Middle East and North Africa
We are an open house for innovation and a global liberal think tank, dedicated to promoting the values and principles of freedom worldwide. Through our activities and publications, we empower individuals to exercise their right to political participation. Our offices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operate within the framework of freedom and human rights, adapting to each country’s unique context. Based in Amman, Jordan, FNF MENA drives three key programs that foster cross-country cooperation: MENA-NET, MENA-EU, and MENA-GEOPOL. We advise, inspire, and engage key stakeholders, developing and advocating solutions that strengthen individual freedom and responsibility.
News
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Morocco's Minimum Wage Hike
In April 2024, the Moroccan government announced a 10% increase in the national minimum wage, a policy move that has triggered wide-ranging reactions across the economic and political spectrum.
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MENA Media Hub 2025
Are you a journalist, podcaster, or content creator passionate about freedom, democracy, and human rights?
Do you believe in the power of liberal media to inspire change and spark reform? -
She Leads 2025 Empowers MENA Women Through AI
The future of entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa has taken a bold leap forward. 16 dynamic women entrepreneurs from across the region convened in Amman for She Leads 2025
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She Leads 2025 Begins: AI for Women Entrepreneurs
Amman, Jordan | May 9, 2025 — With the golden light of a new morning casting promise across the city of Amman, 16 exceptional women from across the MENA Region gathered with a shared ambition
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FNF at Jadara’s German Scientific & Cultural Day
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation joined the German Scientific and Cultural Day at Jadara University, supporting education and cultural exchange between Germany and Jordan.
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In Parliament, They Dreamed Out Loud
Now in its 10th edition, the program did not just simulate lawmaking. It dared to ask what a reimagined Lebanon could look like, if led by those bold enough to question its present.
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Municipal elections: an overview of issues and reforms
Across the MENA region, municipal elections are often overshadowed by national politics—yet they represent the closest link between citizens and governance.
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WoMENA Initiative Launches First Workshop
Beirut, Lebanon – April 26, 2025 — In a powerful step toward promoting gender equality in political leadership, the Al Hurriya Liberal Network (AHLN) officially launched its WoMENA initiative
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A silent explosion
In the afternoon, Jordanian authorities announced on national television that the government has imposed a ban on the long-established Muslim Brotherhood.
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Stille Explosion
Am Nachmittag geben die jordanischen Behörden im nationalen Fernsehen bekannt, dass die Regierung ein Verbot der lang etablierten Muslimbruderschaft auferlegt.
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Stories of MENA: Sally Al-Naeem
In the remote dry lowland region of Deir Alla in Jordan, blooms, despite harsh climate conditions, increasing weather fluctuations and severe drought, a fertile oasis of fiery greenery and high expectations.
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On The Four Pillars of Long-term Economic Growth
What drives lasting economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region? In his latest policy brief, “On The Four Pillars of Long-term Economic Growth: The MENA Region Case,”
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Tausende Wege, eine Vision
4.000 Teilnehmende, 300 Organisatoren und über 200 Schulen – das sind die Zahlen des „Lebanese American University Simulation Models“ (LAUSM) 2025.
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Thousands of Journeys, One Vision
4,000 participants, 300 organizers, and over 200 schools – that is the 2025 Lebanese American University’s Simulation Models (LAUSM),
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Stories of MENA: Jourieh Al-Rabih, the Syrian Malala
A rosy fragrance seems to float in the air at the mere pronunciation of her name:Jourieh Al-Rabih or the rose of spring. Not any rose. The rose of Damascus or, rather, of Aleppo.
Social Media
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A pay raise, or a gate for a new challenge? When the Moroccan government announced a 10% hike in the minimum wage, thousands of workers rejoiced. But behind the applause, small businesses started tightening their belts, and economists raised red flags. Can a wage increase meant to improve lives actually deepen inequality and fuel informality? Explore the hidden costs, the policy paradoxes, and the future of Morocco’s labor market in this deep dive by Mohamed Moutii. Link: https://www.freiheit.org/middle-east-and-north-africa/moroccos-minimum-wage-hike
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Are you a media professional passionate about freedom, democracy, and human rights? Ready to amplify your voice and connect with a network of liberal thinkers across the MENA region? The MENA Media Hub 2025 is here, a unique opportunity for journalists and content creators to level up their skills, expand their impact, and promote liberal values through powerful storytelling. Applications are now open! Learn more and apply now: https://www.freiheit.org/middle-east-and-north-africa/mena-media-hub-2025
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She Leads 2025 has wrapped up, but the impact is just beginning. From May 9–11, 16 inspiring women from across the Middle East and North Africa came together in Amman to explore how Artificial Intelligence can drive their entrepreneurial visions forward. Organized by FNF MENA in partnership with IFLRY, this 3-day training offered more than skills; it built a regional network of future-ready women leaders. Read the full story and discover how these changemakers are shaping the future of innovation in MENA: https://www.freiheit.org/middle-east-and-north-africa/she-leads-2025-empowers-mena-women-through-ai
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