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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Strengthening human rights reporting in Sierra Leone
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Sub-Saharan Africa, in collaboration with the German Embassy in Sierra Leone, recently organised a roundtable discussion titled "Strengthening Human Rights Reporting in Sierra Leone." Held alongside the recording of the Let’s Talk Human Rights podcast, which focuses on transitional and restorative justice in post-conflict nations, the event gathered key figures from journalism and government to explore the challenges and opportunities in human rights reporting. The discussion explored the pressing challenges journalists face in reporting on human rights, particularly in light of limited resources, media poverty, and the growing role of social media. The event emphasised the importance of independent reporting and fostering collaboration between the media, government, and international bodies to strengthen human rights awareness and advocacy to ensure accurate, independent, and impactful human rights reporting in Sierra Leone.
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A look at Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique ahead of the elections
This year, major elections are happening across the world. In Africa, about 19 elections are expected to take place throughout the year. Many democracies are being tested. In Southern Africa, the Republics of Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique are democracies that must pass this test. This article analyses and critically engages on key issues in Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique’s upcoming elections. Paying attention to the political context, legal framework, Election Management Bodies (EMBs), voter registration, political parties, campaign finances, the role of media, and civil society as elections unfold in these countries.
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Competition between systems - China's role in Africa and why Europe must react now
President Xi Jinping opened the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in Beijing, hosting African leaders at a grand banquet. However, beneath the celebrations lie significant challenges. Many African countries face rising debt and economic struggles, with some issues linked to Chinese investments that have led to heavy financial burdens. Meanwhile, Europe finds itself trailing behind China in its engagement with Africa. To regain influence and success on the continent, Europe must quickly adopt a more responsive and respectful strategy, fostering authentic partnerships with African nations.
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Bobi Wine under attack
The "shooting" of Bobi Wine in Bulindo on September 3 sent shockwaves through Uganda and beyond, underlining the perilous political climate as the country approaches a pivotal presidential election. Wine, a prominent opposition figure, has long been a symbol of resistance against President Yoweri Museveni’s regime, which is marked by violent crackdowns on dissent. This attack raises serious concerns about the safety of opposition leaders and the integrity of the upcoming elections. It highlights the oppressive environment under which political campaigns are conducted in Uganda.
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Paving the way to sustainability
Under the inspiring motto "Paving the Way to Sustainability," Sekelo Shude triumphed at the Falling Walls Lab held in Cape Town on August 29th, securing first place among 83 competitors. The competition was intense, with only 10 finalists selected to present their groundbreaking ideas in a 3-minute pitch. Sekelo's project, titled "Breaking the Wall of Plastic Pollution," captivated the judges with its innovative approach to tackling environmental challenges. The project focuses on creating durable pavers made from a combination of sand and recycled plastic waste, offering a sustainable solution to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
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SADC Summit: A huge blow to democracy
In the lead-up to the SADC Summit, Mnangagwa’s government has intensified its repression. Human rights defenders and political activists are being harassed, prosecuted, persecuted, and imprisoned. Civil society has been silenced as the government issues vague but likely severe threats against those considering Kenya-style protests. Even the organisation of the People’s SADC Summit (a gathering of civil society organisations from SADC nations) has been scaled down and moved to a few days before the official summit, breaking with tradition.
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Ahead of Germany's own elections, are there any lessons from the South African context?
Recent polls suggest the far-right populist party (AfD) will perform well in the autumn provincial elections in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg. This could complicate coalition-building, likely requiring a broad alliance to prevent an AfD-led government. South Africa’s 2024 Government of National Unity (GNU) offers a parallel, reintroduced after the ANC lost its majority, recalling the 1994 GNU under Nelson Mandela.
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From Coal Cape to Green Cape
From Coal Cape to Green Cape: At the moment, South Africa's economy is not yet green. Currently, 85% of the country's energy comes from coal plants. However, the non profit organisation GreenCape aims to transform this. But, their mission extends beyond just the energy sector as they are promoting a comprehensive green economy. Central to this mission is the FNF GreenPitch Challenge, organised in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
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The role of journalism in Mozambique's electoral landscape
The upcoming elections in Mozambique, set for 9 October 2024, were a focal point at the "Protection of Journalistic Freedom and the Media" seminar held in Maputo. Hosted by the Fondation René Cassin - Institut international des droits de l'homme, the seminar featured Professor Severino Elias Ngoenha, a distinguished Mozambican philosopher, as a keynote speaker. Supported by FNF, the seminar addressed the intersection of political philosophy and media freedom.
