By Ayukmba Nkonghonyor*
YAOUNDE, PAV – Central Africa remains one of the continent’s most resource-rich regions, endowed with vast mineral reserves, abundant natural assets, and a youthful population. Yet, this considerable wealth has not translated into broad-based prosperity. The Human Development Report (2023) ranks most Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) countries among the lowest-performing nations globally, with Gabon – the region’s highest-ranked country – occupying the 108th position out of 193 countries assessed.
At the heart of this paradox lies a persistent disconnect between public policies and the realities experienced by local communities. While governments have adopted ambitious development strategies, implementation gaps, weak institutional coordination, and limited integration of evidence into policymaking continue to undermine progress. Recognising this challenge, the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation established the Central Africa Think Tank Forum as a platform to strengthen the link between research, policy, and development outcomes.
Now in its fourth edition, the Forum has emerged as one of the region’s leading convenings, bringing together policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, private-sector leaders, and civil society actors to reflect on pressing regional challenges and identify practical, homegrown solutions. Why do evidence-based recommendations often fail to shape policy decisions? Why do seemingly sound policies produce limited results? And why has economic growth not consistently translated into improved living standards? These questions will guide discussions during the upcoming Central Africa Think Tank Forum, scheduled for September 9–11, 2026, at the Yaoundé Hilton Hotel. Registration is open now at cattf.nkafu.org.
Recent findings from the Africa Country Policy and Institutional Assessment Report (CPIA, 2025) underscore the urgency of these debates, highlighting persistent gaps in transparency, accountability, budget execution, and institutional controls across the continent. At the same time, think tanks and research institutions face the challenge of producing timely, policy-relevant evidence that responds to evolving development priorities. Bridging this divide between knowledge and action is at the core of the Forum’s mission.
A Platform Connecting the Region’s Policy Ecosystem
Over the years, the Central Africa Think Tank Forum has evolved into a strategic space for dialogue among key actors shaping the region’s future. The previous edition brought together more than 230 participants from eight countries across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, including representatives from the United Nations system, the African Union, the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, diplomatic missions, academic institutions, and civil society organisations.
Distinguished participants included senior government officials, international development experts, scholars, and human rights advocates, demonstrating the Forum’s growing influence as a platform for regional dialogue. Building on the momentum of previous editions, the 2026 Forum is expected to attract an even broader range of stakeholders from both the policy and business communities.
What to Expect from the 2026 Edition
The 2026 edition seeks to move beyond policy discussions and focus on strengthening pathways for policy uptake and implementation. Anchored on the premise that effective policy adoption remains a prerequisite for sustainable development in Central Africa, the Forum will adopt a multisectoral approach designed to foster collaboration across strategic sectors and institutions.
Among the major innovations is the introduction of roundtable conversations supported by audiovisual policy insights aimed at grounding discussions in data and evidence. By making research findings more accessible and relatable, this format seeks to facilitate informed decision-making while ensuring that community needs are reflected in policy priorities.
The Forum will also place particular emphasis on cross-sector learning, bringing together actors from government, business, academia, civil society, and development institutions to exchange experiences and identify new approaches to addressing complex policy challenges.
A Strategic Opportunity for Policymakers and Business Leaders
The Central Africa Think Tank Forum remains one of the few regional platforms where public officials, private-sector investors, development partners, and civil society leaders can engage in frank and constructive dialogue on the future of governance and development in Central Africa.
Beyond providing a space for debate, the Forum offers participants an opportunity to better understand the constraints and priorities of different actors within the policy ecosystem and to explore innovative approaches for strengthening policy uptake. It also creates avenues for institutionalising knowledge-sharing mechanisms and fostering long-term partnerships capable of driving meaningful change.
Equally important are the networking opportunities and collaborative initiatives that often emerge from these exchanges. As peer-to-peer learning and strategic partnerships become increasingly critical to sustainable development, the quality and diversity of participants expected at the 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum position the event as a key platform for shaping the region’s development agenda. Get more insight and register now: cattf.nkafu.org.
*Ayukmba Nkonghonyor, Deputy Director of Communications, DLFF
