Theme: “Optimizing the impact of think tanks in the Central Africa region”

1. Background

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) is an African regional economic community (REC) created in 1983 for the economic, social and cultural development of Africa, with the aim of creating regional structures that could gradually lead to a common market.

In recent decades, think tanks have become key players in policy-making and the promotion of socio-economic development. Indeed, they play a central role in promoting open and transparent governance, the rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, inclusive and sustainable conflict resolution, and much more. However, think tanks in Central Africa remain institutionally fragile and are yet to exert a real influence in fostering the emergence of an open society in this region, and to maximize their impact, they must constantly optimize their strategies to strengthen their capacities.

It is at the back of these lapses that the Nkafu Policy Institute is organizing the Nkafu Think Tank Forum. By bringing together policy makers, renowned researchers, think tankers, and practitioners from all over the world, the Nkafu Policy Institute will aim to brainstorm across institutional policies to map out best strategies and enhance capacities for improved efficiency and more visible impact of think tanks in influencing policies across Central Africa.

2. Objectives of the forum

Primary objective:

To strengthen the capacities of CEMAC Think Tanks to produce relevant, high-quality research and influence policy at regional and continental levels.

Secondary objectives:

• Establish a platform for exchange of knowledge and shared experiences between the various Think Tanks in the Central African region.
• Analyse specific challenges facing Think Tanks in the region, and opportunities for improvement.
• Explore best practices and effective strategies for strengthening Think Tank capacities.
• Identifier priority research areas for Think Tanks in the region, based on local needs and challenges.
• Promote collaboration and partnerships between Think Tanks in the region and other key players, such as universities, governments and the private sector.

3. Target Audience

The event targets think tank practitioners, researchers, donors, women leaders of civil society organizations, youth leaders, policymakers, scholars, researchers, international organizations and regional bodies including the UN, the AU and the RECs as well as members of civil society.

4. Event Format

The forum will comprise a series of:

• Plenary sessions with key presentations and policy recommendations by renowned international development experts across the globe.
• Thematic workshops to practically boost capacities of participants.
• Round table discussions to share experiences between
• Case studies to learn best practices.
• Pitching sessions

5. Themes of the panel discussions and debate

The various themes of the forum will be framed around the following discussions and sessions:

DAY 1 (ONE)

Plenary Discussion – Strategies to increase capacity and impact of Central African think tanks.

Round table session  –  Role of think tanks in promoting regional trade and AfCFTA Implementation

Round table session – Developing in-house policy research expertise

Round table session – Engaging and Supporting Young Policy Researchers

Round table session – Think tank cooperation: Strategies for enhanced collaboration.

Round table session – Think tanks and Public Engagement – Effective advocacy and policy engagement strategies.

DAY 2 (TWO)

Plenary Discussion – How Should Funders Support Think Tanks in the Central African Region?

Round table session – Submitting a Winning Grant Proposal (technical workshop).

Round table session – Building A National, Regional and Continental Reputation

Round table session – Leadership Development in Think Tanks

Round table session : Ideas Room – Think Tanks interested in collaborating brainstorm together. Building Effective Teams

6. Expected Outcome

The forum will not be limited to academic discussions, but will also seek to achieve tangible results and policy recommendations that will be integrated and implemented by States, RECs, International Organizations and financial institutions.

At the end of the event, a final report will be compiled, highlighting the main pillars, deliverable, conclusions and recommendations from all forum stakeholders. This report will be further disseminated to relevant stakeholders and will serve as a basis for future initiatives to strengthen Think Tanks in Central Africa.

To create a network of think tanks from the Central African Region for enhanced cooperation.

7. Contact: Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54