, statistics and research
with her analytical knowledge. Eventual career goal is to become a full qualified and experienced economist and
a change-maker woman.

CEO/Founder, IRADDAC

Dr Paul-Crescent Beninga

Docteur en Science Politique, Enseignant-Chercheur, Directeur Exécutif du Centre Centrafricain de Recherche et d'Analyse Géopolitique et porte-parole du Groupe de Travail de la Société Civile sur la Crise Centrafricaine. (GTSC)

Executive Director, Centre Centrafricain de Recherche et d’Analyse Géopolitique

Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo

Sylvie Ndongmo is a passionate activist and advocate for the rights of women and children in Cameroon. Through her visionary leadership, she founded WILPF, an organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and empowerment of women and children.

With a strong professional background in community development, Sylvie has dedicated her life to improving the living conditions of disadvantaged women and children. Her passion for equity and social justice inspired her to create an organization focused on empowerment, education, and capacity building.

Under her leadership, WILPF Cameroon has launched holistic programs that address key areas such as education, health, vocational training, and advocacy. These initiatives have empowered countless women and improved the lives of children by giving them the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and oppression.

Sylvie’s vision is rooted in the belief that every woman and child has the fundamental right to live in a safe environment, have access to quality education, and reach their full potential. She firmly believes that individual empowerment is a powerful driver of social and economic progress, and she works tirelessly to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.

Peace Activist and International President of WILPF

Wolf Ulrich Akiana Mferé

Wolf Ulrich Is the National Coordinator of the Center for Studies and Research on Economic Analysis and Policies (CERAPE). As a graduate in economics from Marien Ngouabi University in Brazzaville, he is an economist, researcher and consultant. He has already participated in more than twenty international conferences organized by CREA, GLOBLELICS, CRES, CODESRIA and other European and African universities and published several books and articles in the fields of entrepreneurship, climate change, climate business, FDI and poverty.

National Coordinator, CERAPE

Dr. OKOUDA Barnabe
Dr. Barnabe Okouda

Barnabé Okouda is a Statistical Engineer who has worked since 2014 as Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Research on Economic and Social Policies of Cameroon (Camercap-Parc), where he coordinated the realization of numerous works. Before that, he was Deputy Director of Studies and Statistical Standardization at the INS of Cameroon. He was also a member of the Technical Secretariat of the Technical Committee for Monitoring and Evaluation of PRSP and MDG implementation (CTSE) in Cameroon, and responsible for coordinating the development of monitoring and evaluation indicators. He graduated from the Institut Sous Régional de la Statistique et d'Economie Appliquée (ISSEA) Yaoundé in 1990; from the Centre de Formation des Statisticiens Économistes et Démographes CESD, Munich in 1994. He also holds a DESS in Economic Policy Management from the University of Yaoundé. Barnabé Okouda has been vice-president of the Commonwealth Association of Statisticians since February 2012. He also collaborates with numerous institutions such as the UNDP, the African Union, ACBF, MINFI and MINEPAT Cameroon on work in the field of Economic and Social Policy Analysis and Evaluation.

Executive Director,
Cameroon Policy Analysis and Research Center

Dr. Charlène Ongotha

Dr. Charlene Ongotha is the President of Institut Concorde, a Gabonese think tank. With a background in teaching law and political science, she brings several years of academic experience, analytical depth, and public speaking expertise to her leadership role.

Driven by a passion for justice and advocacy, Charlene has successfully transitioned into the legal profession, where her strong writing and speaking skills serve as key assets. Her professional interests include legal advocacy, drafting legal documents, and delivering impactful training sessions.

Since 2020, she has been coaching individuals in public speaking, helping them build confidence and effectiveness in communication. This work has further sharpened her skills in active listening, pedagogy, and interpersonal communication.

Dr. Charlene Ongotha continues to position herself as a strong voice in legal, civic, and educational spaces, combining intellectual rigor with a commitment to empowering others.

President, Institut Concorde

Esther Omam Njomo

Esther Omam Njomo is a seasoned humanitarian, peacebuilder, and development leader, serving as the Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon. With nearly 30 years of experience in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, she has been at the forefront of peace mediation, human rights advocacy, and community development, particularly focusing on women and children in conflict zones.

Her journey in peace mediation began in 2011 in the Bakassi Peninsula, where her efforts in protecting women's and children’s rights earned her recognition from the Canadian High Commission for her outstanding contributions to human rights in Cameroon. In June 2021, the UN Office in Guinea Conakry invited her to train the Coalition of Guinean Women for Peace, further expanding her impact on international peacebuilding efforts.

Esther is widely respected for her leadership in women-led peace initiatives, serving as the vision bearer of Southwest/Northwest Women's Task Force Cameroon (SNWOT) and a facilitator for multiple women’s peacebuilding networks. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Global Pluralism Award by the Global Center for Pluralism and the 2023 German African Peace Prize.

Driven by a commitment to pluralism, inclusion, and sustainable peace, Esther continues to champion grassroots peacebuilding, mediation, and advocacy, empowering communities to navigate and resolve conflicts with resilience and unity.

Executive Director, Reach Out Cameroon

Jimm Chick Fomunjong

Jimm Chick Fomunjong is a seasoned development practitioner who focuses on supporting civil society organizations to develop organizational strategies and to operationalize them. He currently works as Head of the Knowledge Management and Communication Unit of the West Africa Civil Society Institute in Accra, Ghana.

He has over ten years’ experience working as a journalist and a development communications professional. He has a vast experience in supporting African organizations to strengthen their internal and external communications, building and sustaining relationships with the media and leveraging on the power of social media to promote their mission. He is also excellent at supporting organizations to set up and operationalize functional communications and knowledge management systems. He has a deep passion and expertise in supporting Africans and African civil society organizations to document their praxis, share and learn from experiences documented from the African civil society sector. He is keen on advancing discourses that promote equal power dynamics between development stakeholders.

Jimm was among the first cohort of the #ShiftThePower Fellowship, an initiative championed by the Global Fund for Community Foundations. Jimm hails from the Northwest region of Cameroon.

Head of the Knowledge Management & Communications unit, WACSI

Cyrille Rolande Bechon

Cyrille Rolande Bechon (She/her/elle) est une femme – leader de la société civile camerounaise. Elle est experte en droits humains - spécialiste en Justice Transitionnelle et analyse/transformation des conflits. Elle est formatrice et chercheure en droits humains et domaine connexe.

Elle est diplômée de plusieurs institutions universitaires en gestion administrative, en droits humains, en analyse-transformation des conflits et en justice transitionnelle. Outre le Master en Droits de l’homme, obtenu à l’Université de Yaoundé 2, elle est titulaire du diplôme de Droit de la Prestigieuse Washington College of Law (American University) ; diplôme obtenu en 2024 dans le cadre de la bourse Hubert Humphrey (program Fullbright du Département d’Etat Américain). Elle est diplômée en Justice Transitionnelle délivré par le Centre International sur la Justice Transitionnelle de New York et d’un certificat de spécialisation en analyse et transformation des conflits, délivré par l’Université Catholique d’Afrique Centrale (UCAC), l’Université Pierre-Mendès-France (CERDHAP) et Modus Operandi de France. Elle prépare un doctorat en droit de l’homme.

Cyrille Rolande est Consultante auprès de plusieurs institutions nationales et internationales parmi lesquelles, le Centre d’Etudes et de formation pour le développement, la démocratie et la paix (CEFODEP), La Nkafu Policy Institute, la Fondation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, la Fondation Internationale Koffi Annan, Amnesty International, Front Line Defender, Agir Ensemble pour les Droits Humains, etc.

Elle est auteure ou co-auteure de plusieurs publications et articles dans les domaines des droits de l’homme, de la démocratie, de la Paix et de transformation de conflits.

Cyrille Rolande Bechon dirige depuis 2012, la branche Camerounaise de l’ONG Nouveaux Droits de l’Homme Cameroun. Dans ce cadre, elle a coordonné la conception et la mise en œuvre de plusieurs projets et programmes de portée nationale de défense, de protection et de promotion des droits de l’homme au Cameroun.

Au niveau international, Cyrille Rolande est Membre du Conseil de l’International Peace Bureau (IPB) ; elle a bénéficié d’une affiliation professionnelle avec Amnesty International USA où elle a publié un article de plaidoyer sur la politique des Etats-Unis sur les droits de l’homme et la démocratie au Cameroun.

Cyrille Rolande Bechon a reçu en 2017 une distinction honorifique du Gouvernement du Canada, en reconnaissance de sa contribution remarquable à la promotion et la protection des droits humains au Cameroun. Elle a reçu en 2023 le « Prix de La Femme Défenseur des Droits humains en Afrique Centrale » décerné par le REDHAC.

