Sub-Saharan Africa
The future of Africa is often regarded in a strangely unimaginative and pessimistic way. Yet Africa today is full of diversity, economic potential and innovative development.
However, the continent faces numerous challenges. As a liberal foundation, we believe that sustainable development depends on strong democratic institutions. Through our activities, we therefore promote liberal policies such as human rights, the rule of law, innovation, digitalisation and free trade.
From our offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Harare, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Abidjan and Dakar, we support partners in several African countries in advocating liberal values and implementing democratic structures.
News
-
Leaders Converge to Discuss South Africa's Future
With South Africa being in an election year, the focus of this year's Daily Maverick The Gathering was on prospects after the elections on 29 May. Leaders from what is called "new politics" engaged in discussing what they perceive as wrong with South Africa and how they plan to "fix, save, and rescue" the country from what they called a "morally corrupt government" led by the ruling party, the African National Congress. This year, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom had its own little hub at The Gathering, and many people came to learn more about the Foundation for Freedom. The FNF, being a proud partner of this event, was thanked by both the organisers and attendees.
-
Alice in Wonderland?
The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his potentially last State of the Nation Address (SONA) as the country stands just a few months away from national elections. While he emphasises progress, critics see a reality far from the proclaimed successes. Corruption, unemployment, and a persistent energy crisis cast doubt and could shake confidence in the ruling party. The SONA is always held at the beginning of the year and is considered a significant political event in South Africa.
-
Russian advance in Africa?
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso want to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The West African economic community has "deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism," according to a joint statement from the three states governed by military juntas. Alexandra Heldt, Project Director for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in West Africa, explains what the withdrawal means for the region and for Europe.
-
Taking On the Challenge of Boosting Voter Participation in Democracy
Embarking on a mission to unravel the intricacies of democracy and youth disengagement in the electoral process, Reality Check emerges as a civic education and online debate platform. The main question it wants to answer is: Why are countless young individuals opting out of the election process? Leading the discussions on Reality Check are Redi Tlhabi, an award-winning journalist, and Ben Cashdan, an economist and writer with experience in current affairs TV.
-
Making AI Work for Elections
Over nearly three decades, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has not only existed but has dynamically evolved, fundamentally altering the manner in which we interact with technology. This evolution encompasses diverse forms of AI, each introducing novel approaches to accessing, collating, and interpreting information. Consequently, the human-technology interface has undergone a profound transformation, reshaping the very fabric of our engagement with the digital realm. However, amidst this transformative journey, critical questions emerge.
-
Stakeholders Call for Robust AI Regulations in Africa Amid Concerns Over Ethical Deployment
Africa is slowly moving towards the use of AI in various sectors of society, with 'small pockets' having so far adopted the technology. There are concerns that the absence of clear and robust frameworks to regulate the deployment of AI could lead to negative consequences, including governments being unable to guarantee data security, the right to privacy for individuals, as well as breaches of cyber and national security.
-
Africa's Just Energy Transition: 2024 Insights
When the world gathered at COP28 in Dubai this month, one theme was top of mind for African negotiators. That was the continent’s energy transition away from fossil fuels to more sustainable, low or no-emission alternatives, and how to make sure this is done in a “just” – or inclusive – way. Because energy access is tied to economic growth and higher standards of living, African leaders see it as crucial for the 590 million people on the continent without electricity to be connected as quickly as possible.