Date: November 27, 2024
Time: 03:00 pm-04:00 pm (GMT + 1)
Venue:  Zoom Online (Register Now)

1. Background

Having been subjected to colonial rule in the 1960s, most of Francophone Africa has experienced persistent political instability (1), marked by non-respect of the rule of law, gross human rights violations, coups, fragile democracies, and persistent governance challenges. This volatile environment has directly impacted think tanks, civil society organizations (CSOs), and research institutions that play a critical role in conducting research, shaping public policies and driving advocacy. Amidst this prevailing context, think tanks are often confronted with obstacles that challenge their independence, operational capacity, and ability to generate meaningful impact.

This webinar aims to trigger in-depth reflections around these challenges by presenting strategies for building organizational resilience (2), ensuring sustainable impact, and promoting collaboration among think tanks and other key stakeholders across the region. Participants will explore actionable frameworks to enhance their operational effectiveness and adaptability in the face of ongoing disruptions.

The webinar equally presents a unique opportunity for think tanks in Francophone Africa to come together and collectively explore solutions to the challenges they face in politically turbulent environments. By strengthening their resilience, these institutions can continue to play a crucial role in shaping informed, evidence-based public policy across the region.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of this webinar is to explore practical approaches and strategies that can help think tanks in Francophone Africa strengthen their resilience and continue to operate effectively in politically volatile environments. The event will bring together think tank leaders, experts, donors, and civil society actors to share experiences, discuss best practices, and identify concrete solutions to the challenges posed by political instability.

This webinar aims to analyse actionable frameworks to enhance think tanks’ operational effectiveness and adaptability in the face of ongoing disruptions (3). Key topics will include:

• Organizational Resilience: Understanding the importance of resilience as a foundation for effective operations.
• Sustainable Impact: Strategies for maintaining relevance and effectiveness in a changing landscape.
• Collaboration: Fostering partnerships among think tanks, CSOs, and other stakeholders to amplify collective influence.

3. Target audience

The event targets: leaders and representatives of think tanks and CSOs in (Francophone) Africa, policy researchers, analysts, and academics, donor agencies, and international organizations supporting governance and civil society in the region. The webinar also targets government officials and policy-makers interested in governance, conflict resolution, and civil society engagement, and media professionals covering socio-political issues in Francophone Africa.

4. Expected outcomes of the event

The webinar seeks to empower participants to navigate the complexities of their environments more effectively and contribute to stronger governance in Francophone Africa. The following outcomes are expected :

• Enhanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for think tanks operating in politically unstable environments.
• Practical strategies and tools that think tanks can implement to strengthen their resilience and sustain their work.
• Increased collaboration among think tanks, donors, and other stakeholders to build a support system that fosters long-term sustainability.
• Recommendations for donors, policy-makers, and civil society organizations to create a more enabling environment for think tanks in Francophone Africa

5. Event Format

The event will take place online, via zoom with moderated panel discussions by experts and will be streamed live on Foretia Foundation’s social media platforms.

6. Event Date and Time

The event will take place on Wednesday 27^th November 2024 from 3 to 4pm, Cameroon Time.

7. Organisers

This event is organised by the Peace and Security Division, and the Governance and Democracy Division of the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation.

8. Contact Details

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