Africa Department

Team & Contact

Participants of the Gaborone Democracy Lab discuss and develop common positions — Creator: FES Botswana

About us

Together with long-standing partners in politics, trade unions and civil society, we are committed to promoting greater social justice and political participation in Africa.

Together, we aim to improve public services and promote participation – particularly in rapidly growing cities. We empower workers and advocate for a socially just economic transformation. We prioritise energy and climate policies that are socially balanced. A particular focus lies on fair and decent work, as well as local value creation in the extraction of critical raw materials in Africa. We also advocate for fairer debt and tax policies to enable investment in employment, public services and crisis management. We are committed to sustainable peace based on civil society participation and multilateral cooperation.

Our aim is to shape international cooperation based on partnership in order to foster social justice and reduce inequalities.

Team and Contact

Topics

Voters register to vote at the Independent Electoral Commission in Nairobi, Kenya — Creator: picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com | Donwilson Odhiambo

Social Democracy

Africans continue to see democracy as the best form of government. However, many people – particularly young, urban dwellers – criticize corruption, the lack of social protection, the shortage of good jobs and inadequate public services.

A busy street in the centre of Lagos, Nigeria, with people, cars and high-rise buildings. — Creator: picture alliance / dpa | Ahmed Jallanzo

Decent Work and Just Economy

African economies rely heavily on exporting critical raw materials. How can trade with Europe and employment prospects on the continent become fairer – especially in the face of the climate crisis?

Men planting trees as part of the ‘UNMISS’ in South Sudan — Creator: UN Photo/Nektarios Markogiannis

Peace and Security

Military coups in the Sahel, instability in the Horn of Africa and rising migration are driving new forms of international cooperation. FES strengthens dialogue to foster sustainable peace.

A demonstrator holds up a placard reading ‘Women justice is social justice’ during the protest against femicide in Kenya — Creator: picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com | James Wakibia

Gender Justice

Social justice is inextricably linked to gender justice. In many places, women’s movements are campaigning for inclusive democratic participation, peaceful conflict resolution and equitable economic development.

Trade unionists demonstrating on Labour Day 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa — Creator: picture alliance / Anadolu | Ihsaan Haffejee

Trade Union Cooperation

Trade unions are the greatest strength the vulnerable have. They have a high capacity for mobilisation and nationwide structures, which they use to campaign for social justice across the continent.

Offices abroad

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present Benin since 1993 and has maintained its own office in Cotonou since 1995. Its work focuses on strengthening the organization and representation of workers in the informal sector, promoting a rights-based approach to both regular and irregular (labour) migration, and addressing the deteriorating security situation affecting local populations, particularly in border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger.

In addition, FES supports young people and women in becoming more actively involved in political debates and decision-making processes. Through its youth programme Jeunes Leaders du Bénin (JLB), it has been promoting young people committed to democracy from civil society, political parties, trade unions, and the private sector for over ten years.

Contact person for Benin:

Marjam Mayer
030 26935-7414

Contact person at the Benin office:

Nouratou Zato
+229-67 67 04 65

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Benin
Rue Amelco
Quartier "Les Cocotiers"
08 BP 0620
 Tri Postal 
Cotonou – Bénin

Website of the FES Benin office

The significant economic and social progress achieved since independence in 1966 has slowed considerably over the past 15 years. Rising inequality, high unemployment, and persistent poverty remain key challenges for Botswana. The economy continues to depend heavily on mining and diamond exports, while diversification efforts have largely failed.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Botswana since 1973. It strengthens parliament vis-à-vis the executive, promotes civil society positions, supports youth participation, and enhances the role of trade unions, with a particular focus on women’s political participation.

Contact person for Botswana:

Andreas Quasten
030 26935-7443

Contact person at the Botswana office:

Thilo Schöne
+267 395 2441

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Botswana
5261, Phuthadikoboway
 Village
 Gaborone 

Website of the FES Botswana office

Cameroon is marked by growing political and social tensions, rising inequality and structural. Its colonial past – Cameroon gained independence in 1961 – continues to shape the country, particularly through the coexistence of anglophone and francophone systems. The security situation has been tense for years: since 2017, armed clashes between separatist groups and government forces have taken place. In the Northwest and Southwest regions, Boko Haram carries out attacks in the far North, and armed groups from the Central African Republic are active in the East

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present in Cameroon since 1987 and works primarily on strengthening participatory democracy, promoting socio-ecological transformation, advancing security discourse, and supporting sustainable and socially just economic development as well as gender equality.

Contact person for Cameroon:

Alexander Isele
030 26935-7435

Contact person at the Cameroon office:

Christian Klatt
+237 678 26 45 78

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Cameroun
BP 11 939, Yaoundé
Boulevard de Russie
Yaoundé-Bastos
Cameroun

Website of the FES Cameroon office

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 1991. Its work focuses on promoting democratic structures within civil society and trade unions, with a particular emphasis on supporting the participation of women in politics and society.

