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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A myth of free and fair elections: Reflections from the hospital’s window
From a hospital bed, Dr. Nasra Nassor Omar reflects on Tanzania's marred local government elections, rife with voter suppression, fraud, and violence. She recounts attacks on colleagues like Erick Yugalila Venance and the erasure of opposition candidates. Watching life outside her window, Omar draws strength from the resilience of Tanzanians who stood against corruption. Despite the pain, she grapples with democracy’s worth, concluding that the fight for justice and equality is essential. Her story is a testament to courage and a call for accountability, demanding a future defined by transparency and integrity.
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How Vladimir Putin got checkmated in South Africa - Takeaways for team Trump
On May 29, 2024, at polling station in Pretoria, South Africa, attached to an election study tour as an advisor to the country's leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), during the most consequential election since Nelson Mandela rose to the Presidency in the first post-Apartheid, all-race, political contest, I witnessed with great satisfaction how Vladimir Putin learned the same lesson Ellen taught me.
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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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Where are the EDR mechanisms in post electoral violence?
Election protests in Mozambique have escalated into a national crisis. Reports of election irregularities and tragic assassinations of opposition figures have led to a wave of demonstrations—and deadly confrontations. Observers from the EU and AU pointed to severe administrative failures and potential disenfranchisement of opposition voters, while Mozambique’s recent decline in democracy rankings has intensified doubts about the election’s legitimacy.
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Intergenerational co-leadership and the future of freedom in Africa
FNF Africa hosted the 2024 Africa Freedom Prize Award, in partnership with the African Leadership Academy (ALA). This prestigious event recognises exceptional contributions to liberal civil society in Africa, focusing specifically on the role of liberalism, democracy, and freedom across the continent. The 2024 Africa Freedom Prize was awarded to His Excellency President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles, whose leadership in promoting democracy and freedom has set a notable example across Africa.
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Honouring President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles
We are pleased to announce the 2024 Africa Freedom Prize, celebrating outstanding contributions to liberal civil society in Africa. This year’s theme, "Intergenerational Co-leadership and the Future of Freedom in Africa," highlights the importance of youth leadership shaping the continent’s future alongside established leaders. Partnering with the African Leadership Academy, the event emphasizes liberalism, democracy, and freedom. The 2024 prize will honour President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles for exemplary leadership promoting democracy and freedom.
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A New Image of Africa_X Spaces conversation series
A New Image of Africa initiative successfully achieved its goal of promoting African entrepreneurship and innovation. By bringing together a diverse group of speakers and start-ups, the event provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing African entrepreneurs today. With over 110 start-ups registered in its database and hundreds of participants engaged in the virtual discussions (133 live listeners and is viewed by 938 users and growing), the initiative highlighted the continent’s entrepreneurial energy and potential.
Social Media
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Inge Herbert, Regionaldirektorin der FNF für Subsahara-Afrika, hat die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Afrika und Europa durch Bildung, Stärkung und kulturellen Austausch gefördert. Seit über zwei Jahrzehnten arbeitet sie daran, Stereotypen abzubauen und gegenseitiges Wachstum zu fördern. Erfahren Sie mehr in ihrem Interview mit Andreas Sieren von Table.Media, jetzt von freiheit.org! https://www.freiheit.org/de/subsahara-afrika/brueckenbauerin-zwischen-europa-und-afrika
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The FNF regional director, Inge Herbert, is attending the launch of Kenyan lawyer, human rights activist, and politician, Martha Karua’s ‘Against the Tide’ memoir. It reveals “the strength behind her enduring commitment to social justice and equality”. This inspiring story of resilience, integrity and courage invites readers to stand firm in their own convictions and to believe in the power of change. #Marthaagainstthetide
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Women in Zimbabwean 🇿🇼 politics face significant challenges, including cyberbullying, cultural stereotypes, and high nomination fees, which hinder their participation and leadership. Events like the one hosted by FNF Zimbabwe today, launching the History of Women's Political Participation in Zimbabwean Politics, provide vital platforms for dialogue and mentorship among female politicians. These initiatives foster unity and empower women to speak with a collective voice. Addressing these barriers requires reforms to the Political Parties Finance Act and electoral laws, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in politics.
