REPORT ON THE 2024 CENTRAL AFRICA THINK TANK FORUM

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Central Africa has long grappled with numerous development challenges, including poor governance, declining democratic norms, and limited individual liberties. The region’s think tanks and civil society organizations, crucial for addressing these issues, often struggle with short lifespans, fragmentation, and operational ineffectiveness. This is largely due to a restrictive civic space and limited capacity to navigate complex socio-political environments. It is against this backdrop that the 2nd Central Africa Think Tank Forum was conceived and executed.

Held in Yaoundé, Cameroon from August 21-22, 2024, the forum served as the centerpiece of an impactful Think Tank Week. This event, themed “Empowering Independent Voices in Central Africa,” brought together policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to address these pressing challenges. The forum kicked off with a powerful keynote address by Dr. Fonteh Akum, Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies, who emphasized the critical role of think tanks and CSOs in strengthening human rights, accountable governance, and democracy in the region. Throughout the forum, participants engaged in a series of panel discussions, breakout sessions, and short talks exploring key topics. These ranged from enhancing think tanks’ impact on policy uptake and leveraging digitalization for economic transformation to building resilience in the face of shrinking civic space and accelerating regional trade and integration. Additional focus areas included strengthening health systems and advancing conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes. A candid conversation with think tank and CSO funders provided valuable insights into priorities and strategies for sustainable impact, while Her Excellency Lorraine Anderson, Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon and Gabon, delivered a keynote on supporting evidence-informed policy research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Complementing the forum were two additional programs designed to build capacity at different levels of leadership. The Emerging Leaders Program, running from August 18-20, equipped 20 young leaders from across Cameroon’s ten regions with vital skills in policy formulation, public service engagement, and cultivating global moral values. Through interactive workshops and networking activities, these emerging leaders were further empowered to become change-makers in their communities.

Concurrently, the Executive and Strategic Leadership Program, held from August 19-20, focused on strengthening the organizational and management capacities of established think tank and CSO leaders, executives, and senior managers from the Central Africa region. Participants gained valuable insights into organizational growth, financial management, communication, and decision-making skills, thereby enhancing their ability to lead effective and resilient institutions.

The synergy between these three components of the Think Tank Week created a comprehensive approach to empowering independent voices in Central Africa. By equipping established leaders, nurturing emerging talent, and facilitating high-level discussions, we have laid a strong foundation for more effective, resilient, and impactful think tanks and civil society organizations in the region. As participants return to their respective roles, they carry with them new strategies, connections, and renewed determination to drive positive change. This multi-faceted approach promises to strengthen the capacity of Central African institutions to address the region’s most pressing challenges and shape a more prosperous future.