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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Are governments doing enough to defend women's gains in democracy and governance?
At the 64th Congress of Liberal International in Santiago, Chile, women leaders convened to discuss their experiences, challenges, and victories. Despite progress, significant challenges and inequalities persist. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly in top decision-making roles. They often face discrimination, bias, and limited access to resources and opportunities. Moreover, the gains made by women can be fragile and subject to setbacks, especially during political instability or when conservative forces rise to power.
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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.
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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.
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Elections amid insurgency and economic crisis
Mozambique will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the 9th of October marking the end of President Filipe Nyusi's two-term tenure. Nyusi has been praised for upholding the constitution and not seeking a third term, unlike the trend on the continent. Elections are expected amid insurgence, rising political tensions, and widespread economic challenges. Poverty, fueled by systemic corruption, poor governance, and incompetence, has led to widespread discontent across various sectors of society.
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Review of the first 100 Days of the Government of National Unity
For the first time in 25 years, South Africa is governed by a coalition, with the African National Congress (ANC) holding 159 seats and the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 87 seats. The first 100 days have shown both opportunities and challenges. While the coalition has brought political stability, boosting investor confidence and strengthening the rand by 5.8%, it faces significant hurdles. Key issues like energy, infrastructure, and logistics reform remain unresolved.
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Strengthening human rights reporting
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.
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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 landscape. Their mission extends beyond just the energy sector, promoting a comprehensive, inclusive green economy across various industries. Central to this mission is the annual FNF GreenPitch Challenge, organised in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
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A look at Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique ahead of their elections
In Africa, about 19 elections are expected to take place throughout the year. 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 upcoming elections. Paying attention to the political context, legal framework, 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 causing financial burdens. Meanwhile, Europe lags behind China in its engagement with Africa. To regain influence, Europe must quickly adopt a more responsive and respectful strategy, fostering authentic partnerships with African nations.
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Bobi Wine under attack in Uganda again
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.
Social Media
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🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🌍✨ We're excited to announce the Season 3 finale of the Let's Talk Human Rights podcast! 🎉 This episode, titled "Conversations with the Past, Present, and Regenerating Democracy: The Ethiopia Chapter", dives deep into Ethiopia's journey of transitions and transitional justice. Join our host, Masechaba Masemola wa-Mdaka, as she engages with two distinguished guests: 🔹 Mr. Girma Gaddisa Tufa – Human rights lawyer and researcher 🔹 Dr. Marshet Tadesse Tessema – Leading expert in transitional justice 🎧 In this powerful discussion, they unpack: - Ethiopia's history of political transitions. - The progress and challenges of implementing transitional justice mechanisms. - The role of victims, stakeholders, and international actors in shaping a context-specific and inclusive approach. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how justice and reconciliation can pave the way for lasting peace and democracy. #HumanRightsDay 👉 Listen now: https://iono.fm/e/1510580
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Freedom, equality and justice for all! The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges. It holds all the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It was signed on 10 December 1948 in Paris and is available in more than 500 languages. #HumanRightsDay #UN #UDHR
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Freedom, equality and justice for all The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges. It holds all the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It was signed on 10 December 1948 in Paris and is available in more than 500 languages. #HumanRightsDay #UN #UDHR
