Dar es Salaam
In East Africa, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been managing projects in Tanzania and Kenya from 1991. Since the early 1990s, Tanzania has been going through a political and economic transition process towards a pluralistic political system and a free market economy.
The Foundation supports its partners to build political leadership and party structures. We assist in strengthening civil society for democratic legitimate governance that guarantees and protects freedom of opinion, freedom of assembly, accountability and that creates opportunities for development and growth. The Foundation supports political partners to foster pluralistic societies and multiparty political
News
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A nation with deep political roots and democratic resolve
Tanzania stands at a pivotal moment as it prepares for the 2025 General Elections. With a legacy shaped by visionary leaders like Mwalimu Nyerere, the nation’s democratic journey, from single-party rule to multi-party politics, faces new tests. Internal party conflicts, legal challenges, and ethical concerns raise critical questions about the future of fair political participation. As tensions grow, citizens are urged to uphold unity, reject divisive language, and embrace the founding values that continue to define Tanzania’s democratic identity.
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Zanzibar’s elections need robust regional and international observer missions
Since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992, elections in Zanzibar have repeatedly fallen short of the benchmarks for credibility and inclusiveness. In our first multiparty vote in 1995, presidential election results were tampered with and reversed to hand over power to the incumbent who had lost. In 2000, the forced seizure of ballot boxes and the cancellation of results in 16 key constituencies fuelled mistrust and post-election violence.
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Safe community for development
In Tanzania's Siha district, a groundbreaking initiative is challenging the deeply rooted practice of Female Genital Mutilation within the Maasai community. Led by FNF and KWIECO, the Safe Community for Development project is more than a fight against FGM—it’s a movement for human rights and community empowerment. Watch our short film showcasing inspiring stories of resilience, hope, and activism as communities break the silence on FGM.
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How education, entrepreneurship are ending FGM in Siha District
THE reduction of FGM in Siha District, particularly in its pastoralist communities, is a direct result of collaborative efforts between the Tanzanian government and key stakeholders. These initiatives have primarily focused on raising awareness, promoting education on human rights and providing sustainable alternatives to the harmful tradition. One of the most successful aspects of this movement has been the role of education, delivered by organisations like the FNF in partnership with KWIECO.
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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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Tanzanian Maasai voices in transformative bid to tackle early marriages and GBV
Traditional female circumcisers abandon their tools and to join hands with women and male elders to end risky traditional practices. They now favour transformative socio-economic empowerment, a decision that is significantly changing the face and fate of women and girls in their community. This collective effort is fostering a safer and more equitable environment, heralding a new era of health, education, and opportunity for future generations.
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A Critical Third-Eye Lens
As a Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation at ACT Wazalendo, my journey into the world of electoral observation has been a transformative one. Coming from the historical hub of election chaos in Zanzibar, I had the opportunity to participate in an International Election Observer Mission in South Africa from 24th to 31st May 2024, which proved to be a profound learning experience. This article aims to share the insights and lessons I've gathered, while exploring the nuanced and flexible nature of democracy across the African continent.
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New Documentary Highlights the Fight to End Female Genital Mutilation in Siha District
KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA, MARCH 8, 2025 – As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action,” a groundbreaking documentary shines a light on the transformative efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Tanzania’s Siha District. The film, produced by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in collaboration with the Kilimanjaro Women Information Exchange and Community Organisation (KWIECO), captures the powerful lived stories of former circumcisers, survivors, and community leaders who are driving change in the fight against this harmful practice.
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African Renaissance: Towards a Pan African Movement on Democratisation
On 19th July, 2023- Wednesday, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) East Africa, Senior Project Manager Judie Kaberia skillfully moderated a high-level panel comprising four former heads of state and government. The esteemed panelists, including Former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, engaged in a crucial discussion on Africa's journey towards a Pan African Movement on Democratisation.
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Africa’s growing geo-political influence
Three back-to-back visits by major world powers to Africa ahead of February’s African Union Summit follow a flurry of important diplomatic visits in 2022, including by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. Together, they signal attention to Africa’s rising political and economic bargaining power globally, which has been brought into sharp focus by the Russian war in Ukraine. “It’s a sign of increased attention to the continent.”
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Challenging Social Norms that Violate the Rights of Women in Maasai Communities
The Maasai community is known globally for its vibrant traditions, culture, and dress code. Behind the beauty of the culture and smiles, women are living in the darkness of poverty and suppressive cultural practices. A Maasai girl is considered a source of wealth for the family, thus “property of her father”, that she can be married off at tender age to an elderly man and in case the husband passes on, she will be “inherited” by her in-laws especially the husbands’ brother or eldest son.
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Inspiring Women 2022
It is not easy and I realised that all over the world, women are facing common challenges that men do not face in the same leadership roles. Our communities expect so much from women but at the same time, they need us to be careful and follow their rules. Our societies think that if a woman becomes a leader or politician, she should not dress in a certain way and she should communicate in a certain way, something that is not expected from men.
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How Kijana Inuka Project Esteems Youths To Engage Self-Employment
We all know that the level of skills imparted to the youth in entrepreneurship determines their ability to comprehend the concepts involved in the business operations including production, management, and marketing that is why the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) deserves a praise on enlightening the youth (who are the majority in the population) and energetic to promote economic growth in the country.
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Tanzania – protecting the rights of women and children
In Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region, many human rights abuses affecting women and children give rise to concern. Customary law, which is still applied by traditional chiefs, exacerbates the situation as it neither protects nor strengthens the rights of these groups in need of protection.
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🎙️ Let’s Talk Human Rights – Inclusive Governance vs. Strongman Rule in Africa In our Season 1 finale of the Vodcast, we unpack one of Africa’s most urgent governance challenges: Can inclusive, participatory democracy survive under strongman rule? Host Masechaba Mdaka is joined by three distinguished guests: • Chepkorir Sambu – Lawyer & researcher on conflict and politics in Eastern Africa • Solly Tshepiso Msimanga – DA Gauteng Provincial Leader & Leader of the Official Opposition • Agnes Valérie Ebo’o – International law and human rights specialist in West & Central Africa Together, they dig into: • How strongmen weaken opposition and civil liberties • Patronage, co-optation and manipulation of institutions • Political violence, propaganda & shrinking civic space • Opposition resource gaps and grassroots challenges • Coups, instability and the cost of exclusion • Whether inclusive governance can restore balance • Lessons from South Africa’s Government of National Unity This #HumanRightsDay we reflect on a simple truth: ✨ “My Right, Your Right, Our Right — human rights belong to us all.” 🔵 Let’s Talk Human Rights is an FNF Africa vodcast exploring human rights, governance, democracy, and freedom across the continent. 📺 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/SlfLv0GAMwo?si=TO8_MNtnbLdUlnyb
