By Boris Esono Nwenfor
YAOUNDE, Cameroon – The Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is equipping young researchers with advanced scientific writing skills and strengthening participants’ ability to effectively communicate research findings.
The 2025 Scientific and Manuscript Writing Course which is organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute runs from March 11-12. Through this 3rd edition of the Scientific and Manuscript Writing Course, the Nkafu Policy Institute aims to enhance participants’ skills in scientific writing, foster confidence in the publishing process, and improve the dissemination of high-quality research.
“It’s important to know that Africa’s share of scientific publication worldwide is very, very low. In 2016, it represented only 3% of the global publication share,” Dr Jessy Goupeyou, Health Policy Analyst, at Nkafu Policy Institute said. “So, that’s why we need to address this gap. Why? Because scientific publication is very important in general, particularly in the African context and here in Cameroon. Because by publishing you address the local challenges.”
“We indeed have solutions that are already there, outside, but it’s really important to tailor the intervention according to the local context. Because this can be influenced by several factors. We have climatic conditions, for example. We have the culture and many other factors that may influence the solution that we need to adapt to the context.”
The course focuses on enhancing participants’ abilities to communicate research findings effectively, build their scientific writing capacity, and instil ethical publishing practices. The Nkafu Policy Institute emphasized that addressing the existing gaps in scientific writing is critical for ensuring that Africa’s voice is not only heard but also respected in the global scientific community.
“As a take-home message, I want to tell the young leaders, even to all professionals, that scientific writing is important for you,” Dr Jessy Goupeyou added.
The course also covers best practices in ethical publishing and research integrity, areas critical to maintaining credibility in global scientific discussions. By the end of the program, participants are expected to have mastered the principles of high-quality scientific manuscript writing and gain practical strategies for publishing in high-impact journals.
“I’ve been trying to write an article to publish. And I noticed that it’s not easy at all. To be able to know how to structure your article, it is complicated,” Kuete Chanelle, a participant told Pan African Visions.
“So, when I came across this program online, I said, okay, why not apply for it to get hands-on experience from experts from the field? So, what I expect to gain from this is to be able to know how to write my article in such a way that it captures the attention of my target population.”
“The training has been worthwhile. Just from the first speaker, I’ve already been able to grasp a lot from her presentation. Like, effective communication and also what I’m supposed to look for while writing my article,” added Chanelle.
With Africa facing multifaceted challenges, including socio-economic and environmental issues, the continent’s leadership in scientific research will be essential for finding innovative, sustainable solutions.
Through courses like these, the Nkafu Policy Institute is helping position Africa as a key player in global scientific progress, ensuring that the continent’s voice is heard and its contributions are valued in the worldwide academic community.
About the Nkafu Policy Institute
The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth, and insightful policy recommendations that enable all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The Institute’s team of analysts, experts, and researchers works on governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & 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 partners with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.
