Format: In-person.
Date: August 5-6, 2025 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily).
Venue: Djeuga Palace, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Register now

Background

Think tanks and civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential pillars for fostering democratic governance, sustainable development, and regional integration in Africa. These institutions provide evidence-based policy recommendations, advocate for the public good, and support inclusive socioeconomic transformation. However, their operations are increasingly constrained by the volatility of their environments, which are marked by political instability, economic uncertainty, and social challenges.
The Central African region has faced significant disruptions in recent years. The ongoing global ramifications of the war in Ukraine, exacerbated by climate change, rising debt levels, and internal socio-political unrest, have negatively impacted the region’s economic and governance structures. These challenges have placed additional pressure on think tanks and CSOs, hindering their ability to influence policy, mobilize resources, and advocate for public interest.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions “The Africa We Want,” emphasizes good governance, peace, and security as critical components of the continent’s development (Aspirations 3 and 4). Furthermore, Article 12 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) highlights the importance of strengthening civil society’s capacity to enhance democratic governance. Similarly, the African Union Policy Framework on Strengthening the Capacities of Think Tanks and Research Institutions (adopted in 2013), recognizes the critical role think tanks play in advancing evidence-based policymaking and calls for capacity-building initiatives to enable these institutions to thrive in dynamic environments.
To address these dynamics, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation and in alignment with these continental frameworks, is launching the third edition of its Executive and Strategic Leadership Program for Think Tanks and CSOs. Designed as an intensive two-day event, the program aims to equip leaders from think tanks, CSOs, and research institutions with the skills and strategies needed to navigate volatility, sustain their operations, and contribute meaningfully to regional integration and democratic resilience within their communities and beyond. By addressing leadership, advocacy, and organizational capacity, the program directly supports the goals outlined in Agenda 2063, ACDEG, and other pivotal African Union initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive development.

Program Objectives

The primary goal of the program is to sustain the leadership and operational efficiency of think tanks and CSOs in Central Africa. Specific objectives include:
Strategic Capacity Building: Strengthen organizational management and policy development skills to produce impactful research and foster democratic governance.

• Empowering Leadership: Enhance the leadership and advocacy competencies of think tank researchers, particularly women, to improve policy advocacy and drive gender equity.
• Visibility and Reach: Expand the regional influence of Central African think tanks and CSOs through enhanced communication and collaboration.

Expected Outcomes

• Resilient Leadership: Greater awareness and adaptive capacity among think tank and CSO leaders to address issues like governance, democracy, regional integration, and security.
• Enhanced Skills: Improved managerial, leadership, and research competencies, enabling leaders to better advocate for policy improvements.
  Collaborative Networks: Establishment of a robust regional network of think tanks and CSOs for shared learning and support.
• Policy Impact: Strengthened research and advocacy capabilities, resulting in actionable and innovative policy recommendations.

Target Audience

• Leaders of think tanks, CSOs, and independent research organizations in the Central African region.
• Particular emphasis on supporting women leaders and researchers.
• Policymakers and development practitioners interested in advancing regional governance and stability.

The conference is limited to 25 attendees in Central Africa region comprising 04 foreign partners sponsored by the Foundation and 21 nationals selected upon payment of participation fees.

Participation Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership or research experience in a think tank, CSO, or related organization.
• Commitment to improving organizational impact and advocacy capabilities.
• Submission of a completed application form with a statement of purpose highlighting professional goals.

Detailed Course Content

The program is designed to deliver practical and interactive sessions tailored to the needs of think tank and CSO leaders featuring keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions, conversations with policymakers, networking sessions, plenaries with brainstorming sessions led by experts and think tank leaders.

Modules include:

• Strategic Leadership in Volatile Environments:
  • Tools for adaptive leadership.
  • Crisis management and decision-making under uncertainty.
• Policy Advocacy and Influence:
  • Developing and communicating evidence-based recommendations.
  • Stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Building Resilient Organizations:
  • Financial sustainability and resource mobilization.
  • Governance and accountability mechanisms.
• Advancing Gender Equity in Leadership:
  • Women in leadership roles: Challenges and strategies.
  • Gender-sensitive policy formulation.
• Regional Integration and Collaboration:
  • Opportunities for regional cooperation.
  • Networking for mutual support and shared learning.

Format, Date, and Venue

Format: In-person.
Date: August 5-6, 2025 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily).
Venue: Djeuga Palace, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Evaluation and Follow-Up

• Pre-Program Assessment: Participants will complete a survey to assess their current leadership and advocacy skills.
• Interactive Feedback: Real-time feedback mechanisms will be integrated into sessions to ensure relevance.
• Post-Program Support: Participants will receive follow-up mentoring opportunities and access to a resource platform for continued learning and networking.
• Impact Assessment: A six-month follow-up survey will evaluate changes in participants’ organizational impact and leadership practices.

Selection Process and Timeline

The selection process ensures inclusivity of the most qualified and motivated participants while maintaining transparency and regional representation.

Timeline

• Call for Applications: 06 May, 2025.
• Application Deadline: 30 June, 2025
• Application Screening: 1-4 July, 2025.
• Final Selection Announcement: 8 July, 2025.
• Executive and Strategic Leadership Program in Yaoundé: 5 & 6 August, 2025

Participation Fee and Payment

• Participation Fee:
• Think tanks and CSO leaders: $ 200
• Researchers: $150
• Participants from last year: $180
• Late payment (missed deadline): $ 300

What the Fee Covers:

• Access to all sessions.
• Training materials and resources.
• Meals and refreshments during the event.
• Certificates
• Payment Instructions: Details on payment procedures will be communicated to selected participants upon confirmation of acceptance.

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:

Ms. Vanessa Aboudi, Policy Analyst – Division of Governance and Democracy  ([email protected])
Mr.Guy-Beaudry Jengu Jengu, Research Assistant – Division of Governance and Democracy ([email protected])

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