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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Honouring President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Africa) is 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 in 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 honor President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles for his exemplary leadership in promoting democracy and freedom, aligning with FNF Africa’s core values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
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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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15 years of liberal human rights work in West Africa
The right of every human being to dignity, freedom and equality is paramount in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It forms the cornerstone of German commitment abroad and the work of German political foundations worldwide. In cooperation with civil society, legal institutions and human rights activists, measures are offered to raise awareness, educate, train and empower, focussing on universal human rights and the fight for their observance.
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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.
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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 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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Rückblick auf die ersten 100 Tage der Regierung der Nationalen Einheit
Zum ersten Mal seit 25 Jahren wird Südafrika wieder von einer Koalition regiert. Dabei sind die beiden stärksten Parteien der African National Congress ( ANC) mit 159 und die liberale Democratic Alliance (DA) mit 87 Sitzen. Nach den ersten 100 Tagen dieser Regierung ist es an der Zeit, eine Zwischenbilanz zu ziehen und zu bewerten, welche Lehren aus dieser Koalition für Südafrika gezogen werden können und welche Veränderungen sie bisher mit sich gebracht hat.
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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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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 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.
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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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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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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.
Social Media
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The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom's Sub-Saharan Africa regional office recently hosted a training session for National Unity Platform #Uganda 🇺🇬 trainers in Johannesburg. The "Promoting Civil Liberties in East Africa" publication sparked interest among the trainees. FNF is committed to advancing civil liberties and freedoms across Africa. You can find the publication here 👉 https://bit.ly/3YEUwzf
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Women journalists from five African countries—The Gambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Malawi— participated in an FNF Human Rights Hub training on UN human rights mechanisms. The journalists engaged in productive discussions with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of the Press, Irene Khan, and the President of the Human Rights Council, Omar Zniber. FNF’s remains committed to promoting human rights and advancing the rights of women in the newsroom, empowering women to contribute freely and effectively to a more just and informed society.
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Drumroll, please! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that after considering all three spot pitches presented by formidable founders at the New Image of Africa X Spaces Spot Pitch Competition on Thursday 17th October, Sizawena, co-founded by the incredible Raeesa Bayat, has won the $500 prize! 🏆 Sizawena is an online marketplace empowering informal artisans and matching them with demand for their services using a seamless online platform, and we can’t wait to see how they'll use this funding to grow their business. A huge thank you to everyone who attended the A New Image of Africa X Spaces session on October 17th. Your support, participation and enthusiasm were invaluable. Keep following the Friedrich Naumann Foundation on social media for more updates on A New Image of Africa and the inspiring entrepreneurs shaping the continent’s future. #ANewImageOfAfrica #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Sizawena #Empowerment #Africa
