Date: August 7-8, 2025
Venue: Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde – Cameroon
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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.

Under the theme “Shaping the Future: Role of Think Tanks and Civil Society in Central Africa Policy Processes”, this two-day forum will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, civil society actors, international development partners, and scholars to discuss innovative ways of addressing governance, economic development, and democratic consolidation challenges in Central Africa.

Objectives of the Forum

The 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum will focus on:

1. 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.
2. Building Partnerships: Fostering collaborations between governments, think tanks, civil society, and international organizations to ensure inclusive policy-making processes.
3. Advancing Policy Innovation: Identifying innovative approaches and policy solutions to address governance, economic, and social challenges facing Central Africa.
4. Enhancing Accountability and Transparency: Exploring mechanisms for holding governments accountable to their citizens, including the use of data, research, and advocacy tools.
5. Creating Actionable Recommendations: Delivering concrete policy recommendations that will be shared with governments, regional organizations, and international development partners.

Key Themes and Areas of Discussion

During the forum, participants will engage in the following key thematic areas:

1. The Role of Think Tanks and Civil Society in Democratic Governance: Exploring how think tanks and CSOs can support democratic governance, advocate for reforms, and foster civic participation in policy processes.
2. Innovative Policy Solutions for Economic Development: Identifying policy innovations that can spur economic growth, reduce inequality, and promote inclusive development in Central Africa.
3. Strengthening Regional Integration and Cooperation: Discussing the role of think tanks in promoting regional cooperation, particularly in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional initiatives.
4. Civil Society and Think Tanks as Catalysts for Peace and Security: Examining how CSOs and think tanks can contribute to peacebuilding efforts, conflict prevention, and addressing violent extremism in the region.
5. The Role of Data and Research in Shaping Public Policy: Highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policy advocacy in Central Africa.

Format of the Forum

The forum will take place over two days and will consist of the following:

• Keynote Speeches: High-level keynote addresses from regional leaders, policymakers, and international development partners will set the tone for the forum.
• Panel Discussions:Panel discussions will feature thought leaders and experts exploring the key thematic areas, with interactive sessions encouraging participation from the audience.
• Breakout Sessions:Smaller, focused breakout sessions will allow participants to delve deeper into specific themes such as economic growth, governance, peacebuilding, and social inclusion.
• Policy Roundtables:Policy roundtables will bring together think tanks, CSOs, and policymakers to discuss actionable recommendations for the future.

Expected Outcomes

The 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum is expected to produce the following outcomes:

• Strengthened Networks:Enhanced collaboration and networking between think tanks, civil society organizations, and policymakers in Central Africa.
• Increased Visibility for Think Tanks and CSOs:Greater recognition of the role of think tanks and CSOs in shaping policy processes in the region.
• Actionable Strategies for Governance and Economic Reforms:Practical strategies to address key governance, peace, and economic challenges in Central Africa. A detailed set of policy recommendations to be shared with governments and regional organizations.
• Capacity Building:Improved capacities of think tanks and civil society organizations to engage in policy advocacy and influence public policy.

Target Audience

The forum aims to attract:

• Policymakers from Central African countries
• Leaders of regional and international organizations
• Representatives of Central African think tanks and civil society organizations
• Researchers, academics, and thought leaders
• International development partners and donors
• Private sector representatives interested in governance and policy development

Venue and Date

The Forum will be held from 07-08 August, 2025 at Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde – Cameroon. It will be held in English and French, with simultaneous interpretation services.

Sponsorship and Partners

The Nkafu Policy Institute seeks strategic partnerships and sponsorships from regional governments, international organizations, and private sector entities to support the successful organization of the 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum. These partnerships will be crucial for ensuring the impact and reach of the event.

Conclusion

The 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum provides a unique platform for advancing policy dialogue and fostering collaboration between key stakeholders in Central Africa. By bringing together thought leaders, civil society, and policymakers, this forum will play a critical role in shaping the future of governance, economic development, and regional integration. We invite all interested partners to join us in this impactful initiative to strengthen the policy processes that will shape Central Africa’s future.

Contacts

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

Mr Anthony Antem, Head, Conflict Analysis and Prevention; Division of Peace and Security, Nkafu ([email protected])                                         Ms Sylvia Namondo, Deputy Director of Operations Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation ([email protected])

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