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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The tale of continued disillusionment of the youth
The need for political education will steer the youth in Mozambique towards real change in the country. Fifty (50) years into independence, youth policies that exist through the National Youth Policy do not address current challenges. Opportunities are missed by youth due to the language barrier in Mozambique, which is further exacerbated by unemployment and limited academic opportunities caused by a lack of exposure and daily, mounting poverty. These issues are further entrenched by systemic challenges to governance in the country. Daniel Chapo’s cabinet is not inclusive, as he had promised during his campaign. What happens now? The Friedrich Naumann Foundation Sub-Saharan Africa office, in partnership with the Africa Centre for Governance and the Youth Parliament (Parlamento Juvenil Moçambique), seeks to unpack the status of the youth question following the electoral violence in Mozambique and how this has continued to contribute to human rights violations.
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Reimagining global finance
As debt distress tightens its grip on the Global South, 35 developing countries teeter on the brink of default with many now spending more on interest payments than on education or healthcare. At a high-level roundtable hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, experts and policymakers examined the structural flaws of the global financial system, questioning whether it supports or stifles development. With rigid lending rules, outdated restructuring mechanisms, and growing pressure from both traditional and non-traditional creditors, the crisis is no longer just economic, it is profoundly social and political.
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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 to strengthen ties. Instead, the South African delegation faced a staged performance tailored for Trump’s domestic audience. In the lead-up, Trump and his allies reignited false claims of a “white farmer genocide” in South Africa — a narrative disproven by crime data and human rights groups. Still, the myth remains popular among Trump’s conservative base, serving as a convenient but harmful political tool in U.S. discourse.
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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 reshape economic relationships. Zimbabwe, as Chair of SADC, suspended tariffs on American imports after Washington imposed an 18% duty on Zimbabwean goods. This gesture highlights Africa’s lack of a unified trade response, exposing industries to risk and weakening negotiating power. As the Trump Administration embraces protectionism and China deepens its influence, 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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Delegation of the Democratic Alliance Visits Liberal Partners in Brussels and Berlin
A delegation from the Democratic Alliance visited Brussels and Berlin to deepen the exchange with European partners on international cooperation and liberal strategies.
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Dramatic Escalation of Violence in Syria Three Months After the Fall of the Assad Regime
Almost exactly three months after the fall of the Assad regime, the violence in Syria has escalated dramatically. Regional Office Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Jörg Dehnert, spoke to Rafif Jouejati, Vice President of the Syrian Liberal Party, about the dramatic developments in Syria.
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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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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.
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Are Trump's policies holding human rights organisations hostage?
Since President Donald Trump’s executive order halting US-backed funding to various aid agencies, many recipient organisations are grappling with its impact. Much has been written about programmes including health response, humanitarian aid, security enforcement, and advocacy support. Beyond work practicalities, thousands of livelihoods hang in the balance amid the uncertainty of their futures.
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Strengthening African democracies: Lessons from the continent
Africa’s journey toward democratic governance has been marked by progress, setbacks, and invaluable lessons. Since the wave of independence in the mid-20th century, the continent has seen an evolution in governance models, with democracy gradually becoming a central aspiration for many nations. While challenges persist, there is a growing recognition of the need to strengthen democratic systems, enhance accountability, and ensure governance that serves the people.
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Disinformation wars: Protecting democracy in Africa’s digital age
Research by Chinasa T. Okolo, a fellow in the Center for Technology at Brookings suggests that advances in digital technology within Africa has inadvertently created an opportunity for the proliferation of disinformation across the continent. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) is being used as a tool to advance disinformation through the creation of content that manipulates public opinion, and spreads false narratives, posing a direct threat to democracy.
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The role of youth in reclaiming democracy in Africa
The youth have consistently played a pivotal role in shaping democracy, driving progress toward fairness, justice, and development. Across the globe, and especially in Africa—the youngest continent demographically—their contributions have been significant, whether intentional or incidental. From the anti-colonial movements that began with Ghana's landmark democratic independence to the powerful youth-led revolt of 1976 in South Africa, young people have always been at the forefront of agitating for democratic freedom and equity.
Social Media
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🇩🇪🇿🇦🕊️ Mandela Day: Service in Action Today, on 18 July, South Africa and the world mark Mandela Day, a global call to action inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who devoted 67 years to fighting for justice, equality, and human dignity. In honour of this day, the Junge Liberale JuLis join DA GPL in giving back through hands-on service. Through acts of service, the Julis are living out the spirit of Mandela, showing that every individual has the power to make a difference. #MandelaDay #67Minutes #JulisInSA #YouthForFreedom #FNFSA #LiberalValuesInAction #CommunityService #YouthInAction #Up4Democracy
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🇩🇪🇿🇦 Day 2: On the Ground with the Democratic Alliance Gauteng (DA)! This morning, the Junge Liberale JuLis visited Nkululeko House, the DA’s Gauteng Provincial Office in Bruma, for an inside look at the party’s operations. 🗳️ They met with DA Gauteng leadership to learn how the team prepares for elections in South Africa, from strategy and messaging to grassroots mobilisation. 🤝 The Julis also joined DA Youth and DASO for a powerful roundtable on youth political influence and campaign engagement. It was a morning full of insight, connection, and the exchange of ideas across continents. Next up: In honour of Mandela Day, the Julis are rolling up their sleeves for a day of service, preparing ‘Jars of Hope’ to support food-insecure communities and helping with a creche painting project as part of a broader commitment to community upliftment. 💙🇿🇦 #MandelaDay #JulisInSA #YouthForFreedom #DAYouth #DASO #LiberalVoices #FNFSA #67Minutes #YouthInAction #CommunityUpliftment #Up4Democracy
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🇩🇪 🇿🇦 The German-South African Youth Exchange is happening now! Members of the Junge Liberale JuLis — the youth wing of Germany’s Free Democratic Party are in South Africa for a dynamic study tour hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. During their visit, they will engage with young leaders from the Democratic Alliance Youth and DASO, diving into conversations on liberal governance, youth activism, and civic participation. Through workshops, debates, and learning exchanges, they spark new ideas and strengthen international liberal ties — building the next generation of change-makers. Follow along as this powerful youth exchange unfolds! #JulisInSA #YouthForFreedom #LiberalVoices #GlobalLiberalism #FNFSA #DAYouth #DASO #Julis #YouthExchange #Up4Democracy
Focus
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