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Government of National Unity and a liberal perspective
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom hosted an insightful discussion on July 31, 2024, focusing on the complexities of post-election South Africa and the path forward under the Government of National Unity (GNU). The second instalment of Freedom Dialogue featured Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chairperson Helen Zille, who provided a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by this unprecedented coalition government.
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How many leaders like Mandela are required to defeat populism?
The values that Nelson Mandela stood for and which he so eloquently put forward and defended at his trial in 1964 - equality of all people before the law, the rule of law, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly - are once again under pressure in South Africa today. These original liberal values, for which Mandela is celebrated internationally, are increasingly being called into question by his political heirs.
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The heavy price and sacrifice of human rights
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known by his stage name Bobi Wine, visited Johannesburg to attend the screening of his Oscar-nominated documentary film “Bobi Wine – the People’s President”. The film recounts Bobi Wine’s participation in the 2021 Uganda presidential election that resulted not only in long-term strongman Yoweri Museveni’s fraudulently clinging to power but also a brutal crackdown on the political opposition.
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A New Image of Africa
A New Image of Africa" is a groundbreaking movement aimed at reshaping perceptions of the continent, championing its resilience, innovation, and economic vitality. More than a mere broadcast, it's a call to action for like-minded youth across the continent to join in and share their stories, contributing to the dispelling of outdated stereotypes about Africa as the "dark continent. We feature entrepreneurs and experts who are walking the talk on the topic of economy, innovation, sustainable development, infrastructure and cultural wealth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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A beacon of hope or a failed project?
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative stands as a beacon of hope for the continent, signaling a significant step towards economic integration and prosperity for its youthful population. Launched on January 1, 2021, AfCFTA aims to spur industrialization and economic growth across Africa by significantly boosting intra-African trade. By eliminating 97% of tariff lines on goods and services, the initiative seeks to create a single, unified market, fostering competition, improving efficiency, and attracting investment.
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Rwandan genocide commemoration: What should we be asking?
Memorialisation of significant historical moments, especially those that shifted perspectives on humanity, will and should find their space in people’s minds throughout time. April 7th marks the start of the Rwandan People’s 100-day period of national mourning to commemorate the atrocity that befell their country and tore at the very social and cultural fabric of their identity. Families were torn apart by the conflict, leaving behind scores of orphaned children.
Social Media
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Participate, promote and include! Democracies are under threat from online mis- and disinformation, rising populism, the destabilising effects of the climate crisis, unresolved conflicts, financial turmoil and many other risk factors. To advance democracy, it is important that everyone is able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives. An engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies. #InternationalDayOfDemocracy #Democracy #UN
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A New Era of Collaboration: FNF Kenya 🇰🇪 , and Germany 🇩🇪 Leverage Technology to Address Labor Gaps - Friday, September 13, 2024 will be remembered as a historic moment for the Friedrich NaumannFoundation for Freedom as it marked the realisation of an innovative concept advocating for the exchange of labour and skills between the Global North and Global South. In Berlin, an MOU was signed between FNF, the Government of Kenya, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, and QhalaTrust. This initiative was born out of the recognition that while the Baby Boomer generation in the Global North is rapidly retiring, creating significant labor shortages, many young, talented professionals in the Global South face a lack of job opportunities. The concept leverages technology to bridge these gaps, allowing skilled youth from the Global South to access remote job opportunities, benefiting both regions.
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The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Sub-Saharan Africa, in collaboration with the German Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone, recently organised a roundtable discussion titled "Strengthening Human Rights Reporting in Sierra Leone." This event, held alongside the recording of content for the popular Let’s Talk Human Rights podcast on transitional and restorative justice in post-conflict countries, brought together key stakeholders in journalism and government to address the challenges and opportunities in human rights reporting. Find out more about this gathering here: https://www.freiheit.org/sub-saharan-africa/strengthening-human-rights-reporting-sierra-leone
