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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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. The event, held in partnership with Transparency International Kenya, Integrity Initiatives International, and Good Governance Africa, brought together legal experts, civil society leaders, and policymakers. The policy brief advocates for African leadership in shaping the IACC, ensuring it reflects local values like ubuntu and restorative justice.
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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 European Union 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.
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Under fire: How Trump & Co. are interfering in South Africa's land rights debate
The criticism from the USA is less a matter-of-fact debate than a declaration of war; for the debate has a geopolitical dimension. South Africa, this year's host of the G20 summit, is a founding member of the BRICS community of states. The South African governing party, the ANC, has maintained close relations with Russia and China for years. South Africa has also brought a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice for genocide in Gaza.
Social Media
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📰 Fighting Disinformation, Strengthening Democracy! FNF Zimbabwe hosted a 2-day workshop to equip journalists with the skills to fact-check digital content and tackle the spread of misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, and propaganda. The goal: Empower the media to defend truth and protect democracy! #NoPressNoFreedom #SaveTheMedia
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Zimbabwean 🇿🇼 journalist Blessed Mhlanga breaks his silence after 72 harrowing days in pre-trial detention. In this heartfelt letter, he shares the emotional toll of separation from his wife and children, the injustice of being denied bail, and the trauma of incarceration for simply doing his job. His words lay bare a justice system that serves power, not people. Yet amidst the pain, Mhlanga’s unwavering hope, love for family, and commitment to truth and journalism shine through. This is more than a personal account—it’s a powerful statement on press freedom, resilience, and the cost of speaking out in Zimbabwe. Read his moving testimony and stand in solidarity with those who risk everything to give others a voice. #NoPressNoFreedom #SaveTheMedia https://www.freiheit.org/simbabwe/dear-countrymen-fellow-journalists-uz-law-students-friends-across-world
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🎙️ Season 6 is here! The Let’s Talk Human Rights podcast is back with a fresh look and sound! In Episode 1, we spotlight Malawi’s fight to end child marriage and celebrate real progress through powerful personal stories. Hear how changing the law—and lives—is possible. 🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform! SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dxdKYIXKRPta9wMJN19Zx?si=-B3BbLSaR92bjTTopL4IAg APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/lets-talk-human-rights/id1532706038?i=1000705533035 IONO: https://iono.fm/e/1551151 #LetsTalkHumanRights #ChildMarriage #Malawi #HumanRights
