The Centre for Research on Democracy and Development in Africa (CEREDDA) was created in May 1993 as an indigenous Pan-African Think Tank to provide civil society perspectives and African-centred framework to the continent’s democratisation, governance and development problems.

It functioned initially on an informal basis as a reflection group with a small Resource and Documentation Centre in Great Soppo, used mostly by students preparing for their competitive public examinations.

In December 2012, the Founding Members met and resolved to formally register it as a Research and Policy association in conformity with the provisions of Law 90-53 of December 1990. On 22 January therefore, the organisation started functioning with its headquarters in Buea under the motto “Solidarity, Development and Service”.

CEREDDA has a General Assembly, a Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, which are the main policy organs. At the operational level, there is an Executive Secretariat comprising fellows, researchers, interns, and volunteers, clustered around the various programmes and projects.

The revised CEREDDA has the following objectives to:

• Inform and Stimulate debate on African issues and the activities of Pan-African organisations such as the AU, the ECA, and the ADB;
• Promote a culture of research, policy analysis and advocacy in Cameroon and Africa;
• Carry out research and consultancies for private and public organisations on all issues related to the democratisation process in Africa;
• Enhance public awareness and understanding on the issues of peace Development in Cameroon and Africa through special events such as conferences, seminars, exhibitions, festivals;
• Collect literature and statistical data on governance, peace, security, humanitarian action and Development problems in Africa;
• Organise exchange programmes for Africanist Fellows, Researchers with other research institutes on issues related to democracy, governance, cultural preservation and development;
• Publish independent research works and manage a CEREDDA Publishing House;
• Mobilise resources for research projects relevant to the organisation.

The organisation first squatted at the Alliance Franco-Camerounaise Building until 1 January 2017 when it acquired the Plantation House at Molyko as its Permanent Headquarters.

As a Think Tank, the CEREDDA enjoys collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations, international organisations, multinational and national companies, universities, research institutes and foundations.

Since August 2017, it has been hosting the Presidency of the Cameroon Think Tank Network (CTTN).

OUR VALUES

• Pan-Africanism and African Unity;
• Public Service and Civic Responsibility;
• International Solidarity;
• Humanitarianism;

OUR FACILITIES

• A rich Library and Documentation Centre;
• Printing and Secretariat Opportunities;
• Internship and Volunteer Opportunities;
• Quiet Environment, conducive for Research;
• Well-kept lawn for garden parties and other special events.