Country Partnership Opportunity for Independent Think Tanks in Central Africa

Project : Strengthening Central Africa Think Tanks to Boost Resilience in the Democracy and Governance Ecosystem (SCATT-BRIDGE Project)
Issue Date : June 18, 2024 (Apply Here)
Closing Date : July 10, 2024
Closing Time : 11:59 p.m. Local Cameroonian Time
Eligible countries : Chad, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea
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Background

The rising autocratic environment in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) countries has made it increasingly difficult for think tanks and other civil society actors to function effectively and influence policy and civil society through objective research and open discourse. Think tanks now face increased threats from the state, diminished spaces for discourse, and collaborative research.

Given the recent rise in authoritarianism in the region, which is driving conflict and crises at various levels in different CEMAC countries, coupled with a burgeoning youth population and an aging political elite, it has never been more crucial to focus on democratic governance. Stronger and more democratic governance is essential for Central Africa’s capacity to stimulate greater equity and participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in reducing extreme poverty and promoting gender equity.

With core funding to develop operational effectiveness and collaborative capacity, CEMAC think tanks can play a critical role in creating favorable ecosystems for stronger governance structures, democratic institutions, and civil society participation across the region.

The goal of this project is to enhance resiliency in the context of worsening political conditions by addressing gaps in institutional capacity (identified through needs assessments) and improving practices (determined by an ecosystem mapping project). This will empower think tanks, fledgling researchers, civil society actors, policy activists, youth, and political aspirants to build a stronger, research-based system for more stable and equitable governance structures across the region. By building upon regional connectivity and strengthening networks, while addressing the strategic needs of partner organizations for operational effectiveness, we can create resilient think tanks that have a robust impact on governance outcomes in their respective countries. The project will run for 24 months, supported by various stakeholders to achieve the expected outcomes within the approved budget, with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

It will support collaborative research among Central Africa think tanks addressing civic participation issues, as well as democratic and governance challenges within the region.

Objectives of the Call

The Nkafu Policy Institute seeks to partner with four (4) think tanks from the CEMAC region to achieve the project’s expected results. The project aims to strengthen partner think tanks’ capacity and advocacy reach, and improve collaboration between think tanks, policymakers (national and international), and civil society actors in the CEMAC region, with the goal of boosting resilience in the democracy and governance ecosystem.

Each selected think tank will conduct specific in-country policy research and participate in multiple events organized within the project framework, including working sessions, panel discussions, training workshops, seminars, and the annual Central African Think Tank Forum.

Eligibility

This call is open to independent think tanks and policy research institutions in the Central African region. Eligible countries include Chad, Gabon, The Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea.

Expectations from Think Tank Partners

Selected think tanks will:

• Participate in collaborative research on governance and democracy.
• Attend and actively participate in specially curated research and capacity-building workshops.
• Identify institutional gaps within their think tanks.
• Receive a core grant of 25,000 USD to address identified capacity gaps.
• Participate in specific project activities.
• Produce knowledge products as agreed.
• Prepare and submit a Country Project Impact and Evaluation report.

Duration of the Collaboration

The collaboration with the four selected think tanks will be for a period of 24 months.

Who Can Apply?

This call is open only to independent think tanks in Central Africa that are legally registered under the laws of their respective countries. Thematic expertise in democracy and governance in their country and/or regionally is required.

Budget of the Contract

Each of the four selected think tanks will receive an unrestricted core grant of 25,000 USD to address their identified priority needs. In addition, they will collaborate on regionally focused research. Representatives of selected think tanks will be funded to attend specially curated workshops, trainings, and the annual Central Africa Think Tank Forum.

How to Apply

All applicants should use the Application Portal to submit the following documents:

• A cover letter.
• Administrative documents (indicating legal registration)
• Audited or unaudited financial statements of the last two years
• Curriculum vitae of at least three (3) team members demonstrating expertise
• List of current or previous projects successfully executed with references.
• Complete the Assessment tool for think tanks in Central Africa in your preferred language following this link: Central Africa Think Tank Assessment Tool.

Application Timeline

Informational Session

An online informational session will be organized on July 03, 2024, from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Cameroon Time. Register here to attend.

Language

Applications may be submitted in French or English. Expertise in both languages will be an added value.

Evaluation Criteria

• Proof of registration/legal documents (e.g., as a non-profit organization)
• 30%: Applicant’s experience in democracy, human rights, and governance in a CEMAC country
• 35%: Financial viability and operational capacity, including financial reports of the last two years or audited reports, relevant previous projects, and scale of operations within the country
• 35%: Technical capacity of the team to implement the proposed project, including CVs of at least three subject matter experts, relevant publications, and experience in the research permits application process in the country

For inquiries, please contact: Ms. Vanessa Aboudi at [email protected] or Mr. Anthony Antem at [email protected].

About the Nkafu Policy Institute

The Nkafu Policy Institute is a non-partisan, independent think tank at the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Its mission is to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that advance the Cameroonian economy and the economies of other sub-Saharan African countries. Nkafu seeks to advance public policies that help all Africans prosper in free, fair, and sustainable economies. Its reputation is founded on its independence, high-quality research, and innovative policy prescriptions. https://nkafu.org

About IDRC

As part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) champions and funds research and innovation within and alongside developing regions to drive global change. We invest in high-quality research in developing countries, share knowledge with researchers and policymakers for greater uptake and use, and mobilize our global alliances to build a more sustainable and inclusive world. IDRC was established by an Act of Canada’s Parliament in 1970 with a mandate “to initiate, encourage, support, and conduct research into the problems of the developing regions of the world and into the means for applying and adapting scientific, technical, and other knowledge to the economic and social advancement of those regions.” https://idrc-crdi.ca/en/about-idrc