By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, July 16, 2023 – With the mission to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation, the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation’s two-day-in-person leadership and advocacy immersion program for 25 think tank leaders/researchers in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has been scheduled to run from July 25-26.
The leadership and advocacy immersion program with support from the Open Society Foundations (OSF) will take place at Djeuga Palace Hotel, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. This session will feature 25 leading think tanks selected within the region based on their experience and expertise in their respective fields.
The objective is to strengthen the leadership and research capacity of these leaders/researchers, particularly women (leadership and capacity development), to conduct research and advocacy in the three main thematic areas: individual rights, peace and security; governance and accountability; Regional Integration.
Think tanks, or independent policy research institutions, are critical in promoting open governance, accountability, the rule of law, and respect for basic human rights. George Soros, founder of OSF said: “According to the modern concept of sovereignty, the natural resources of a country belong to the people of that country. But governments which are supposed to be agents of the people put their interests ahead of the interests of the people whom they are supposed to represent, and engage in all sorts of corrupt practices.”
Dr Denis Foretia, Co-Chair of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, totally concurs with this assertion, arguing that: “Freedom House in their 2021 report show that, of all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, only eight countries are ranked as free and complete democracies. Dr Foretia added that “In the last 4 years, we have seen a real acceleration of democratic backsliding.
Unfortunately, think tanks remain institutionally fragile in Central Africa. Very few of them are reputed to be independent and they have not been too strong to exert real influence in promoting the emergence of an open society in this region. To see major progress in the Central African region regarding curbing the rise in authoritarianism and fostering the emergence of a democratic society, the voices of independent think tanks must be significantly strengthened.
Today, hope lies in think tanks that are helping to promote inclusive and sustainable conflict resolution, among others. That is why the trend needs to be reversed to address all the challenges that limit these think tanks’ ability to adequately defend policies that promote open, democratic and accountable governance. This includes strengthening the leadership of these think tanks in mobilizing movements and networks across Central Africa to promote thematic concerns such as women’s rights, accountability, security and integrated governance.
At the end of the two-day immersion program, convened think tanks are expected to strengthen their capacity to influence public policies and help political leaders make informed decisions through pertinent recommendations. This experience will enhance leadership skills, research and advocacy capacity, while expanding visibility and reach across the continent and even worldwide. In this regard, a cross-section of hand-picked experts have been invited to share their experience with Central Africa think tank leaders on the thematic concerns indicated above.
About the Denis and 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 works in partnership with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods.
About Open Society Foundation-Africa
OSF-Africa’s vision is to build a globally respected, dynamic and integrated Africa characterized by democratic governance, sustainable development and economic systems that produce more just, inclusive and accountable outcomes with and for Africa’s people and environment. In pursuit of this vision, OSF-Africa’s mission is to advance gender justice and women’s rights, deepen democracy, accountable governance and inclusive development in Africa through participatory and strategic grant-making and advocacy.
