Dr. Merlin Mfondo Appointed Executive Director of the Nkafu Policy Institute
Yaoundé, Cameroon [January 10, 2024] – Following an extensive and diligent search process, the Nkafu Policy Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Merlin Mfondo, Ph.D., as the incoming Executive Director, effective January 15, 2024.
Dr. Mfondo brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the Regional Director at the Pan-African Institute for Development Eastern and Southern Africa region (PAID-ESA) in Kabwe, Zambia. In this capacity, he oversaw operations in 13 countries. Prior to that, he served as the Regional Director of the Pan African Institute for Development in Central Africa, based in Cameroon. His extensive leadership background, particularly in strategic management, applied research, project lifecycle, and regulatory compliance, positions him very well to lead the Nkafu Policy Institute into its next phase. Dr. Mfondo holds doctorate degrees in Economics and Organizational Management, further underscoring his expertise and commitment to advancing impactful research and sustainable policies.
In his role as Executive Director, Dr. Mfondo will spearhead comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies to promote Nkafu’s mission and elevate its impact at both national and regional levels across the African continent.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Mfondo to the Nkafu family,” said Dr. Denis Foretia, Co-Chair of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. “His wealth of experience and unique perspective will be instrumental in advancing Nkafu’s mission and impact in the years to come. We also extend our deep appreciation to Professor Robert Nantchouang, who stepped down last August, and to Mr. Ebenezer Fostin Fouefack, who served as the Interim Director. We are very thankful for their leadership.”
Dr. Mfondo expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a great honor for me to be given the opportunity to lead the dynamic team at Nkafu. The team is doing amazing work across multiple areas, and I look forward to contributing in my own little way to the mission of catalyzing Africa’s economic transformation.”
The Board heartily thanks Dr Ghyslaine Bruna Djeunang and Mr Sperry Atam for their assistance throughout this recruitment process.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is a nonpartisan, 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 works to advance public policies that help all Africans prosper in free, fair, and sustainable economies.
About the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis and 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 works in partnership with local governments, policy makers, private enterprises, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods.
The Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that relies on donations and Board support. We receive donations from hundreds of individuals around the world, as well as institutional grants, project grants and gifts. The Foundation is in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
For media inquiries, please contact:
Vanessa Fombin
Communications Manager
[email protected]
Leave A Comment