CEO, Nouveaux Droits de l’Homme

Dr Daniel Ekongwe

Dr. Daniel Ekongwe is a senior diplomat, peacebuilding expert, and development consultant with over 15 years of experience in senior management, administration, and strategic planning. He currently serves as Head of Mission and Regional Director for Portuguese-speaking Africa at the Pan African Institute for Development (PAID), based in São Tomé and Príncipe.

A former Regional Director for English-speaking West Africa at PAID in Buea, Cameroon, Dr. Ekongwe has led major programs in humanitarian logistics, security and risk management, peace and conflict resolution, and academic development. He has worked closely with organizations such as the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE), the African Union, and various diplomatic missions to support peacebuilding efforts across Cameroon and Central Africa.

Dr. Ekongwe holds a Law degree from the University of Yaoundé II, a Master’s in Political Sociology from Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia (Italy), and a PhD in History and International Studies from De Montfort University in the UK. His expertise includes disaster risk reduction, humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, and governance in post-Cold War contexts. He is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Bafaw, and is recognized for his interventions at international forums on peace, development, and security. 

Head of Mission and Regional Director for Portuguese-speaking Africa, PAID

Prof. Emmanuel ONGO

Associate Professor of Economics since 2019, he is an economist of development. After defending his PhD thesis in 2015 at the University of Yaoundé II, he became a lecturer that same year. In 2018, he became an assistant professor at CAMES. In 2019, he passed the CAMES Agrégation competitive examination. His research focuses on financial economics, economics of inequality, growth, education, conflict and migration.

Pr. Ongo has equally worked on urbanization and industrialization. He is also the author of several articles and four books. In addition, he is the Director of the Center for Studies and Research in Economics and Management (CEREG) in the Faculty of Economics and Management at the University of Yaoundé 2 in Cameroon. He is also a consultant for several international institutions such as the African Union, the African Development Bank and the OECD. At the national level, he is the coordinator of CERAPE-Cameroon and equally a consultant at Nkafu Institute.

Director, CEREG

Du Prince Tchakote Noumbissi

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IMF, Resident Representation for Cameroon

Dr. Aristide Mabali

 Titulaire d’un Doctorat en économie, obtenu au CERDI en 2016, Aristide MABALI a commencé ses études supérieures à l’Institut Sous-régional de la Statistique et de l’Economie Appliquée (ISSEA) de Yaoundé (Cameroun) où il sortit nanti d’un diplôme de Technicien Supérieur de la Statistique en 2008. Il intégra la même année l’Institut National de la Statistique du Tchad. Pendant deux années de suite, il participa activement à la fois à l’organisation du 2ème recensement général de la population du Tchad et à l’enquête MICS. Passionné par la recherche, il quitta le monde professionnel en 2010 pour intégrer, par voix de concours, le Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches sur le développement International (CERDI) en France. Il obtint un double Master au CERDI, un en économie du développement et un autre en analyse de projet de développement et un doctorat en Novembre 2016.

Publication Director, CROSET

Caroline Mveng Mengue

Caroline MVENG is a passionate feminist activist & human rights defender with a decade of experience advancing refugee rights & women’s empowerment across Central Africa. As Executive Coordinator of Elles Rayonnent Ensemble and President of REJEFEMAC, she builds feminist movements, trains women leaders, and combats online gender violence through advocacy and digital storytelling.

Présidente et Co-fondatrice du REJEFEMAC

Caroline Mveng Mengue

Ndi Nancy Saiboh (Ms.) is the Co-Founder/ CEO  of Actions for Development and Empowerment (ADE), a non-profit, grassroots, and youth-driven organization founded by a with the aim of empowering young people to act around issues that affect their lives and play an active role in the development process thereby creating positive change in their communities and Africa at large. ADE works to ensure citizen involvement, and participation in the overall governance of the state and build the capacity of young people to hold the government accountable to its service-delivery obligations through informed demands.

She is also a social justice advocate with over five years of experience in community outreach and organizing. She is particularly interested in public accountability and the use of law to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens, with a priority for youths, women and vulnerable groups. Ms. Ndi is also the Country Coordinator for Follow The Money- Cameroon, an institution that seeks to ensure improved, and increased accountability in the government procurement process, as well as ensure accountability for public finance meant for Community and Social Development. She has represented the young people of Cameroon on a number of National and International meetings, and convenings.

She represented Cameroon at the African Youth Congress, on Anti-Corruption convened in December of 2018 by the PResident of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She is the former Coordinator of Citizens Governance Initiative a community-based organization that helps to improve organizational capacity for CSOs and NGOs in Cameroon. She just launched the SDG School Tour which seeks to empower students, especially girls on creating awareness around the sustainable development goals and carryout community initiatives aimed at promoting SDGs 4, 5, and 6.

She also launched the EmpowerHer Champaign aimed at sensitizing adolescent girls about proper Menstrual Hygiene as addressing menstrual taboos and myths surrounding menstruation. Ms. Ndi holds a BAchelors in Common Law, and a Masters in English Law from the University Of Yaoundé II-Soa Cameroon.

Founder/ CEO, Actions for Development and Empowerment

Prof. Kelly Mua

Kelly Mua Kingsly is a Cameroonian finance expert, professor, and public sector leader with a distinguished career in financial governance and policy. Since 2016, he has served as Head of Finance Operations for the State at Cameroon’s Ministry of Finance. He has held key roles within international institutions, including as Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations and consultant to the African Development Bank. Kingsly is also an entrepreneur, having founded Prima Finance and Investment, and serving on the boards of Quantum Blockchain Technology and Definer. In addition, he is a board director at African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), censor at the Central Bank of Central African States (BEAC), and serves in advisory roles with COSUMAF and UNDP. As an academic, he teaches financial forensics and public policy at institutions such as Copperstone University and has lectured at Harvard, Leipzig, and Charisma Universities. He is the author of over 20 books and nearly 100 scholarly articles in the fields of finance, policy, and governance.

Chairperson of the Board at ATIDI

Maximilienne Ngo Mbe

Maximilienne est une militante camerounaise de premier plan, directrice exécutive du Réseau des Défenseurs des Droits Humains en Afrique Centrale (REDHAC) depuis 2010. REDHAC est une organisation régionale basée à Douala, active dans huit pays d’Afrique centrale, œuvrant pour la protection des défenseur·e·s des droits humains et la promotion des libertés fondamentales. Engagée dès les années 1990, elle s’est imposée comme une figure centrale dans la lutte pour la démocratie, les droits civils, la justice sociale et la liberté d’expression.

Au sein de REDHAC, elle coordonne des enquêtes sur les violations des droits humains, met en place des dispositifs de protection pour les activistes en danger et mène des actions de plaidoyer auprès des institutions africaines et internationales. Elle est également membre du conseil d’administration du Réseau panafricain des défenseurs des droits humains et trésorière du Réseau pour la démocratie africaine.

Son engagement lui a valu plusieurs distinctions prestigieuses, dont le Prix franco-allemand des droits de l’Homme et de l’État de droit (2016), le International Women of Courage Award décerné par le Département d’État américain (2021), et le Prix des droits de l’Homme de Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (2022), qu’elle partage avec l’avocat camerounais Félix Agbor Nkongho.

Executive Director, REDHAC

Caryn Dasah

Caryne Dasah is the Executive Director of Hope Advocates Africa. She is an experienced Community worker, with a demonstrated history of working in the philanthropy industry. Skilled in Rural Community Development, Philanthropy, social justice Activist, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Educator, Peace Ambassador, Entrepreneur.


Peacebuilder, Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers
Victorine Ghislaine Munongo

Victorine Ghislaine NZINO MUNONGO est socio-juriste et Chargé de Recherche depuis 2014 au Centre National d’Éducation. Elle est spécialiste des questions de paix et conflits, sécurité, action humanitaire, genre, développement durable, urbanité. Recrutée en 2011, elle jouit d’une riche expérience en matière de recherche opérationnelle tant au niveau scientifique qu’en matière en administrative où elle a parfois occupé les fonctions de chef du Département des Études Juridiques et politiques et cheffe de laboratoire (unité de recherche). Elle est parfaitement bilingue (Français-Anglais) et s’exprime régulière comme conférencière lors de colloques et évènements scientifiques organisés au Cameroun et à l’international. Elle est membre du comité éditorial de plusieurs revues scientifiques et elle a dirigé le premier numéro de la Revue Africaine de Responsabilité Sociale et Management. Elle est lauréate de plusieurs distinctions scientifiques.

