Nkafu Policy Institute Strengthens Leadership, Empowers Independent Voices through Trio of Transformative August Events

By Vanessa Fombin*

YAOUNDE, Cameroon – The Nkafu Policy Institute, a Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, is set to host three high-impact events in August 2024, aimed at empowering Cameroon's emerging leaders, strengthening regional think tanks and civil society organizations (CSOs), while amplifying independent voices across the Central African region.

Kicking off the events is the 2024 Emerging Leaders Program from August 18-20, a competitive initiative nurturing Cameroon's brightest young minds under the age of 35. Twenty competitively selected emerging leaders will undergo a 3-day training in Yaoundé on policy, public service, and leadership. They will receive mentorship, funding for community projects promoting good governance and economic opportunities, and opportunities to engage with policymakers.

Concurrently, the Executive and Strategic Leadership Program for Think Tank and CSO Leaders will convene regional think tank heads and civil society leaders, from August 19-20 2024. Through expert-led workshops, panel discussions, and skills-building sessions, participants will enhance their leadership, management, and research capacities – with a keen focus on empowering women leaders.

Serving as the culminating event is the Second Central Africa Think Tank Forum from August 21-22, convening policymakers, donors, researchers, and think tank professionals. Under the theme "Empowering Independent Voices in the Central African Region," this forum aims to amplify independent voices, foster collaboration, and develop strategies to increase the policy influence of Central African think tanks through panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.

These complementary initiatives reflect the Foundation's steadfast commitment to cultivating an ecosystem of knowledgeable, principled leaders and change-makers poised to drive positive change, promote good governance, uphold human rights, and foster sustainable economic development across the Central African region. All three transformative events will take place at the Djeuga Palace Hotel in Yaoundé.

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).

*Vanessa Fombin is the Communications Manager of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation