Collaborative Impact: Strengthening Policy Influence Through Partnerships in Central Africa

By Bruno Ittia*

In the evolving landscape of policy research in Central Africa, think tanks are increasingly recognizing the power of collaboration to amplify their impact. A prime example of this collaborative spirit is the partnership between Institut Concorde, a Gabonese think tank, and the Nkafu Policy Institute, think tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation in Cameroon.

Founded in 2021, Institut Concorde has quickly established itself as a significant voice in Gabon's public discourse. "Our primary objective is to think about Gabon differently, aiming to impact public debate alongside other actors," explains Dr. Charlene Ongotha, President of Institut Concorde. With a broad focus encompassing all major societal issues affecting Gabon, Institut Concorde has chosen a generalist approach, believing that all sectors of activity deserve attention.

The Genesis of a Powerful Partnership

The partnership between Institut Concorde and the Nkafu Policy Institute began in 2022 when Nkafu selected the Gabonese think tank for the project on “Promoting Women’s Rights, Accountability, Security, and Integrated Governance in the ECCAS Region”. The project aims to enhance ECCAS think tanks' policy influence at all levels, develop leadership and research capabilities, particularly among women researchers, and increase their visibility and impact both continentally and globally. This selection was based on Institut Concorde's reputation as “a serious and active think tank capable of representing Gabon in a cohort of 10 think tanks from the sub-region”, Dr. Ongotha recounts. This recognition not only validated Institut Concorde's work but also opened doors to new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Collaborative Successes and Capacity Building

One of the most beneficial aspects of this partnership has been Institut Concorde's participation in the Central Africa Think Tank Forum (CATTF) last year. Dr. Ongotha describes it as "a commendable initiative and a real opportunity for the Institute to develop." However, she emphasizes that the collaboration's true hallmark has been the opportunity to write a report on integrated governance and public accountability. "The possibility of writing a report on integrated governance and public accountability remains notably the angle of our collaboration that will remain a real marker," Dr. Ongotha states. This project not only showcased the expertise of both institutes, but also contributed valuable insights to the field of governance in Central Africa.

The partnership has brought tangible benefits to Institut Concorde. It has mobilized the think tank's members around interesting and practical themes and allowed them to call upon external experts who have made relevant contributions. Notably, this included an opinion piece on the role of the constitutional judge during transition periods, a topic of particular relevance in the region's political context.

Importantly, the collaboration has also provided crucial financial support. Dr. Ongotha highlights this aspect, saying, "We were also able to benefit from funding that helped us as a young think tank. This is not negligible." For a newly established organization like Institut Concorde, such financial support is crucial in building capacity, expanding research capabilities, and ensuring the sustainability of their work.

Building Bridges: The Central Africa Think Tank Forum (CATTF)

While bilateral partnerships like the one between Institut Concorde and the Nkafu Policy Institute are important, the landscape of think tank collaboration in Central Africa is further enriched by broader initiatives. Chief among these is the CATTF, an annual event that has become a cornerstone for policy research networking in the region.

The CATTF serves as a platform where think tanks from across Central Africa can come together, share ideas, and forge new partnerships. For Institut Concorde, participation in this forum has been a game-changer, complementing and amplifying the benefits of its individual collaborations.

Reflecting on their experience at the 2023 edition of the CATTF, Dr. Charlene Ongotha shares, "During the first edition of the CATTF, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the exchanges", a sentiment that underscores the forum's role in facilitating high-level discussions and knowledge sharing among policy researchers and think tank leaders.

The Impact of the Central Africa Think Tank Forum

The CATTF has been playing a significant role in enhancing Institut Concorde's work and partnerships beyond its collaboration with the Nkafu Policy Institute. The forum has provided a unique opportunity for Institut Concorde to gauge the importance of regional collaborations on a larger scale. "We especially measured the interest of collaborations of this type with other think tanks, which allows for pooling strengths and developing internal research skills," Dr. Ongotha explains. This realization has been pivotal in shaping Institut Concorde's approach to partnerships and capacity building.

The forum's impact extends beyond just networking. It has opened doors for potential research collaborations, helped identify common challenges faced by think tanks in the region, and provided a platform for showcasing innovative approaches to policy research and advocacy.

However, Dr. Ongotha also notes a challenge that emerged from their last CATTF experience: maintaining sufficient links to make the effectiveness of the work carried out more practical and tangible. This insight highlights the need for sustained effort in nurturing relationships formed at such events, ensuring that the momentum generated translates into concrete, long-term collaborations.

The Future of Think Tank Collaborations

Looking ahead, Dr. Ongotha sees the CATTF playing a crucial role in fostering think tank collaborations in the region. "The Forum is a unique opportunity for networking and discovering other think tanks," she explains. "The exchanges that mark these meetings are essential for working on our advocacy and legitimacy with the authorities of our respective countries."

Dr. Ongotha emphasizes the importance of maintaining this event in the future, noting its significance in raising awareness about the role of think tanks. "It is therefore very important that it continues in the future. It is also an important event to make known the role of think tanks," she asserts.

The future of think tank collaborations in Central Africa looks promising, with events like the CATTF serving as catalysts for partnership and knowledge exchange. Dr. Ongotha envisions a landscape where think tanks regularly collaborate on research projects, policy recommendations, and advocacy efforts. This increased cooperation could lead to more comprehensive and nuanced policy analyses, taking into account diverse perspectives from across the region.

Moreover, these collaborations have the potential to enhance the credibility and influence of think tanks in the eyes of policymakers. By presenting united fronts on key issues, think tanks can more effectively advocate for evidence-based policy changes. Dr. Ongotha believes that as these partnerships mature, think tanks will be better positioned to address complex, cross-border challenges that require coordinated responses.

However, realizing this vision will require ongoing effort and commitment from all parties involved, Dr. Ongotha suggests that future collaborations could include joint research projects, staff exchange, and shared resources. She also emphasizes the need for regular communication channels between think tanks to maintain momentum between major events like the CATTF. "The key to successful future collaborations," Dr. Ongotha notes, "lies in our ability to translate the connections made at forums into lasting, productive partnerships. We need to keep the dialogue going and find ways to work together on a day-to-day basis."

As think tanks in Central Africa continue to evolve and adapt to changing political and social landscapes, these collaborations will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of policy research and advocacy in the region.

The partnership between Institut Concorde and the Nkafu Policy Institute, facilitated by events like the Central Africa Think Tank Forum, exemplifies the power of collaboration in the policy research landscape of Central Africa. As these think tanks continue to work together, sharing knowledge, resources, and platforms, they are not just strengthening their individual capacities but are collectively enhancing the quality and impact of policy research in the region.

Through initiatives like the CATTF, Institut Concorde and its partners are paving the way for a more interconnected and influential think tank community in Central Africa. As Dr. Ongotha and her colleagues continue to “think about Central Africa differently”, their collaborative approach promises to play a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges facing the region and in shaping more effective, evidence-based policies for the future. The evolving landscape of think tank partnerships in Central Africa offers a glimpse into a future where policy research is increasingly collaborative, inclusive, and impactful.

*Culled from August Issue of PAV. Bruno Ittia is the Director of Communications at the Denis & Lenora Foretia FoundationBruno Ittia  is Director of Communications Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation