August 26, 2025/
By Boris Esono Nwenfor YAOUNDE, Cameroon – In the heart of Central Africa, where press freedom often hangs in the...
2026 Edition 10–11 September · Yaounde.
From Evidence to Action: Strengthening Policy Uptake in Central Africa
The Central Africa Think Tank Forum is a high-level regional convening that brings together policymakers, think tanks, civil society, researchers, development partners, and private sector actors to turn policy evidence into practical reform.
Prof. Jean-Emmanuel Pondi, 2025 CATTF
Venue
Hilton Hotel, Yaounde
LANGUAGES
English & French
ORGANIZER
Nkafu Policy Institute
Prof. Jean-Emmanuel Pondi
2025 CATTF
—Key Themes
Six Thematic Areas
Shaping the Conversation
The Forum examines the institutional, political, technical, and communication barriers that limit policy uptake in Central Africa, while identifying practical pathways for turning evidence into action.
01
From Research to Reform
How research can move beyond publication to inform decisions, shape reforms, and improve policy implementation.
02
Think Tanks & CSOs in Policy Influence
How think tanks and civil society can strengthen their credibility, independence, and role as trusted policy partners.
03
Institutional Capacity & Governance
How institutional structures, incentives, and political dynamics shape the adoption and implementation of evidence-based policies.
04
Data, Monitoring & Learning
How data systems, evaluation, and learning mechanisms can help track policy performance and support adaptive decision-making.
05
Regional Cooperation
How regional platforms, including ECCAS and AfCFTA, can support cross-country learning, coordination, and policy uptake.
06
Cross-cutting Policy Dialogues
Practical roundtables and breakout sessions focused on sector-specific challenges and actionable recommendations.
—About the Forum
Driving evidence-informed policy across Central Africa
Organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, the Central Africa Think Tank Forum responds to a critical challenge: the region continues to generate policy-relevant research, but the translation of evidence into concrete public action remains uneven.
- Strengthen evidence-to-policy linkages across the region
- Improve collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and civil society
- Advance policy communication, advocacy, and public engagement
- Generate actionable, context-specific recommendations for Central Africa
— Featured Participants
Voices shaping the region's
policy agenda
— Join Us
The Forum Starts In
A high-level convening with global reach. Secure your seat for two days of
substantive policy dialogue.
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
— Registration
One Pass. Two Days Of policy Dialogue
A single inclusive registration covers your participation across all keynotes, panels, breakout sessions, and policy roundtables.
- Access to all keynote addresses and panel discussions
- Participation in thematic breakout sessions
- Welcome reception and networking events
- Conference materials and policy briefs
- Simultaneous interpretation (English / French)
- Lunches and coffee breaks throughout
FULL FORUM PASS
$99
USD per attendee · Two-day inclusive access
Includes all sessions, meals, conference materials, and simultaneous interpretation in English and French.
Registration closes 21 August 2026 · Group rates available for 3+ attendees · Scholarship enquiries: info@foretiafoundation.org
— OUR REACH
A Growing Hub for Central African Policy
Dialogue
Building on three editions of the Central Africa Think Tank Forum, the 2026 convening will deepen regional exchange and strengthen collaboration across the policy ecosystem.
200+
Expected delegates in 2026
3
Editions held since 2023
11
Central African countries targeted
232
Participants convened in 2025
10+
Stakeholder categories represented
41%
Female participation in 2025
—Partners
Made possible by our partners
The Forum is made possible through strategic partnerships with institutions committed to evidence-informed policymaking, regional cooperation, and inclusive development in Central Africa.
—Partners & Sponsors
Become a CATTF 2026 Partner
If you would like to partner on this gathering, kindly let us know using the button below. Our team is available to explore options with you.
— Voices from the Region
What past participants say
Think tanks must be bold enough to shape policy, not just observe it. By producing impactful ideas, engaging in global dialogue, investing in skills, and building strong international networks, Central African institutions can turn knowledge into action and help build a more inclusive future for the subregion.
Central Africa possesses immense untapped potential, yet its true wealth will only be realized when ideas inspire action and research drives meaningful reform. Think tanks have a crucial responsibility in shaping evidence-based policies that can transform the region’s extraordinary natural and human resources into sustainable development and global influence.
10.04.2018
Building stronger institutions and better policies begins with collaboration. Across Central Africa, think tanks, researchers, civil society organizations, and policy experts must work together to remain independent, rooted in local realities, and committed to inclusive growth. More than professional networking, this collective effort represents part of the intellectual infrastructure shaping the future of the region.
5 Month Ago
To remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world, think tanks must rethink outdated funding models and embrace innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. The challenge facing institutions today is clear: evolve with the times or risk becoming obsolete.
6 Month Ago
— BLOG POSTS
From The Policy Desk
- All Posts
August 23, 2025/
By Boris Esono Nwenfor YAOUNDE, Cameroon – The U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E. Christopher J. Lamora, has highlighted the crucial...
August 22, 2025/
By Ayukmba Nkonghonyor* Civic organisations across the Central Africa region and beyond gathered to echo the fundamental role of think...
— Contact & Location
Conference Location
The 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum will take place at Hilton Hotel, Yaoundé, bringing together regional and international stakeholders for two days of substantive policy dialogue.
