Dates: August 04-06, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Mode: In-person at Djeuga Palace hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Background

The world is grappling with multifaceted challenges that demand innovative solutions, people-centered approaches, and steadfast commitment. As outlined in Aspiration 6 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Africa’s greatest asset is its youth. Cameroon, however, continues to face significant leadership deficits, manifesting in governance issues, weakened democratic norms, and the erosion of basic human rights and liberties. These challenges persist partly because deliberate efforts to identify and nurture young leaders, especially in a bilingual and multicultural context, remain inadequate.
John C. Maxwell famously stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” At the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation’s Nkafu Policy Institute, we recognize that young leaders can be catalysts for transformative change. However, their potential often remains untapped due to a lack of access to tailored training, mentorship, and resources. This program addresses these gaps by equipping emerging leaders with the skills to create meaningful change in their communities.
The Nkafu Policy Institute, a leading Think Tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is launching the 4th edition of the Emerging Leaders Program under the theme “Driving Impact”. Through this edition, we aimed to provide a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical learning approaches to drive impact by empowering young Cameroonians with tools, strategies, and global perspectives to enhance their leadership potential and foster a united, inclusive, and innovative society.
Theoretical sessions will focus on leadership principles, policy formulation, and global ethical standards. Practical methods will include hands-on workshops, mentorship, peer networking, and real-world projects to ensure participants not only learn concepts but also develop the capacity to implement them effectively. This combination ensures that participants are empowered to address real-world challenges with confidence and competence.

Objectives

The program seeks to empower Cameroonian women and youth with essential leadership skills through focused training and mentorship. Specifically, it aims to:

• Engage participants in policy formulation and advocacy.
• Raise awareness about governance, democracy, and the rule of law.
• Foster a network of proactive young citizens committed to governance and democracy.
• Promote global moral values for an inclusive and united society.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will have:

• Acquired skills in writing effective policy papers.
• An increased understanding of public service engagement and governance.
• Heightened awareness of governance and the rule of law in Cameroon.
• Strengthened moral values that support societal unity.
• Built a network of engaged young leaders actively participating in governance and democracy.

Target Audience

The program is open to:

• Young Cameroonians aged 18–35.
• Women and youth from diverse backgrounds across the 10 regions of Cameroon.
• Emerging leaders active in community initiatives, public service, entrepreneurship, or civil society.
• Individuals demonstrating a commitment to leadership, innovation, and social impact.

Participation Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Cameroonian aged 18–35 and residing in Cameroon.
• Proficient in English and French.
• Demonstrated interest in leadership, governance, or community development.
• Commitment to participating fully in the three-day program.
• Availability to engage in post-training activities.

Program Format and Date

Dates: August 04-06, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Mode: In-person at Djeuga Palace hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Selection Process: Participants will be selected via a call for applications. All costs will be covered for selected participants.

Program Content

The three-day program offers an intensive and interactive curriculum designed to develop well-rounded leaders. The modules include:

Day 1: Leadership Foundations

• Self-Awareness and Visioning: Understanding personal values and goals.
• Strategic Planning: Techniques for effective decision-making and goal-setting.
• Ethical Leadership: Principles of integrity and moral responsibility.

Day 2: Driving Impact

• Design Thinking: Tools for creative problem-solving and innovation.
• Social Entrepreneurship: Building sustainable ventures for societal progress.
• Sustainable Development: Aligning initiatives with global and local needs.

Day 3: Collaboration and Global Citizenship

• Building Partnerships: Leveraging networks for collective action.
• Cultural Competence: Navigating diverse contexts with empathy and understanding.
• Resilience and Well-being: Strategies for maintaining balance and overcoming challenges.

Evaluation and Follow-Up

To assess participants’ progress and program effectiveness, the following evaluation methods will be applied:

• Pre-Training Assessment:
  • Method: Online or in-person survey measuring baseline knowledge of leadership concepts, policy formulation, and governance principles.
  • Focus Areas: Self-awareness, understanding of governance, and familiarity with leadership strategies.
• Active Participation Evaluation:
  • Method: Observation and scoring of participant involvement during sessions, group discussions, and debates.
  • Criteria: Active engagement, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Capstone Presentation:
  • Method: Participants, grouped into teams, will create and present project proposal addressing a real-world governance or community challenge.
  • Assessment Panel: A panel of facilitators will evaluate based on innovation, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.
• Post-Training Knowledge Test:
  • Method: A structured questionnaire designed to assess knowledge improvement and practical understanding gained during the program.
• Feedback Surveys:
  • Method: Anonymous surveys to gauge participants’ satisfaction with program content, facilitation, and logistics.
  • Purpose: Inform future iterations of the Emerging Leaders Program.

Follow-Up Engagement:

Post-training engagement ensures that participants continue applying their knowledge and skills while contributing to broader societal goals.

Engagement Methods and Activities:

• Quaterly Check-Ins:
  • Participants will have group sessions with assigned mentors to discuss project progress and challenges.
  • Duration: Quaterly, from August 2025 to July 2026.
• Community Projects Implementation:
  • Participants will implement community-focused initiatives developed during the program.
  • Quantity: Each group is expected to initiate and implement one community project by May 2026.
• Policy Contribution:
  • Collaboration with the Nkafu Policy Institute’s Governance and Democracy Division to produce:
    • 1 article per participant on a relevant and contemporary issue.
    • 1 short video per team (60 seconds maximum) summarizing their experience with the program.
• Alumni Networking Events:
  • Networking webinars or in-person meetups to share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.
  • Duration: annually; first edition, June 4th 2025 and second edition in May 2026.
• Leadership Outcomes Report:
  Each group will submit a report detailing the outcomes and impacts of their projects and engagement activities by June 2026.

Timeline for Follow-Up

Selection Process and Timeline

The selection process ensures inclusivity and representation from all regions of Cameroon.
Timeline:

• Call for Applications: May 6th , 2025.
• Application Deadline: June 13th , 2025
• Application Screening: June 16th – 30th, 2025.
• Interviews and Selection of Successful Applicants: July 1st-4th, 2025.
• Final Selection Announcement: July 7th, 2025.
• Emerging Leaders Program in Yaoundé: August 4th to August 6th, 2025

Selection Criteria:

• Strong motivation and alignment with program objectives.
• Evidence of prior leadership and community engagement.
• Regional and gender representation balance.

Facilitators and Organizers

The program will be hosted by the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation and facilitated by experts from both public and private sectors, bringing diverse perspectives to enrich participants’ learning experiences.

About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze 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 organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, 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.

Contacts

Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:

Dr. Solange Dabou, Health Policy Analyst, Health Policy and Research Division – Nkafu Policy Institute ([email protected])
Dr. Pippie Hugues, Policy Analyst, Governance and Democracy Division – Nkafu Policy Institute ([email protected])

Nkafu Policy Institute
P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54
[email protected]