By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – The Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation has concluded the January 2026 session of its Public Policy Analysis Course, with a strong call on participants to translate learning into real-world policy impact. The session ran from January 21-23 in Yaounde, aimed at providing a structured, practical platform for building capacity among policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to respond to ECCAS-specific challenges.
Deputy Director of the Nkafu Policy Institute, Dr Julienne Mesumbe, reminded participants of the weight of their responsibility in shaping public policy across Cameroon and the wider Central African region. She said: “You are here because the policy challenges facing Cameroon and the wider Central African region are complex, urgent, and deeply consequential.”
Said stressed that “the value of this course will be measured by what happens after you leave.” Dr Julienne urged participants to remain actively engaged in strengthening their skills and contributing meaningfully to policy reform.
One of the key learning pillars focused on translating social challenges into policy issues. In his session on “The Public Policy Cycle – General Overview,” Dr Fabian Sundjo introduced participants to techniques for attracting policymakers’ attention, highlighting the importance of timing and the strategic use of “policy windows” to push issues onto the public agenda.
Earlier, Professor William Arrey laid the foundation with an engaging module on “Introduction to Public Policy Analysis,” where participants were introduced to the core principles and frameworks of policy analysis. Emphasising inclusive governance, Pr Arrey argued that “a policy for me, without me, is a policy against me,” a statement that sparked lively debate and encouraged active participation among trainees.
Dr Constantine Asahngwa guided participants through practical steps for addressing real-world policy challenges, followed by an immersive workshop that allowed trainees to apply theoretical tools in a hands-on setting.
From Evidence to Influence
Day Two shifted focus from evidence generation to policy influence. Dr Asahngwa equipped participants with practical research methods for producing policy-relevant evidence, while Professor Nguimfack unpacked the concept of stakeholder mapping, demonstrating who matters in the policy process, when to engage them, and how to do so effectively.
Participants also sharpened their skills in writing clear and persuasive policy briefs, before Dr Fabian Sundjo closed the day with a session on monitoring and evaluating public policies, underscoring the need to ensure reforms deliver tangible results rather than mere rhetoric.
The final day of the course centred on strengthening participants’ capacity to leverage digital technologies to disseminate research findings and enhance policy advocacy, influence and uptake. Sessions emphasised strategic communication, evidence crafting and the use of digital advocacy tools.
Trainees gained practical skills to amplify research visibility, engage policymakers online, shape compelling policy narratives and drive meaningful engagement, effectively moving from analysis to impact in today’s increasingly digital policy space.
Held under the theme “Empowering Policy Leaders in Central Africa: Strengthening Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement,” the course brought together participants from across the country to build practical competencies for engaging decision-makers and stakeholders constructively and credibly. With the successful conclusion of the January 2026 session, attention now turns to the next session, which is scheduled for June.
