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
-
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 had the privilege and honour of collaborating with remarkable stalwarts and game-changers dedicated to defending human rights. Their commitment and courage is evident not only in their work but also in their displays of bravery and unwavering determination against formidable challenges.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Why Vote?
This initiative is part of the FNF Liberal Workshop's campaign aimed at encouraging the youth to vote. According to voter registration statistics, a staggering 14 million South African youth remain unregistered as voters. The potential impact of these young voices cannot be understated; if they were to register and vote, they have the power to reshape the face of South African politics. In South Africa, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation supports pioneering empirical research projects, publications, and roundtable discussions that offer an alternative platform for debate and the free exchange of ideas.
-
A Journey Of Hope
In the heart of Kajiado county, Kenya, where the sun-drenched savannah meets the sky, lies a sanctuary of hope and empowerment - the Nice Place Foundation. This remarkable institution stands as a beacon of light, dedicated to providing a safe haven for young women and girls at risk of undergoing female genital cutting (FGC) or facing life-changing child marriages. In a world where traditional practices can shape destinies, the Nice Place Foundation emerges as a potent force for change, reshaping futures and amplifying voices that were once stifled.