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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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. This innovative idea not only addresses waste management but also contributes to sustainable construction practices. As the winner, Sekelo will now represent Cape Town at the prestigious grand finale in Berlin this November, competing on a global stage.
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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.
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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.
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How many leaders like Mandela are required to defeat populism?
The values that Nelson Mandela stood for and which he so eloquently put forward and defended at his trial in 1964 - equality of all people before the law, the rule of law, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly - are once again under pressure in South Africa today. These original liberal values, for which Mandela is celebrated internationally, are increasingly being called into question by his political heirs.
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Where is President Ruto steering the country?
It was supposed to be a liberating blow. On the evening of July 11, 2024, Kenya's President Ruto issued a press release. Three pages of praise for his own government were followed by the real news on page four: all ministers and the Attorney General were dismissed immediately. The only exception was the Prime Minister, who also heads the Foreign Ministry. Ruto also announced immediate talks to broaden the government's base.