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
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Exposing gaps in governance and regulation
AI is advancing fast, but governance lags. Experts warn that without context-sensitive regulation, digital rights are at risk, personal data can be misused, and African languages may be excluded.
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Why liberals and Germany must get it right
Germany faces growing labour shortages and skills gaps, making migration central to its economy. For liberals, the challenge is ensuring mobility is fair, transparent and drives shared prosperity.
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Brussels’ bet on Pretoria, and its payoffs
Europe’s full attendance at the Johannesburg G20 defies US pressure and signals a strategic bet on Africa. With Washington turning inward, Brussels sees the summit as a chance to assert autonomy, fill a leadership gap, and reset ties with the Global South.
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Unlocking democracy through youth-centred financing and innovation
The recent G20 Sideline Event at the FNF regional office in Johannesburg set the tone for a powerful day of ideas and collaboration ahead of the main G20 gathering on 22-23 November 2025.
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Autonomy, compliance and accountability
Attending the ACHPR’s 85th Session revealed the Commission’s struggle to balance autonomy, accountability and political pressure while safeguarding human rights across Africa.
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Between junta, JNIM, and mercenaries: The bitter struggle for gold and power continues
Mali at a Dead End: Trapped between a military junta, jihadist forces, and mercenaries, the country is unraveling in a brutal fight for gold, power, and survival, a silent crisis unfolding at Europe’s doorstep.
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Why generational conflict has not yet erupted
Africa's Generation Z demands change: In Côte d'Ivoire, 83-year-old Ouattara is likely to run again – but in the parliamentary elections in December, the young, digitally connected generation could show its influence.
Social Media
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Built by students and solving real problems on campus, Moteev offers a glimpse into Zambia’s digital future. Founded by 20 year old Enock Chisulo, the platform helps students access affordable essentials while building practical tech solutions. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation was at the Policy Reform Colloquium to spotlight innovations where youth entrepreneurship meets policy reform. By showcasing Moteev, we aim to encourage conversations on creating a regulatory environment that allows young innovators to scale, compete, and drive Zambia’s digital economy forward. #ANewImageOfAfrica #YouthInnovation #DigitalEconomy #PolicyReform
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✨ Season’s Greetings from FNF Sub-Saharan Africa ✨ As 2025 draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, friends, and supporters for walking this journey with us. This year marked a period of reflection, renewal, and transformation across the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa. As some chapters come to an end, we look ahead with optimism and purpose. The future calls for a stronger, more focused organisation, one that continues to champion freedom, democracy, and open societies across Africa and beyond. Together, we remain committed to dialogue, innovation, and liberal values that empower individuals and strengthen communities. From all of us at FNF Sub-Saharan Africa, we wish you a peaceful festive season and a bright, hopeful, and free year ahead. Here’s to freedom. Here’s to the future.
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🎙️ Let’s Talk Human Rights – Inclusive Governance vs. Strongman Rule in Africa In our Season 1 finale of the Vodcast, we unpack one of Africa’s most urgent governance challenges: Can inclusive, participatory democracy survive under strongman rule? Host Masechaba Mdaka is joined by three distinguished guests: • Chepkorir Sambu – Lawyer & researcher on conflict and politics in Eastern Africa • Solly Tshepiso Msimanga – DA Gauteng Provincial Leader & Leader of the Official Opposition • Agnes Valérie Ebo’o – International law and human rights specialist in West & Central Africa Together, they dig into: • How strongmen weaken opposition and civil liberties • Patronage, co-optation and manipulation of institutions • Political violence, propaganda & shrinking civic space • Opposition resource gaps and grassroots challenges • Coups, instability and the cost of exclusion • Whether inclusive governance can restore balance • Lessons from South Africa’s Government of National Unity This #HumanRightsDay we reflect on a simple truth: ✨ “My Right, Your Right, Our Right — human rights belong to us all.” 🔵 Let’s Talk Human Rights is an FNF Africa vodcast exploring human rights, governance, democracy, and freedom across the continent. 📺 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/SlfLv0GAMwo?si=TO8_MNtnbLdUlnyb
Focus
Our Experts
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Javier Milei two years in office – Impressive successes and momentum heading into the new year
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Bulgaria’s Government Has Resigned
Bulgaria -
“These elections will not be free and fair”
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The relevance of the BRICS in Trump’s new world order and its impact on Middle Eastern multi-alignment strategies
BRICS