By Boris Esono Nwenfor
YAOUNDE, Cameroon – The U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E. Christopher J. Lamora, has highlighted the crucial role think tanks play in building better policy during the 2025 Central Africa Think Tank Forum in Yaoundé, organised by the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation.
Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience and knowledge from renowned U.S. institutions, Ambassador Lamora urged Central African nations to harness the power of research, dialogue, and collaboration to shape inclusive and effective policy responses to regional challenges.
In his keynote titled “Building Better Policy: Lessons from Think Tanks in the U.S. and Beyond”, Ambassador Lamora described forums like the Central Africa Think Tank Forum as essential platforms for meaningful engagement.
“It’s this kind of forum and the skills and the knowledge that you will all develop and that you’re sharing that is going to help you and help all of us address the most important policy issues of our time. And it’s exactly the sort of inclusive dialogue that mature and maturing democracies need,” Ambassador Lamora said.
Lessons from U.S. Think Tanks
Ambassador Lamora spotlighted several influential American think tanks, including the Heritage Foundation, Brookings Institution, and Atlantic Council, each of which plays a vital role in shaping U.S. policy through research and debate.
He explained that while these institutions differ in ideology and focus, ranging from conservative economic policy to libertarian ideals and non-partisan global governance, they share a common commitment: rigorous analysis, open dialogue, and public engagement.
“The Heritage Foundation, for example, is known for its deep work in promoting conservative economic policy, national security, and governance reforms. It translates this research into concise and actionable recommendations, often in very plain language, making it accessible to both policymakers and the general public,” Ambassador Lamora added.
“The Brookings Institution is widely recognised for its non-partisan and more academic approach. Its scholars conduct long-term research that informs debates on everything from macroeconomic policy to urban planning, with an emphasis on global development and governance. While officially non-partisan, Brookings is viewed as being more to the left or liberal side of the American political spectrum.”
These organisations, according to Ambassador Lamora, do more than produce papers; they influence lawmaking. From congressional hearings to treaty negotiations, their work often directly informs public policy. “A successful think tank,” he noted, “can translate ideas into action.”
The Ambassador emphasised the importance of neutrality and trust. “Think tanks offer a unique space where policymakers, academics, and citizens can engage in respectful, constructive discussions, even when opinions differ sharply. In today’s fast-moving information environment, such trusted, evidence-based platforms are invaluable.”
Africa’s Think Tank Potential
Turning his focus to Central Africa, Ambassador Lamora affirmed the region’s growing potential and existing capacity. He praised institutions like the Nkafu Policy Institute and the Denis and Lenora Feretia Foundation for their leadership in conducting research on economic governance, empowering youth, and driving civic engagement.
“In Cameroon, institutions like the Feretia Foundation and the Nkafu Policy Institute are already playing this vital role, conducting research on economic governance, hosting policy dialogues, and nurturing the next generation of policy leaders,” Ambassador Lamora noted. “Strengthening partnerships with international peers, including U.S. think tanks such as those that I mentioned earlier, can further amplify the positive impact of Cameroonian and African think tanks more broadly.”
To strengthen this ecosystem, he proposed several practical collaborations between U.S. and Central African think tanks: Joint research and policy papers; Fellowships and exchange programs; Public policy dialogues and Youth-focused mentorship and training initiatives.
“This forum, in which you will participate this week, is an important step in the process of building a political ecosystem that is innovative and resilient,” Ambassador Lamora said.
Ambassador Lamora concluded with a rallying call for continued dialogue and partnership. “I am looking forward to future discussions and future partnerships. Together, we can ensure that good ideas, based on research and proven data, allow us to develop policies that define our common future.”
About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyse 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 organisations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, thereby improving individual livelihoods.
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.