Elle enchaîne des activités de perfectionnement de ses compétences grâce à d’innombrables formations couronnées par l’obtention d’une trentaine de certificats internationaux. Il s’agit tant des cours en ligne (MOOC) que de séminaires. Conjointement à ses fonctions de chercheur, elle occupe pendant trois ans la position de monitrice au profit des étudiants de Master de l’Université Catholique d’Afrique Centrale, plus précisément à l’Académie de Paix et de Droits de l’Homme en Afrique Centrale (de 2014 à 2017).

Madame Nzino Victorine est régulièrement membre d’équipes internationales de projets. À ce titre, de 2020 à 2021, elle est Consultante pour le compte de l’Académie Nationale des Sciences et Techniques du Sénégal (ANSTS) et du Centre de Recherche pour le Développement International (CRDI) dans le cadre du projet portant sur la Promotion du Conseil Scientifique aux Gouvernements à travers les institutions nationales et sous régionales de conseil. De même en 2019, elle est Coordonnatrice – Cameroun du projet de recherche sur le « rôle des syndicats dans la défense des intérêts des travailleurs africains » sous la coordination du Dr Mark McQuinn, conférencier à l’École des Études Orientales et Africaines de l’Université de Londres.

Research Officer, NCE

Tatiana LOBE

 Tatiana LOBE is a Cameroonian national woman, originally from the Littoral region, Tatiana LOBE holds a master’s degree in business law and a master’s degree in international relations, as well as a diploma of Human Rights Educator obtained at the International Centre for Human Rights Education in Canada. Specialist in project management and social change, she has been coordinating several projects in the field of human rights, peacebuilding, youth entrepreneurship and migration for more than 10 years. As a trainer, her experience began within civil society in the context of legal assistance to women victims of violence. Within the IOM Cameroon mission, she was the focal point for training at the Interpol regional office where she had to provide several series of trainings for border officers and law enforcement forces in the fight against trafficking in human beings, smuggling of migrants and transnational organized crime. As country representative for Search for Common Ground she is covering projects around women peace and security (WPS) and Youth Peace and Security (YPS).

Country representative, Search for Common Ground

Dr. Julienne Mesumbe

Dr. Julienne Stéphanie Mesumbe is the Strategic Information, Continuous Quality Improvement, and Health Informatics Team Lead for the TIDE Cameroon program.  In this position, she oversees activities to improve program performance and equips employees and facility staff with the tools to manage and sustain continuous quality improvement methodologies.

Prior to joining Georgetown University, Dr. Mesumbe worked at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation as the Strategic Information and Evaluation Manager and most recently as the Head the Program Optimization and Service Quality Improvement Unit for the HIV-Free and Atteindre95 projects.  Focused on the Center and Littoral regions of Cameroon, Dr. Mesumbe was responsible for producing strategic documents for quality improvement, and served as a resource for all staff at the site, district, and regional levels on quality management and performance improvement techniques. 

She has also worked at International Medical Corps, where she led monitoring and evaluation for a project on integrated health, nutrition care, and protection assistance for Central African Republic refugees in three regions of Cameroon. Before that, she worked as a Program Officer at M.A.SANTE, a national NGO, where she led monitoring and evaluation for the project “Sustainable Cholera Surveillance for Cameroon”, and later served as principal investigator for the project “SMS4Care: Community-based surveillance of morbidities and demographic indicators using text message on ODK Collect”.

Dr. Mesumbe obtained her Masters in Epidemiology and Public Health in the University of Dschang, Cameroon and PhD in Project Management from The National Valley University, USA.

Epidemiologist & M&E Specialist, Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University

Dr. Ngo Tong Chantal
Prof. Ngo Tong Chantal

Pr. NGO TONG Chantal Marie is a Research associate in Governance & Democracy at the Nkafu Policy Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, obtained from the University of Nantes (France) in the international thesis co-supervision agreement between University of Yaoundé II (Cameroon) and University of Nantes (France).

Pr. NGO TONG is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ngaoundere. She is a reviewer and co-editor of the African Development Perspectives Yearbook and a member of the Research Group on African Development Perspectives, Bremen since 2019. Her research interests are in decentralization, local development, local public policies and digital economy.

