Nkafu’s Leadership Program Ends with a Call for Stronger Collaboration Across Central Africa
August 07, 2025
By Boris Esono Nwenfor
From L-R, Dr Denis Foretia, Co-Chair of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation hands a certificate to Dr Theophile Nguimfack
YAOUNDE, Cameroon – The 2025 edition of the Executive and Strategic Leadership Program for Think Tank and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Leaders has officially wrapped up in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Organised by the Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading think tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, the two-day event brought together key actors from across Central Africa committed to strengthening governance, policy advocacy, and organisational resilience.
Running from Tuesday, August 5 to Wednesday, August 6, the high-level leadership training aimed at equipping executives of think tanks, CSOs, and research institutions with the tools to navigate today’s complex socio-political and economic environments. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions, shared experiences, and developed strategies to boost impact amid regional volatility.
Experts led sessions on artificial intelligence in CSOs and Think Tanks, Rethinking the Business Models of Think Tanks, strengthening Cooperation between Think Tanks/CSOs, Funders and Stakeholders, Navigating Organisational crises, preparing organisations for resilience and crisis communication.
In his closing address that fused personal experience with a compelling call to action, Dr Denis Foretia, Co-Chair of the Foretia Foundation and Executive Chairman of the Nkafu Policy Institute, emphasised the transformative potential of public policy and the critical role of CSOs and think tanks in shaping a better future for communities across Cameroon and Central Africa.
"It's about understanding the terrain, building our skills, and strengthening our organisations to make the kind of impact we envision," he said.
The Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is not just ending the training, they are launching a movement.
Dr. Foretia reminded attendees that most CSOs and think tanks are not driven by a desire for profit, but by a deep-seated desire to fulfil a mission and serve the public good. “No CSO is created just to make money. Each is founded with a purpose, an ambition to make a positive change. The strength of the organisation, the commitment of the team, and the ability to leverage networks determine how well that mission is fulfilled."
He pointed to the need for strong internal structures, leadership, and vision to ensure that CSOs can move from intention to impact, influencing not just community dynamics, but also national policy and governance frameworks.
Dr. Foretia stressed that the true power of policy lies in its ability to create widespread, lasting change. He said, "When you influence a decision at the National Assembly, that becomes policy for the entire country. That's the power we hold when we engage strategically and collaboratively."
The two-day program had as aim to sustain the leadership and operational efficiency of think tanks and CSOs in Central Africa
He encouraged participants to move beyond short-term projects and transactional thinking, and instead focus on long-term, systemic change that addresses the root causes of the region’s most pressing challenges.
Dr Foretia was full of gratitude and hope. He thanked participants for their openness, collaboration, and insightful feedback, and urged them to maintain the momentum and stay connected beyond the program.
“This is not the end, it’s a continuation. We’ve learned from each other, and now we must apply those lessons, improve our institutions, and influence the policies that shape our nations.”
He also encouraged attendees to provide constructive feedback to help improve future editions of the program. “Tell us how we can do better. We want to hear more than ‘it was great’; we want to know how to make it even more impactful.”
Participants applauded the Foretia Foundation for a rich and transformative two-day session, which was more practical and interactive than formal. The participants noted the difficult context that think tanks in Central Africa operate in, but have resolved to implement the knowledge gained to boost their think tanks.
Enrique Mendizabal, Founder and Executive Director of On Think Tanks emphasized that the current funding landscape, demands a shift from dependency to diversified and dynamic revenue strategies.
The Executive and Strategic Leadership Program served as a platform to foster collaboration, expand regional influence, and strengthen policy impact, key objectives that align with Nkafu’s mission to catalyse Africa's development through evidence-based research and innovative policy solutions.
With the successful conclusion of the 2025 edition, the Nkafu Policy Institute reaffirms its commitment to supporting the next generation of transformative leaders capable of advancing democratic resilience and inclusive development across Central Africa.
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.
