Date: October 21 – 23, 2026
Time:9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Venue: Mansel Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Theme: “Evidence to Impact: Strengthening Public Policy Leadership in Central Africa”

Background

Central Africa faces increasingly complex development challenges, including fiscal constraints, youth unemployment, climate change, regional insecurity, digital transformation, and the implementation of continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Addressing these challenges requires stronger public institutions capable of designing and implementing evidence-informed policies that deliver sustainable and inclusive development outcomes.

Across the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), persistent capacity gaps in policy analysis, implementation, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring continue to undermine policy effectiveness. These challenges are further compounded by geopolitical uncertainty, declining development finance, global fragmentation, and rapid technological change, highlighting the need for adaptive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to policymaking.

In line with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the African Governance Architecture, strengthening policy leadership and institutional capacity has become essential to advancing good governance and sustainable development across the region.

Recognizing these evolving policy demands, the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing the 2026 edition of the Public Policy Analysis Course (PPAC). Since its inception, the PPAC has served as a premier regional capacity-building platform designed to equip policymakers, researchers, civil society leaders, development practitioners, and private sector actors with practical knowledge and analytical tools for developing effective public policies.

The 2026 edition seeks to move beyond traditional policy analysis by emphasizing policy leadership, evidence-informed decision-making, policy innovation, strategic communication, and implementation excellence. Through a combination of expert-led sessions, case studies, simulations, and practical exercises, participants will strengthen their ability to translate research into actionable policy solutions capable of addressing Central Africa’s most pressing development challenges.

Objectives

The PPAC aims to:

1. Build participants’ capacity in public policy analysis by equipping them with theoretical frameworks and practical tools.
2. Support evidence-based policy making tailored to ECCAS-specific challenges by addressing how issues are identified, prioritized, and introduced onto the public agenda.
3. Develop participants’ leadership, communication, and advocacy skills to enhance policy engagement, stakeholder management, and policy uptake.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Enhance Technical Proficiency: Develop skills in policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation.
2. Formulate Actionable Recommendations: Learn to craft concrete and practical policy recommendations based on sound analysis.
3. Improve Writing Skills: Gain expertise in producing compelling, evidence-based opinion pieces advocating for policy reform.
4. Design Advocacy Plans: Create comprehensive advocacy strategies that include clear objectives, target audiences, messages, and tactical approaches.
5. Master Advocacy Techniques: Acquire communication and advocacy skills critical for influencing policy decisions.
6. Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders to advance policy reforms and governance initiatives.
7. Strengthen Policy Leadership Capacity: Develop the ability to lead policy reform processes, build coalitions, and facilitate evidence-informed decision-making within institutions.

Target Audience

The course is tailored for:

• Think Tank Professionals: Researchers and analysts involved in public policy evaluation within ECCAS countries.
• Government Officials: Policymakers responsible for formulating, implementing, and assessing public policies.
• Civil Society Leaders: Advocates working on policy reform initiatives.
• Development Practitioners: Professionals from international organizations focused on policy improvements.
• Private Sector and Media Representatives: Stakeholders engaged in public-private partnerships and policy advocacy.

Participation Requirements

Participants are required to meet the following criteria:

1. Have a background or active interest in public policy analysis, governance, or advocacy.
2. Pay the required participation fees:
   • Students: 20,000 XAF
   • Early-Career Researchers and Professionals: 30,000 XAF

The course is limited to 25 attendees in the Central Africa region.

Detailed Course Content

The PPAC will include the following modules, delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and group exercises:

1. Introduction to Public Policy and the Policy Cycle
2. Policy Analysis Techniques
3. Policy Impact and Evaluation
4. Identifying Policy Gaps
5. Effective Policy Writing
6. Policy Windows and Timing
7. Leveraging Digital Technologies for Policy Influence
8. Disseminating research findings to Policymakers and shaping public opinion
9. Public Policy Advocacy (tools and techniques)
10. Engaging Stakeholders in Policymaking
11. Policy Leadership and Managing Reform
12. From Recommendations to Results: Policy Uptake and Implementation

Format, Date, and Venue

• Format: In-person
• Date: October 21-23, 2026 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily).
• Venue: Mansel Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Evaluation and Follow-Up

The evaluation process will include:

• Pre- and post-course assessments to measure learning outcomes.
• Individual and group assignments to evaluate practical application of concepts.
• Participant feedback forms to improve future sessions.

Participants will remain engaged through a dedicated alumni network, quarterly virtual check-ins, and opportunities to contribute to policy discussions organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute.

Selection Process and Timeline

The selection process will include the following steps:

1. Submission of an online application, including a motivation statement.
2. Review and shortlisting of applications based on relevance and merit.
3. Notification of selected participants by September 28, 2026.

Timeline

1. Call for Applications: August 15, 2026.
2. Application Deadline: September 20, 2026.
3. Application Screening: September 22 – 25, 2026.
4. Final Selection Announcement: September 28, 2026.
5. Public Policy Analysis Course in Yaoundé: October 21 – 23, 2026

Participation Payment

Participation fees cover:

• Certificate of participation.
• Access to all workshop sessions.
• Printed copies of event materials.
• Meals (lunch, and coffee).

Payment Process:
Fees must be paid in full by October 9, 2026, via bank transfer or mobile payment. Payment details will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

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. Larissa Ntoubia, Research Associate – Economic Affairs Division ([email protected])

Mr. Jengu Jengu Guy Beaudry, Research Associate – Governance and Democracy Division ([email protected])

Nkafu Policy Institute

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