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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Trump’s Stage, Ramaphosa’s Test
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week in an attempt to reinforce bilateral ties. But instead of progress, the South African delegation walked into a tightly choreographed performance — staged for a domestic U.S. audience, not international cooperation. In the weeks leading up to the visit, Trump and his political allies intensified inflammatory rhetoric against South Africa, reviving a debunked narrative about a so-called “genocide of white farmers.” Though long discredited by South African crime data and human rights monitors, the story remains popular among Trump’s conservative base, making it a convenient tool in his political arsenal.
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Chief Justice Koome backs International Anti-Corruption Court at FNF launch
At a landmark event in Nairobi, Chief Justice Martha Koome endorsed the proposed International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC), calling it a vital tool to combat grand corruption and kleptocracy across Africa. Speaking at the launch of a policy brief by FNF, Koome emphasised the failure of domestic systems to hold powerful offenders accountable, particularly those who hide illicit funds in offshore accounts. She argued that an international court is not only timely but essential.
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Africa and Europe at crossroads
Africa and Europe face a defining moment in global trade as rising US tariffs threaten to reshape economic relationships. Zimbabwe, as Chair of SADC, suspended all tariffs on American imports after Washington imposed an 18% duty on Zimbabwean goods. This diplomatic gesture highlights Africa’s lack of a unified trade response, exposing its industries to risk and weakening negotiating power. As the Trump Administration leans into protectionism and China deepens its influence across Africa, the EU has a narrow window to offer a fair, rules-based alternative.
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The role of C20 in shaping an inclusive G20 2025
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in 2025, the world’s attention is on how this global event can drive meaningful change. The theme—Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability—highlights the need for inclusive policies that tackle pressing global challenges like inequality, climate change, and economic instability. But for real impact, the voices of everyday people must be heard. Civil Society Organisations play a crucial role in ensuring the G20’s decisions reflect the needs of all communities, not just governments and businesses.
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The deterioration of U.S.-South Africa relations
The expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March 2025, after remarks on U.S. racial politics, marked a low in relations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Rasool a “race-baiting politician,” highlighting tensions. The conflict reflects deeper ideological and policy differences, particularly on racial redress. U.S. officials have misrepresented South Africa’s economic and land reforms as discriminatory. This weaponisation of race has strained ties, underscoring the need to move beyond racial narratives in foreign relations, writes Kwezi Sogoni.
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Strengthening partnerships for sustainable growth
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation played a key role at the RenewPac Summit in Abidjan, focusing on governance, innovation, and strengthening EU-Africa partnerships. Key discussions included climate resilience, economic development, and fostering political participation among women and youth. FNF led a session on "The Next Big Idea," driving transformative ideas for collaboration, and co-hosted a workshop on empowering women in politics.
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Safe community for development
In Tanzania's Siha district, a groundbreaking initiative is challenging the deeply rooted practice of Female Genital Mutilation within the Maasai community. Led by FNF and KWIECO, the Safe Community for Development project is more than a fight against FGM—it’s a movement for human rights and community empowerment. Watch our short film showcasing inspiring stories of resilience, hope, and activism as communities break the silence on FGM.
Social Media
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The final Womentorship training in Harare wrapped on 6–8 June 2025! Now in its 4th year, the programme has empowered over 450 young women in media with skills in journalism, fact-checking, political reporting, podcasting, AI tools & more. We’re proud to help shape confident, credible journalists ready to transform newsrooms and defend media freedom. #NoPressNoFreedom #SaveTheMedia
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🚨 Calling all future shapers in South Africa! 🇿🇦 Whether you're a student, researcher, creative, or entrepreneur. If you’ve got an innovative solution, breakthrough research, or a visionary concept, Falling Walls Lab Cape Town wants to hear from YOU! 🌟 Apply now for the chance to pitch your idea in just 3 minutes and WIN a trip to the Falling Walls Lab global finale in Berlin this November! 💡 This is your platform. Your spotlight. Your moment. 🗓️ Application deadline: 18 July 2025 🔗 Submit now via the link in our profile: https://falling-walls.com/falling-walls-lab-cape-town 📍 You must be 18+ and a current student or degree holder (Bachelor’s in the last 10 years, Master’s in 7, or PhD in 5). You don’t need to be enrolled to apply. #FallingWallsLab #CapeTown2025 #CTInnovates #ScienceForImpact
