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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Unveiling Africa's Imperative: Priorities and Urgencies at COP28 for Climate Justice
As the 2023 United Nations Climate Conference – better known as COP28 – kicks off this week in Dubai, African negotiators are arriving with a particular sense of moral and practical urgency. Since the last such conference, the region has been battered by an unprecedented series of natural disasters driven by climate change – from historic levels of drought in the Horn of Africa to storms of record strength in southern Africa and Libya. Seven out of ten of the countries worst affected by climate change in the world today are in Africa – despite the fact that the region contributes just 4 percent of global emissions. This radical imbalance sets the stage for Africa’s priorities at COP28, which largely revolve around building global support – and crucially, financing – for the region to adapt to climate change. Two particular and interlocking issues will likely be the focus.
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Challenges and Struggles Faced by Persons with Disabilities Across Africa: A Closer Look at Policies, Realities, and Hope for Change
From Cape to Cairo, many are the tears of the African people living with disabilities, pummelled by poverty from all directions, yet with governments brandishing sound national disability policy documents. Celebrated every third of December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance endorsed by the United Nations since 1992. However, three decades later, Africa’s disability activists like Mandimba see nothing positive about the observance of the day.
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Podium Finish - Celebrating Our Female Human Rights Defenders In Africa
Today, on 29 November, we commemorate the United Nations International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders. As we approach the year's end, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation takes a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of our human rights defender partners from Sub-Saharan Africa. The FNF Africa regional programme has the privilege and honour of collaborating with remarkable stalwarts and game-changers dedicated to defending human rights. We are proud to collaborate with human rights defenders, recognising their tireless dedication in advancing human rights globally.
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An Outlook of Continued Unity and Positivity Ahead of October 2025!
Effective campaigning and communication hinge on messaging, which plays a central role not only during election periods but also in maintaining and growing your support base, as well as keeping others connected with your cause. Bringing a manifesto's vision to life is a testament to real-time leadership and effective action. FNF Africa, in collaboration with LDS in Seychelles, recently conducted a two-day intensive training workshop for youth campaign activists.
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Zimbabwean Author Tsitsi Dangarembga Honoured with Africa Freedom Prize for Literary and Social Justice Contributions
Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga has been awarded the prestigious Africa Freedom Prize by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. The award ceremony took place on 5 October 2023 at the iconic and packed Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Dangarembga was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to literature and social justice.
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Zimbabwean Author Tsitsi Dangarembga to Receive Prestigious Africa Freedom Prize
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is proud to announce that it will be awarding the Africa Freedom Prize to renowned Zimbabwean author, novelist, playwright, and screenwriter, Tsitsi Dangarembga, in recognition of her unwavering resilience and commitment to the cause of political reform and freedom in Zimbabwe. Tsitsi Dangarembga, a prominent literary figure, gained international acclaim for her literary works and activism.
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Unity Rift: Navigating Afro-Euro Realities in the Virtual Sphere
Embarking on a visionary quest, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation introduces an innovative initiative titled "Unity Rift: Exploring Afro-Euro Realities in Virtual Space," aligned under the rallying call of #ReshapeEurope. This groundbreaking endeavour aims to invigorate Europe's resilience and assertiveness in countering global threats to freedom. This project aims to revitalize the European model of open, democratic societies and their creativity both within and outside the continent.
Social Media
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Podium finish - Celebrating our Female Human Rights Defenders in Africa this Women Human Rights Defenders Day! #WHRDDay #WHRDs #16DaysOfActivism
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A heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable graduates of the Africa Liberal Network Women's Leadership Programme from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom! Your dedication, passion, and commitment to fostering gender equality and amplifying female voices in politics are truly commendable. As you step forward equipped with newfound knowledge and empowered perspectives, you're set to make an even more significant impact in shaping a more inclusive and diverse future. Here's to your achievements and the incredible journey ahead! #ALN2023Graduates #WomenLeaders #Empowerment #LeadershipJourney
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Amidst their intensive training, the MPs in the Africa Liberal Network Women's Leadership Programme had a chance to immerse themselves in Soweto, Johannesburg! They teamed up with the Democratic Alliance, a member party of the Africa Liberal Network, to participate in engaging 'campaigning activities.' It was an inspiring opportunity for these leaders to connect with locals, understand community perspectives, and share meaningful conversations while contributing to impactful initiatives. #CommunityEngagement #LeadershipJourney #ALN2023LeadershipProgramme
