By Boris Esono Nwenfor
YAOUNDÉ, PAV – The 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum has ended in Yaoundé with a call for governments, researchers, civil society, development partners and the private sector to move beyond policy discussions and translate evidence into concrete action.
The two-day forum, organised by the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, examined how evidence can better inform public policy and development across Central Africa.
Held under the theme “From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Policy Uptake in Central Africa”, the fourth edition placed a stronger emphasis on implementation, with the Nkafu Policy Institute arguing that identifying the region’s problems was no longer enough.
Addressing participants at the close of the week-long programme, Dr Denis Foretia, co-Chair of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation and Executive Chairman of the Nkafu Policy Institute, called on them to use their skills and influence to engage with the challenges facing Cameroon and Central Africa.
“My final ask is that you should get involved,” Dr Denis Foretia said. “Engage in whatever way you think necessary, but just don’t sit on the fence and not do anything.”
He said participants were best placed to determine how their individual skills could be deployed to create change, urging them to remain engaged through their communities, institutions and businesses.
Dr Denis Foretia’s message came as the week brought together more than 300 participants through a series of programmes focused on leadership, policy research, organisational effectiveness and youth development.
He encouraged participants to view their individual contributions as part of a wider collective effort. “Whatever it is we can do by ourselves, in our families, in our communities, it becomes small ripples,” he said. “The more we do those things, those ripples become a wave.”
Dr Denis Foretia said that if each participant continued to contribute in their own sphere, the combined effect could produce meaningful changes in communities and institutions. He also thanked participants for contributing to a successful Think Tank Week, saying the event’s impact ultimately depended on the people who attended.
“Irrespective of the hard work of our team, irrespective of our partners, irrespective of our collaborators, this event … has been an amazing success because of one group of people. Because of you,” he said.
From raw materials to local prosperity
Discussions during the forum examined the role of research institutions in influencing public policy, while speakers highlighted the need for stronger links between researchers and decision-makers.
The second day of the forum built on these discussions, with sessions examining financing think tanks and civil society organisations, health insurance and financial hardship, governance reforms, education and human capital, regional integration, energy, artificial intelligence for policy research and the governance ecosystem.
A further conversation focused on women, youth and the future of work in Central Africa, reflecting the forum’s broader emphasis on inclusive development and employment opportunities.
Emmanuel Noubissie, an economist and independent consultant, highlighted barriers to investment and competitiveness, including poor infrastructure, weak regional connectivity, non-tariff barriers and difficulties in the business environment.
He noted that about 80% of gross fixed capital formation in Cameroon was driven by the public sector, compared with 20% by the private sector, underscoring the need to create conditions for stronger private investment.
Prof William H Arrey, senior consultant and adviser to the board of trustees of the Nkafu Policy Institute, said the challenge was often not a lack of research or policies but weak uptake and political will.
He argued that think tanks, universities and research institutions were producing evidence and recommendations that did not always reach decision-makers or result in action. For policies to succeed, he said, they ultimately had to improve the living conditions of the people they were designed to serve.
As the 2026 edition wrapped up, preparations are already under way for the 2027 Think Tank Week, which is expected to maintain the same format of bringing together different communities around research, leadership and policy.
Dr Denis Foretia said the Nkafu Policy Institute and the wider Foretia Foundation hope that future editions would see participants return with colleagues and friends while maintaining engagement with the wider policy and leadership community throughout the year.
