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, Nairobi, Abidjan and Dakar, we support partners in several African countries in advocating liberal values and implementing democratic structures.
News
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Implications of the recently passed Protection of Sovereignty Bill
Museveni’s Protection of Sovereignty Bill risks silencing critics, crippling civil society, and pushing Uganda toward deeper autocracy under the guise of defending national sovereignty.
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Hope and challenges for Eastern Congo
Hope and challenges in Eastern Congo; A Berlin panel explored conflict colonial legacies resources and local peacebuilding showing why Congolese resilience deserves active European support.
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Petrol pump, fertiliser, dilemma
Iran’s Hormuz blockade is hitting South Africa hard, exposing its fuel, fertiliser and LNG import dependence as petrol and food prices rise, revealing deeper structural vulnerabilities.
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Why South Africa’s future depends on the law, not mob justice
Johannesburg unrest exposes rising populism and xenophobia. As protests grow, South Africa faces a critical choice: uphold the rule of law or risk deeper division through fear, failure, and mob justice.
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Inside South Africa’s Democratic Alliance, its democratic rise and lessons for Kenya
As democracy faces mounting pressure, leaders from Kenya, Germany and Ghana gathered in South Africa to explore how parties can govern effectively while preserving identity, strengthening institutions and sustaining public trust.
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What I have learnt from young leaders in Africa
At the RENEWPAC Summit in Rabat, I realised that hope is a choice. Encounters with courageous liberals from Africa and Europe showed why genuine partnership, freedom and cooperation matter now more than ever.
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A win-win policy for Africa and Europe
Political leaders and young changemakers from Africa and Europe gather in Rabat for the RENEWPAC Summit 2026 to strengthen liberal partnerships and explore solutions for governance, trade, climate and youth participation.
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FNF Sub-Saharan Africa Launches Liberal Youth Competition Series
Young Africans are invited to share their ideas on freedom, democracy and liberal values through quizzes, poetry, video, social storytelling and art. Win a Nubia or Vivo smartphone.
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The future of the South Africa-Germany partnership
South Africa and Germany confront a “New Normal” in global trade. At an FNF panel in Johannesburg, leaders discussed supply chains, green transition and investment, while tackling corruption and infrastructure challenges.
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How one interview sparked diplomatic engagement
Animu A. Risasi Amitai’s story of statelessness is sparking diplomatic engagement ahead of South Sudan’s 2026 elections, showing how personal testimony can drive dialogue on rights and inclusion.
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Safeguarding humanity in the age of unpredictability
New publication on International Humanitarian Law examines why the rules of war still matter. Focusing on Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado conflict, it offers practical guidance to protect civilians.
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Between Washington and Brics — SA’s strategic squeeze
SA’s Brics+ naval drills aren’t a reckless pivot but a hedge in a fractured world order. As US pressure grows, Pretoria is diversifying partners while urging deeper, values-based ties with Europe.
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The price of the ballot and the politics of power
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term after the 15 January 2026 elections, extending four decades in power. Results announced on 17 January put him ahead of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
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Inclusive governance for a safer Africa
Liberal values are incomplete in Africa while women & LGBTQ+ communities face violence, discrimination, and exclusion. True peace, security and governance require their full protection and inclusion.
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Climate adaptation strategies must fit the African context to work
Africa’s key sectors face rising climate risks. Businesses, guided by NBI and partners, are now embedding adaptation strategies to protect operations, livelihoods, and support a just, low-carbon transition.
Social Media
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“Citizens required to fall in line – or else.” In this article, Masechaba Mdaka argues that Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Bill is less about shielding the country from foreign meddling and more about building a legal firewall around power. By cutting off support to civil society, criminalising vaguely defined “disruptive activities”, and tightening control over democratic participation, the Bill risks turning accountability itself into an offence.
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🎨 African artists, we need to SEE what you see. The Art Competition is calling on young creatives to submit an original artwork showing why liberal voices matter in democracy, public life, and parliament. Paintings. Digital illustrations. Mixed media. All welcome. The only rule? NO AI-generated submissions. This is for human hands and human hearts only. With your artwork, submit: — A clear photo or digital file of your work — A short explanation of what it means Selected winners stand a chance to WIN a Nubia or Vivo smartphone. 📱 📅 Deadline: 12 June 2026 👤 Ages 18 and older only 📋 Completed indemnity form required 🔗 Details + submission link: https://www.freiheit.org/sub-saharan-africa/art-competition #FNFreedomYouthCompetition Tag an artist who needs to see this 👇🎨
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📲 This competition rewards you for going VIRAL (well, almost). Here's how it works: 1️⃣ Create a video about why freedom, democracy, and open societies matter 2️⃣ Post it publicly on your social media 3️⃣ Tag FNF Africa 4️⃣ The video with the strongest engagement during the competition period WINS That's it. Your followers, your reach, your reward. The prize? A Nubia or Vivo smartphone. 📱 ⚠️ Your post MUST be public so engagement can be counted. 📋 Submit your post link with a completed indemnity form. 📅 Deadline: 12 June 2026 | 👤 Ages 18+ #FNFreedomYouthCompetition 🔗 Full details: https://www.freiheit.org/sub-saharan-africa/video-story-competition
