A Trailblazing Role On Research and Development For The Foretia Foundation
December 14, 2024
By Bruno Ittia A*
Through its Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Foundation, DLFF has solidified its reputation as a leader in evidence-based policy making
In 2024, the African development narrative was defined by complex challenges of the intersection of regional economic integration efforts, governance reforms and transitions, healthcare system pressures, and the pursuit of inclusive economic growth. Amid these dynamics, development organizations have needed to adapt their approaches to address both immediate needs and long-term structural changes.
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation (DLFF) emerged as a beacon of impactful interventions, championing initiatives that spanned policy research, social entrepreneurship, innovation, public health, and community engagement across Cameroon and the Central African region.
This article delves into the Foundation’s remarkable achievements in these areas, highlighting its contributions to evidence-based policymaking, entrepreneurial support, public health advocacy, and community-driven impact.
Evidence-Based Policymaking for Regional Development Through its Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Foundation, DLFF has solidified its reputation as a leader in evidence-based policymaking.
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation (DLFF) emerged as a beacon of impactful interventions, championing initiatives that spanned policy research
This year, the Institute published landmark research addressing critical development challenges in economic affairs, governance and democracy, health system reform, peace and security, and electoral transparency in Francophone Africa. Notable contributions include: • Analysis of Regional Economic Integration: Offering frameworks to strengthen cooperation in Central Africa. • Healthcare Reform Insights: Influencing national dialogues on universal health coverage. • Digital Economy Studies: Exploring financial flows and their role in economic resilience.
The research findings were amplified through On Policy Africa Magazine, publishing five editions tackling critical themes like climate finance adaptation and digital transformation’s societal impact.
Advocacy Through Storytelling: “Our Monique”
A standout achievement was the release of Our Monique, a documentary highlighting systemic gaps in Cameroon’s maternal healthcare through the tragic story of Monique Koumatekel.
Premiering in March 2024, the film chronicles Monique’s ordeal, who died with her full-term twins outside a major public hospital in Douala due to lack of health insurance and medical assistance. The film not only garnered international festival acclaim with nominations at the Eastern Nigeria Film Festival, the Abuja International Film Festival, the Central Florida Film Festival, and the Benin City Film Festival, but also ignited nationwide advocacy for healthcare access and policy reforms.
Catalyzing Entrepreneurship with SBEC
The Foundation’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) has been a cornerstone of private sector economic empowerment in 2024. Its SME Flagship Training programs, operating across the Center, Littoral, North West, South West, and West regions of Cameroon, catalyzed over $1M in economic activity and trained more than 1,042 SMEs. These initiatives created a ripple effect of business innovation and growth, enhancing the region’s private sector capacity.
Convening Regional Leaders for Change
The Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation’s convening power shone through its flagship events, including: • Think Tank Week in August 2024: Featuring the 2nd Central Africa Think Tank Forum on “Empowering Independent Voices in Central Africa” brought together more than 250 policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders and 19 think tanks in Central Africa. The week also equipped 20 young leaders with policy formulation skills through the Emerging Leaders program, and 25 CSO executives with critical policy and strategic skills through the Executive and Strategic Leadership program. • National SME Forum: Drawing over 250 stakeholders to discuss entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities.
Expanding Global Influence
The Foundation extended its reach internationally, participating in high-profile forums such as the Africa Liberty Forum in Tanzania, the International Conference on Economic Francophonie in Canada, the Transforming Evidence Network Conference in South Africa, the 19th Annual Academic Surgical Congress in the USA, and the Atlantic Dialogues Conference in Morocco. These engagements strengthened the Foundation’s global partnerships and elevated its voice in global development dialogues.
The Foundation’s commitment to grassroots impact was evident in its Community Day program complementing its policy and international mobilization
Community-Driven Impact
The Foundation’s commitment to grassroots impact was evident in its Community Day program complementing its policy and international mobilization, which focused on targeted interventions in health education, disability support, and assistance to other socially vulnerable populations.
A Vision for the Future
As the year 2024 concludes, the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation stands as a testament to the transformative power of integrated, strategic action in driving social and economic impact. Its work has not only driven measurable change in Central Africa but has also reinforced its founding vision: a society where opportunity is universal, and development is inclusive.
Looking ahead, the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation remains committed in its mission to empower communities, influence policies, and foster sustainable development, creating a legacy of impact for generations to thrive regardless of tribal, religious, or ethnic affiliation.
*Culled from December Edition of PAV Magazine. Bruno Ittia A is Director of Communications at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation
