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 Beacon of Hope or a Failed Project?
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative stands as a beacon of hope for the continent, signalling a significant step towards economic integration and prosperity for its youthful population. Launched on January 1, 2021, AfCTA aims to spur industrialisation and prosperity in Africa through intra-Africa trade by eliminating 97% of tariff lines on goods and services. In our latest analysis, expert on economic development in Africa, James Shikwati, delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA. This publication has been made possible by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Rwandan Genocide Commemoration: What Should We Be Asking?
Memorialisation of significant historical moments, especially those that shifted perspectives on humanity, will and should find their space in people’s minds throughout time. April 7th marks the start of the Rwandan People’s 100-day period of national mourning to commemorate the atrocity that befell their country and tore at the very social and cultural fabric of their identity.
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Just Released From Prison, Now President
Senegal is facing a political upheaval: Bassirou Diomaye Faye, released from prison just ten days ago, unexpectedly wins in the first round of the election. His running mate, the popular Ousmane Sonko, was excluded from the candidacy. This surprising turn of events serves as a clear sign against the establishment and signals a strong desire for change among the Senegalese people. What does this significant shift mean for the future direction and stability of the country?
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Leaders Converge to Discuss South Africa's Future
With South Africa being in an election year, the focus of this year's Daily Maverick The Gathering was on prospects after the elections on 29 May. Leaders from what is called "new politics" engaged in discussing what they perceive as wrong with South Africa and how they plan to "fix, save, and rescue" the country from what they called a "morally corrupt government" led by the ruling party, the African National Congress.
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Alice in Wonderland?
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his potentially last State of the Nation Address (SONA) as the country stands just a few months away from national elections. While he emphasises progress, critics see a reality far from the proclaimed successes. Corruption, unemployment, and a persistent energy crisis cast doubt and could shake confidence in the ruling party. The SONA is always held at the beginning of the year and is considered a significant political event in South Africa.
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Russian advance in Africa?
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso want to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The West African economic community has "deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism," according to a joint statement from the three states governed by military juntas. Alexandra Heldt, Project Director for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in West Africa, explains what the withdrawal means for the region and for Europe.
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Boosting Voter Participation in Democracy
Embarking on a mission to unravel the intricacies of democracy and youth disengagement in the electoral process, Reality Check emerges as a civic education and online debate platform. The main question it wants to answer is: Why are countless young individuals opting out of the election process? Leading the discussions on Reality Check are Redi Tlhabi, an award-winning journalist, and Ben Cashdan, an economist and writer with experience in current affairs TV.