Research Associate, Nkafu Policy Institute

Theophile-Nguimfack
Dr. Théophile Nguimfack Voufo

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Research Fellow, Nkafu Policy Institute
Dr. Violet Yigha Fokum

Violet is an Eminent Gender Expert working for ensuring Gender equality in fragile settings, social and economic development in Cameron. She has secured Ph.D. in Political Economy, Diploma in Public Management, MSc in Women and Gender Studies with BSc in Political Science. Ms. Fokum has more than 10 years of significant professional consulting experience in Gender Based violence (GBV) with specialization in gender analysis, gender mainstreaming and the promotion of women’s rights and nondiscrimination activities. She is a Lecturer at The University of Bamenda and doubles as the Executive Director of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa. She has conducted research on GBV in Emergencies, Addressing GBV in Emergencies to facilitate planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of inter-agency GBV initiatives and provided teaching on the courses around women in politics, public policies, gender and peacebuilding, women land rights/use of natural resources, gender in conflict, and gender sensitive budgeting with data analysis and reporting.

Executive Director, CHRDA

LOGICTICS

Delegates are responsible for arranging:

  • Hotel Reservations
  • Bearing the cost of flight tickets
  • Visa fees (Apply for a Cameroon Visa here)
  • Local transportation
  • Any personal expenses (extra food, gifts, etc.)

Our logistics team is available to facilitate these for you.

  • August 07 - 08, 2025
  • 09am - 05pm (GMT + 1)
  • Djeuga Palace Hotel - Cameroon
Register Your Interest

AGENDA

DAY 1 (ONE)DAY 2 (TWO)

Thursday, August 07, 2025

08:00 - 08:45

Arrival and Registration

09:30 - 10:00

Opening Keynote
The Role of Think Tanks in Driving Regional Policy Reforms

10:00 - 11:15

Plenary Panel
Strengthening Democratic Institutions in Central Africa through Civil Society and Think Tanks

11:15 - 11:30

Family Picture

11:30 - 12:30

Concurrent Breakout Sessions 1
Breakout Session A: "Economic Growth and Policy Innovation: The Role of Civil Society in Central Africa"
Breakout Session B: "Digital Transformation: Leveraging Technology for Governance and Public Policy in Central Africa"
Breakout Session C: "Think Tanks and Peacebuilding: Addressing Conflict and Fragility in Central Africa"

12:30 - 02:00

Lunch

02:00 - 02:30

Keynote Address #2
Forging Africa’s Future: Youth Leadership and Engagement in Public Policy

02:45 - 03:45

Plenary panel 2
The Future of Regional Integration: Harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

03:45 - 04:00

Coffee break

04:00 - 05:00

Concurrent Breakout Sessions 2
Breakout Session A: "The Future of Work: Leveraging Technology and Innovation in Central African Economies"
Breakout Session B: "Improving Health Systems Resilience"
Breakout Session C: "Promoting Job Creation in the Central Africa Region"

05:00 - 05:30

07:30 - 09:00

Wrap Up

Special Dinner (Invitation only)

Friday, August 08, 2025

08:00 - 08:45

Registration and Networking

08:00 - 09:00

Special Breakfast sessions (invitation only)

09:30 - 10:00

Keynote Address #3
Gender Equity in Policymaking: Central Africa’s Path to a Feminist Future

10:00 - 11:15

Plenary Session 3
Financing Public Policy Research: Challenges and Opportunities for Think Tanks

11:15 - 11:45

Break

11:45 - 01:15

Concurrent Breakout Sessions 3
Breakout Session A: "Civil Society as Drivers of Social and Economic Policy Reforms in Central Africa"
Breakout Session B: "Public Health Policy: Addressing Health Personnel Challenges in Central Africa"
Breakout Session C: "The Role of Think Tanks in Fostering Accountability and Transparency in Central Africa"

01:15 - 02:30

Lunch

02:30- 03:45 

Concurrent breakout sessions 4
Breakout session A: "Effective Stakeholder Advocacy: Strategies and Tools to Influence Policy in Central Africa”
Driving Policy Change in Central Africa: Practical Strategies for Stakeholder Advocacy
Breakout session B: "Addressing Health Policy Gaps in Central Africa: Partnerships for Progress"
Breakout session C: Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Peacebuilding in Central Africa

03:00 - 03:15

Bio break

03:30- 04:00 

 Closing Keynote
The Way Forward: Enhancing Collaboration Between Think Tanks, CSOs, and Governments in Central Africa

04:45- 05:00  

Wrap up

07:30- 10:00

Closing Cultural Dinner
Cultural Entertainment: Traditional Dance Troops from Cameroon

   

Past editions

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© DLFF / 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum