The implementation will be done by Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation which is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

This grant will be used in dealing with numerous challenges that faces the bloc such as rising authoritarianism, non-respect of basic rights especially women’s rights, growing insecurity, contested governance, women’s rights, accountability, security among others.

Dr. Denis Foretia, Co-Chair of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation and the Executive Chairman of the Nkafu Policy Institute said that the two-year grant from Open Society Foundations will promote human rights in the region.

“We are extremely honoured to partner with Open Society Foundations on this new initiative which we hope will have a lasting impact in promoting women’s rights and agency in the sub-region,” he said.

Dr. Foretia added that the project will strengthen the research capacity of ECCAS think tanks, identify and promote the development of civil society leaders, especially women leaders.

Professor Robert Nantchouang, Director of Nkafu said: “The new project is an opportunity for the Nkafu Policy Institute to share its experience with fellow think tanks across the continent and within ECCAS in particular and to contribute to realizing not only the Africa We Want but the Africa We Must Have.”

The project will also engage policymakers in accelerating regional integration, especially regarding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AfCFTA could deliver far greater benefits in terms of jobs, growth, and poverty reduction than previously estimated – making it a potential game changer for Africa’s economic development if its ambitious goals are fully realized.

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) includes eleven central African think tanks, or independent policy research institutions, which are critical in promoting open governance, accountability, the rule of law, and respect for basic human rights.

ECCAS includes Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, DR Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

This grant will be used in dealing with numerous challenges that faces the bloc such as non-respect of basic rights especially women’s rights among others.