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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"Ukraine-Krieg hat negative Auswirkungen auf Afrika"
Sieben afrikanischen Studenten der African Leadership Academy nahmen an einem Interview über die Perspektiven afrikanischer Jugendlicher in Europa teil. Ziel war es, Meinungen zu den Herausforderungen in den Beziehungen zwischen den beiden Kontinenten zu erfahren. Addishiwot Dagnew, eine Studentin aus Äthiopien, sieht besonders ein Problem in den wirtschaftlichen Abhängigkeiten afrikanischer Staaten von Europa, welche durch den Ukraine-Krieg verstärkt wurden.
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Letters to Europe - African Youth Perspectives on the Future Afro - Euro Relations
What do young people think about Afro-Euro relations? Young voices from Africa representing the African Leadership Academy (ALA) speak under the global dialogue giving insights on what they think the future corporations between Africa and the EU should be. This, as the EU seeks solutions to geo-political challenges of our time. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been running the global dialogue since 2022.
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Ndeye Fatou Mboup: Empowering agriculture with technology in Senegal
Driven by her desire to address challenges faced by farmers in preserving their crops, Ndeye established a groundbreaking startup, The Smart Granary. Their flagship product is an ecological and intelligent device that offers farmers an automated ventilation system, enabling them to extend the lifespan of their crops. By detecting unfavourable temperature conditions, the device helps prevent spoilage and wastage, empowering farmers to save time and maximise their profits.
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The Perception of the Ukraine War Among African Populations
A survey commissioned by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom finds that 77% of Tanzanians are against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite the government’s refusal to condemn the war at the UN. The finding is reflective of a broader pattern across Eastern and Southern Africa, which highlights the increasing disconnect between citizens views, and the actions, or lack thereof, of their representatives at the national level.
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Why we need to take sides
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom opens its new office in Johannesburg at a time when there is much debate about the value of that very freedom. A value, that is indispensable for the self determined development of human beings and for democracy. The list of dictatorial regimes that oppress their people remains consistently long. African countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Libya and the Central African Republic are consumed by brutal civil wars.
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Concerns rife over shrinking press freedom in Kenya
Media practioners in Kenya have raised concerns over growing threats and attacks on journalists and media organisations with the regime change since September this year. In what is seen as direct onslaught on the media and infringement on press freedom, journalists, editors and media associations say there is course for worry as the media and journalists are unable to execute their duties professionally and independently since the August 2022 General Election.
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A President Under Enormous Pressure
Many believe that President Ramaphosa would be the only one who can save the party from electoral disaster, but a scathing report released in November, with just over two weeks to go to the conference, exposed Ramaphosa as potentially much less clean than the corruption-fighting leader he has thus far been. The report - compiled by an independent panel appointed by parliament and headed by a retired chief justice found that there might be grounds for impeachment.
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Shani: fighting against sexual violence towards children
FNF Tanzania launches an animated video series called Shani. The release of the video series will coincide with the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Towards Women and Children campaign from 25 November - 10 December 2022. Shani is a young ordinary girl from a village in Tanzania. Her secret is that she has the ability to transform and access her superpowers to fight monsters who find sneaky ways to enter into their lives with an aim to cause harm.
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
