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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Autonomy, compliance and accountability
Attending the ACHPR’s 85th Session revealed the Commission’s struggle to balance autonomy, accountability and political pressure while safeguarding human rights across Africa.
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Between junta, JNIM, and mercenaries: The bitter struggle for gold and power continues
Mali at a Dead End: Trapped between a military junta, jihadist forces, and mercenaries, the country is unraveling in a brutal fight for gold, power, and survival, a silent crisis unfolding at Europe’s doorstep.
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Why generational conflict has not yet erupted
Africa's Generation Z demands change: In Côte d'Ivoire, 83-year-old Ouattara is likely to run again – but in the parliamentary elections in December, the young, digitally connected generation could show its influence.
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FNF mourns the death of Raila Odinga
The FNF mourns former Kenyan PM Raila Odinga, a champion of democracy and justice. His leadership and courage inspired generations, strengthening liberal values in Kenya and across Africa.
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The liberal edge – Can LDS continue to chart the way forward?
Seychelles’ Oct 9–11, 2025 runoff pits incumbent President Ramkalawan against US leader Herminie, marking one of the nation’s most competitive elections since ending four decades of one-party rule.
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People resolve to make peace their priority
The HGPI-SS aims to make peace in South Sudan possible by uniting citizens, civil society, diaspora, and political actors, responding to a call from SSuDEMOP and the Technical Secretariat.
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The multipolar world demands a new African strategy
Africa has long been sidelined by a post-WWII global order. Shikwati urges reclaiming agency, blending reforms with global engagement, and shaping a strategic, independent future.
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Death of the liberal?
After 30 years, Germany’s IAF held its final seminar, marking an era’s end. Rising nationalism and polarization reflect liberalism’s challenges, says FNF’s Kwezi Sogoni.
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Cape Town 2025 showcases bold ideas
Today, Falling Walls Lab Cape Town 2025 showcased young innovators pitching bold ideas in 3 minutes, tackling health, education, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to reshape the future.
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A new chapter for photography in Africa
In September, the Roger Ballen Centre opened in Johannesburg, offering Africa a dedicated photography space. Its inaugural PSYCHOPOMP! exhibition, curated by Eldagsen, is supported by FNF.
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South Africa’s foreign policy in a turbulent world
FNF hosted a Freedom Dialogue with South Africa’s Minister Lamola, bringing diplomats together to discuss foreign policy, trade, BRICS, and the G20 ahead of 2025 amid global uncertainty.
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Germany’s Niklas Wagner on liberalism, youth activism, and South Africa’s lasting impact
Young liberal leaders from Germany and South Africa met through an FNF study tour, where Niklas Wagner joined DA Youth and DASO to discuss democracy, civic participation, and global cooperation.
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How Uganda’s diaspora is fighting for freedom ahead of 2026
Ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections, the diaspora is mobilising support, funds, and awareness of human rights abuses, with Kyagulanyi’s SA visit sparking renewed activism for a “protest vote.”
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The tale of continued disillusionment of the youth
Mozambique’s youth face unemployment, limited education, and systemic barriers. Political education is key to empowering them and turning opportunities into real change 50 years post-independence.
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Delegation of the Democratic Alliance Visits Liberal Partners in Brussels and Berlin
DA delegation visited Brussels and Berlin (22–28 June 2025) hosted by FNF to boost liberal ties on energy and EU–Africa relations, meeting MEPs, EU officials, FDP leaders, and Deputy Minister Ashor Sarupen.
Social Media
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🎧 Afrikas digitale Revolution ist da – leise, kreativ und transformativ. 💡 In der neuen Episode von „The Unfiltered“ mit Nyima Jadama erzählt Itu Mamasedi, Gründer von Eyam Skincare & Wellness SA, wie künstliche Intelligenz und afrikanische Kreativität zusammenkommen, um Schönheit und Technologie neu zu definieren. 🌍 Erleben Sie, wie Afrika die Zukunft der Innovation gestaltet – authentisch, inklusiv und selbstbestimmt. 📺 Jetzt ansehen, wenn die Episode gleichzeitig auf Alex Berlin 91.0, Unfiltered Podcast und den FNF-Plattformen Premiere feiert: https://youtu.be/JhSevAQVqKA 👉 Lesen Sie auch den Artikel: https://www.freiheit.org/de/subsahara-afrika/schoenheit-und-technologie-durch-ki-afrikas-digitaler-wirtschaft-neu-erfinden Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit #NewImageOfAfrica
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🌍 Call for Creators! 🎥✨ FNF South Africa is looking for bold storytellers and digital creators to pitch ideas for #BridgingWalls, a campaign following African innovators on their journey to Berlin’s Falling Walls Summit 2025. Show how freedom, innovation, and collaboration connect Africa and Germany in shaping a shared future. 🗓️ Submit by 31 October 2025
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🎙️ “Independent journalists are the cornerstone of any free, democratic society.” Miklos Romandy of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation shares why supporting and training journalists remains vital to strengthening democracy, speaking at the end of day 1 of the South African Media Summit 2025. #NoPressNoFreedom #SaveTheMedia
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