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Date : March 10-12, 2025
Location : Hotel La Falaise Yaoundé, Cameroon (Apply NOW)

Background

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) comprises eleven member countries facing significant governance, socio-economic, and developmental challenges. These countries require sound public policies for sustainable growth, but many governments and civil society organizations in the region struggle with gaps in policy analysis, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Strengthening both the technical (“hard”) and relational (“soft”) skills of policymakers and practitioners is critical for ensuring that policy development and implementation processes are effective and inclusive.

To address these challenges, the 3-day Public Policy Analysis Course (PPAC) organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute is designed as an annual event to foster deeper policy analysis skills while simultaneously building a network of governance think-tank practitioners and ecosystem stakeholders across ECCAS. The course aims to enhance technical competencies in policy analysis, communication, advocacy, and engagement, contributing to more responsive and evidence-based policymaking. The course will also promote collaboration and cross-learning across ECCAS countries, while one annual session will take place in Cameroon. Each session will target at least 25 participants, ensuring a diverse group of leaders and practitioners can contribute to and benefit from the program.

Objectives

The Public Policy Analysis Course seeks to:

  • Strengthen the capacity of participants in public policy analysis, equipping them with both theoretical frameworks and practical tools.
  • Support evidence-based policy development that addresses ECCAS-specific challenges, focusing on how issues are identified, prioritized, and placed on the public agenda.
  • Develop communication and advocacy skills for effective policy engagement and stakeholder management.

 Expected Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Have improved their technical skills in public policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation.
  • Be able of formulating concrete, actionable policy recommendations based on their analysis
  • Be able to produce well-structured opinion pieces that effectively argue for evidence-based policy positions.
  • Develop a comprehensive advocacy plan that includes clear objectives, target audiences, key messages, and tactical approaches.
  • Be proficient in communication and advocacy techniques necessary for effective policy influence.
  • Be able to engage diverse stakeholders effectively to support policy reform and governance initiatives.

Target audience

The course is designed for:

  • Think tank professionals from ECCAS countries involved in research, analysis, and public policy evaluation.
  • Government officials responsible for public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Civil society leaders and advocates
  • Development practitioners from international organizations, with a focus on policy reforms
  • Private sector and media representatives engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy.

Course content (3-Day Agenda)

  • Module 1: Introduction to Public Policy and the Policy Cycle
  • Module 2: Policy Analysis Techniques
  • Module 3: Policy Context in ECCAS Countries
  • Module 4: Policy Impact and Evaluation
  • Module 5: Policy Analysis and Policy Gaps
  • Module 6: Effective policy writing
  • Module 7: Policy window and timing
  • Module 8: Role of media and public opinion
  • Module 9: Strategic Communication for Policy Advocacy
  • Module 10: Advocacy Techniques
  • Module 11: Engaging Stakeholders in Policymaking

Participation requirements

To attend the course, participants are required to pay the applicable training fees as follows:

  • XAF 20,000 for students
  • XAF 30,000 for young researchers and professionals.

The number of participants is limited to 25, comprising 09 foreign partners sponsored by the Foundation and 16 nationals.

Payment: Once selected, participants can pay via Mtn Mobile Money, Eventbrite, cash, bank transfer or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, and PayPal). All bank charges and commissions are the responsibility of the participant. On-site payment is not allowed.

The participation fee includes:

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

Program Format and date

The course is a three-day program scheduled from the March 10-12, 2025 from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The format is hybrid, In-Person at La Falaise Hotel (Yaoundé, Cameroon) and online via Zoom.

Selection Process and Timeline

  • November 27, 2024: Online application opens.
  • January 8, 2025:         Application deadline.
  • January 9 – 10, 2025: Review and selection of successful applicants.
  • January 13, 2025:        Notice and announcement of selected candidates.
  • March 10 – 12, 2025: Public Policy Analysis Course in Yaoundé.

Additional information:

  • Sponsored foreign think tank partners from ECCAS must provide proof of their visa by February 11, 2025.
  • Sponsored foreign think tank partners from ECCAS will receive financial support from the Foundation, including registration fees, travel expenses, hotel accommodation and ground transportation.

About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation

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

About the Nkafu Policy Institute

The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.

Contacts

Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:

Dr Adeline Nembot, Senior Policy Analyst, Economic affairs Division, Nkafu. [email protected]  
Mr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu, Research Assistant,  Governance and democracy Division, Nkafu. [email protected]

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