For Think Tanks In Central Africa A New Dawn Beckons-Dr Denis Foretia

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

For Think Tanks in Central Africa, a new dawn beckons following the success of a recent forum in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, the maiden edition of the Central African Think Tank Forum was heavily attended by partners from the region and beyond with far reaching resolutions taken to jolt things around a sub region known for its lethargy .

The 2-day Central Africa Think Tank Forum which featured funders and international organizations, was a unique opportunity for think tanks in Central Africa to relate with stakeholders of the research community across the globe, pitch their projects, focus attention, and develop the much-needed networks that would give their activities visibility and help build a democratic and freer society.

Buoyed by the resounding success of the maiden edition which ran from September 20-21 , Dr. Denis Foretia, co-chair of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation and the Executive Chairman of the Nkafu Policy Institute announced that participants were unanimous on the creation of a network or alliance of Central African Think Tanks.  He also announced that the Forum will now he held annually with plans already afoot for the second edition in October 2024.

You have just organized the first edition of the Central African Think Tank Forum here in Yaoundé from September 20 to 21, 2023. What is a Think Tank?

Dr Denis Foretia: The term Think Tank is an Anglicism which refers to a group of thinkers or private laboratory of ideas which produces studies or research on social themes for the benefit of decision-makers who may or may not be political.

On a purely institutional level, the expression Think Tank designates a private law institution that is essentially independent, and non-profit, which brings together experts or professionals responsible for addressing questions in the political, economic, social and technological fields.

What were the objectives of such a Forum?

Dr Denis Foretia: The main objective of this Think Tank Forum was to strengthen the capacities of Central African Think Tanks to produce relevant and quality research and to influence policies at regional and continental levels.

The specific objectives were to: Establish a platform for the exchange of knowledge and shared experiences between the different Think Tanks in the Central African region and to analyse the specific challenges faced by Think Tanks in the region and opportunities for improvement.

It also centred on exploring best practices and effective strategies for building Think Tank capacity; Identifying priority research areas for Think Tanks in the region, based on local needs and challenges and promoting collaboration and partnerships between Think Tanks in the region and other key stakeholders, such as universities, governments and the private sector.

Which Central Africa is this? Cemac or ECCAS?

Dr Denis Foretia: This is the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)

Does it mean that such a meeting will be held every year?

Dr Denis Foretia: As you heard, all the actors present at this meeting, including yourself, found this Forum to be important and very useful. This is the conviction that we also have at the Nkafu Policy Institute and we are organizing ourselves so that this meeting can be held every year. It should be clarified that 2023 and 2024 are already provisioned. We can therefore say that the second Central African Think Tank Forum will be organized in October 2024.

What about the donors in such an initiative?

Dr Denis Foretia: Among the major challenges faced by Central African Think Tanks is the issue related to finance. Do you think that the Central African Think Tanks would be able to easily finance a trip to another country, that is to say, plane tickets, accommodation, nutrition etc.? We will be tempted to give a negative response. It should be added that regardless of the Continent in which we find ourselves, such meetings are always supported by sponsors, so the support of donors for this initiative has been crucial. You also allow me to express our gratitude to the Open Society Foundation which supports this initiative.

At the end of this meeting, what are the major resolutions that were adopted?

Dr Denis Foretia: This Forum is a strong signal sent to the world which demonstrates that Central Africa is determined to progress. The main resolution of this Forum is that the Think Tanks unanimously decided to set up a platform in Central Africa which could be called the Network or Alliance of Central African Think Tanks.

It was agreed to strengthen collaborative research mechanisms on public policies between Central African Think Tanks as well as to strengthen the communication capacity of Think Tanks. Central African Think Tanks are also committed to improving their computerized accounting and financial management systems as potential donors conduct due diligence to mitigate any risks related to mismanagement of resources before they arise.

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation and the Nkafu Policy Institute were in charge of organizing this first Think Tank Forum in Central Africa. Can we find out more about these two institutions?

Dr Denis Foretia: The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with the mission of promoting the transformation and sustainable development of African economies and the Cameroonian economy in particular, to catalyze the economic transformation of Africa by emphasizing social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and the implementation of progressive policies that together create economic opportunities for all.

The foundation relies on three (3) pillars to achieve its mission through three departments: The Nkafu Policy Institute, a Think Tank, to conduct independent, in-depth and insightful research analyses and provide evidence-based policy recommendations for the socio-economic transformation and development of Cameroon and Africa.

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) was established to provide tools to train, create and grow businesses in the private sector to stimulate economic growth.

The Sustainable Development Agenda addresses issues and policies that ensure equitable economic growth today and for future generations. The programme addresses the building blocks of the economy, including but not limited to education, leadership, public health, private sector growth as well as government policies aimed at stimulating economic growth in Cameroon and Africa.

A final word?

Dr Denis Foretia: We want to thank you for approaching us, we also want to thank all our experts, the Think Tanks and partners who honoured us with their presence and made this Forum a great success. Let's make an appointment for October 2024 for the 2024 Central African Think Tanks Forum.