Cameroon: New Dawn at Nkafu Policy Institute as Dr Merlin Mfondo Appointed Executive Director

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, January 15, 2024 – Dr Merlin Mfondo has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, following an extensive and diligent search process from the organizations.

The Nkafu Policy Institute has as its mission to provide independent, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that advance the Cameroonian economy and the economies of other sub-Saharan African countries, and Dr Mfondo fits that bracket with his previous works.

Dr Mfondo said: "It is a great honour for me to be allowed to lead the dynamic team at Nkafu. The team is doing amazing work across multiple areas, and I look forward to contributing in my little way to the mission of catalyzing Africa’s economic transformation.”

Dr Mfondo brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the Regional Director at the Pan-African Institute for Development Eastern and Southern Africa region (PAID-ESA) in Kabwe, Zambia. In this capacity, he oversaw operations in 13 countries. Before that, he served as the Regional Director of the Pan African Institute for Development in Central Africa, based in Cameroon.

Dr Mfondo’s extensive leadership background, particularly in strategic management, applied research, project lifecycle, and regulatory compliance, positions him to lead the Nkafu Policy Institute into its next phase. Dr. Mfondo holds doctorate degrees in Economics and Organizational Management, further underscoring his expertise and commitment to advancing impactful research and sustainable policies.

In his role as Executive Director, Dr Mfondo will spearhead comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies to promote Nkafu’s mission and elevate its impact at both national and regional levels across the African continent.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr Mfondo to the Nkafu family,” said Dr Denis Foretia, Co-Chair of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. “His wealth of experience and unique perspective will be instrumental in advancing Nkafu’s mission and impact in the years to come.”

“We also extend our deep appreciation to Professor Robert Nantchouang, who stepped down last August, and to Mr. Ebenezer Fostin Fouefack, who served as the Interim Director. We are very thankful for their leadership.”

About the Nkafu Policy Institute

The Nkafu Policy Institute is a nonpartisan, independent think tank at the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Its mission is to provide independent, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that advance the Cameroonian economy and the economies of other sub-Saharan African countries. Nkafu works to advance public policies that help all Africans prosper in free, fair, and sustainable economies.

About the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation

The Denis and 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.

The Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that relies on donations and Board support. We receive donations from hundreds of individuals around the world, as well as institutional grants, project grants and gifts. The Foundation is in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).