Harare
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been working in Zimbabwe since 1980. It has witnessed firsthand the dramatic changes that took place in Zimbabwe from the very beginning and supported the work of civil society organisations in times of crisis.
The work of the Foundation focuses on re-establishing the rule of law, liberal democracy and a free market economy, which have been virtually destroyed by the repressive regime currently in power.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Harare advocates the protection of the remaining democratic and constitutional liberties with the aim of expanding these once political change has taken place.
News
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Freedom, fear, fight for truth as media voices unite
At the Southern Africa Media Summit in Harare, journalists, lawyers, and civil society called for accountability, constitutional alignment, and protection of press freedom across the region.
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UN expert condemns arrest of Zim journalists
The UN has condemned the arrest of Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba, calling it an attack on press freedom after her satirical column allegedly “undermined” the President’s authority.
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A roar for freedom
At 10 on Brooke Boutique Hotel, Zimbabwean women gathered for three days with FNF to reclaim their voice and power in an industry long dominated by men, in a historic mentorship program.
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Womentorship reshapes Zimbabwean media
FNF’s Womentorship Journalism Programme in Zimbabwe empowers young women, trains 450+ in media skills, tackles harassment and bias, and builds leadership, resilience, and sisterhood.
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"Dear countrymen, fellow journalists, UZ law students, friends across the world"
After 72 days in detention, journalist Blessed Mhlanga shares the toll of being jailed for his work, highlighting a justice system that silences truth-tellers and calling for press freedom.
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Africa and Europe at crossroads
Africa and Europe face trade challenges as US tariffs hit Zimbabwe. SADC’s response shows weak unity, risking industries, while the EU has a chance to offer a fair alternative amid global shifts.
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Zimbabwean ‘Golden Girl’ escapes to the IOC
Coventry’s IOC presidency offers a global platform to drive sports governance, advocate for athletes’ rights, and push reforms, far beyond her previous constraints in Zimbabwe’s government.
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Anatomy of shrinking democratic space
Human rights abuses in Zimbabwe persist, with press freedom under attack. HSTV editor Blessed Mhlanga’s pre-trial detention highlights violations and the shrinking democratic space.
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Working with Mhlanga and struggle for press freedom
The arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga is a chilling reminder of the fragility of press freedom in Zimbabwe. As I read the distressing news, my mind wandered back to the time I worked alongside him at HStv — a space that embodied journalistic integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to telling the truth. At HStv, Mhlanga is more than just a colleague, he is a force of nature. He possesses an unmatched zeal for uncovering the truth, often at great personal risk.
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To the gallows no more
On the last day of 2024, Zimbabwe joined the ranks of nations that have consigned capital punishment to history. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, himself once a death row inmate for blowing up a train during Zimbabwe’s (then Rhodesia) fight for independence, signed the Death Penalty Abolition Act into law. For Zimbabwe and its patchy human rights track record this marks an important step. The act not only prohibits courts from imposing death sentences. It also mandates the resentencing of about 60 persons currently on death row.
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Exclusion by inclusion: Zimbabwe’s quota system under scrutiny
By reserving 60 parliamentary seats for women through proportional representation, Zimbabwe’s constitutional quota system aimed to rectify gender disparities in political participation. Over a decade later, however, questions linger about its effectiveness. Critics argue the framework inadvertently perpetuates exclusion, with political parties sidelining women from key constituency races, and societal attitudes reinforcing entrenched barriers.
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Women call for greater support in politics amid ongoing challenges
Zimbabwean women's participation in politics remains low, despite comprising 52% of the population—making them the largest demographic group. To address this, FNF Zimbabwe hosted a meeting for young and veteran women taking center stage in politics. The event, themed “History of Women’s Political Participation in Zimbabwe: A Reflection and Celebration,” provided a platform to discuss historical and current challenges in the political arena.
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Unseen but present: Plight of intersex people
Kudakwashe Maiswa, born Yvonne, faces constant scrutiny when traveling due to a mismatch between their intersex identity and official documents, which still identify them as female. Intersex individuals, like Maiswa, experience legal and social challenges in Zimbabwe, where the legal system only recognises male or female identities. This lack of recognition, coupled with societal stigma, impacts their ability to access basic rights and identity documents. Despite their struggles, Maiswa advocates for greater awareness and policy reforms to ensure intersex people are legally recognised and respected.
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Sino-Africa must be equal partners
CHINA’S geopolitical ambitions and economic influence make it a major player in global politics and economics. With a staggering GDP of US$18,5 trillion, a population of 1,4 billion, and foreign exchange reserves around US$4 trillion, China’s interactions with other nations carry immense weight. This is particularly true for Africa, and the recent 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) held in Beijing between September 4 and 6 provided a key opportunity to assess the evolving Sino-Africa relationship.
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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.
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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