In addition, FES works on developing concepts for a socially just transformation of the economy. Young Ivorians take part in annual civic and trade union education programmes. At the regional level, FES is particularly engaged in issues related to migration from the Sahel region as well as regional peace and security architecture.

Ansprechpartnerin für Côte d’Ivoire:

Marjam Mayer
030 26935-7414

Contact person at the Côte d’Ivoire office:

Thomas Claes
+225 27 22 43 88 99

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Côte d’Ivoire
Bureau Abidjan
08 B.P 312 Abidjan 08
Côte d'Ivoire

Website of the FES Côte d’Ivoire office

The Democratic Republic of the Congo gained independence from Belgium on 30 June 1960. Since then, despite its vast natural resources and cultural diversity, the country has been marked by political crises, conflict, and instability, with external actors also playing a role. Corruption, mismanagement, weak state structures, as well as ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to shape people’s lives. At the same time, the Democratic Republic of the Congo plays an important role in the region.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present in the country since 2020 with its own office and works primarily in the areas of social democracy, peace and security, gender equality, and decent work, with a focus on trade union cooperation. Together with trade unions, it promotes the implementation of labour rights and social standards, particularly in the extractive and mining sector, with a focus on cobalt.

Contact person for DR Congo:

Alexander Isele
030 26935-7435

Contact person at the DR Congo office:

Constantin Grund
+243 81 555 7399

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung RD Congo
26, Avenue de l'Avenir
Kinshasa Ngaliema
RD Congo

Website of the FES DR Congo office

Ethiopia was long considered an anchor of stability in the conflict-ridden Horn of Africa region. However, political tensions and military conflicts within the country, as well as with neighboring states, are contributing to increasing instability. Efforts toward diplomacy, dialogue, and reconciliation remain crucial.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been represented with its own office in Addis Ababa since 1992 and is committed to promoting inclusive dialogue, the protection of civil and human rights, and regional cooperation. Together with its partners, it supports socially just economic policies, workers’ rights, and the strengthening of trade union representation. Addis Ababa is also the location of the AU Cooperation Office and the African Migration Policy Center.

Contact person for Ethiopia:

Alexander Rosenplänter
030 26935-7436

Contact person at the Ethiopia office:

Susanne Stollreiter
+251 911200446

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Ethiopia
Yeka Sub-City
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Woreda 05, Block No.03
House No. 109
P.B. 8786

Website of the FES Ethiopia office

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present in Ghana since 1969. Following a military coup, it left the country in 1981 and only returned in 1988. The focus of its work lies in consolidating democratic achievements and promoting a socially just and sustainable economic policy.

To this end, FES cooperates with political institutions, civil society organizations, and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the umbrella organization of trade unions in Ghana. It also supports the political participation of young adults and women, who are currently underrepresented. A key pillar of its political work is the social democratic dialogue that FES maintains with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Contact person for Ghana:

Marjam Mayer
030 26935-7414

Contact person at the Ghana office:

Martin Güttler
+233 (0)303 93 34 96

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Ghana
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Ghana Office
P.O. Box 9722, KIA
Accra
Ghana

Website of the FES Ghana office

The 2010 Constitution marked an important milestone in Kenya’s democratisation, yet political tensions and social inequality persist. Key challenges include poverty, urbanisation, climate change, and regional security issues.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung supports socially just, ecological, and democratic reform processes in Kenya. Its key priorities include socio-ecological transformation, equitable urban development, as well as decent work and strong trade unions. In addition, the FES promotes political dialogue and opportunities for participation among young people and women at both the local and national levels.

Contact person for Kenya:

Alexander Rosenplänter
030 26935-7436

Contact person at the Kenya office:

Florian Koch
+254 20 374-8338

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Kenya
Peponi Plaza, Unit D2, Peponi Rd.
PO Box 14932, Westlands
00800 Nairobi, Kenya

Website of the FES Kenya office

Since the crisis that began in 2012–2013, Mali has been marked by ongoing instability, conflict, and political upheaval. Following several military coups, the country continues to suffer from terrorist attacks and violence, which further destabilize the security situation and make it more difficult to find solutions to the country’s challenges in the areas of economic development, food security, and key reforms.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present in Mali since 1968 and supports partners from politics, trade unions, civil society, and media in strengthening democratic principles, political participation, and freedom of expression and the press. Further areas of work include decent work, economic and security policy, state reform, and good governance, with gender equality as a cross-cutting issue.

Contact person for Mali:

Manuela Mattheß
030 26935-7408

Contact person at the Mali office:

Svenja Bode
+223 44 90 60 29

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Mali
BP. 428 Bamako
Faso Kanu
Mali

Website of the FES Mali office

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present in Maputo since 1984. Its work focuses on promoting democratic participation, gender equality, sustainable development, and equitable income distribution.

FES supports societal actors in actively contributing their proposals to political and economic reform processes, as well as to the establishment of sustainable and inclusive peace in the country. To this end, it cooperates with partners from trade unions, politics, civil society, and academia.

Contact person for Mozambique:

Marjam Mayer
030 26935-7414

Contact person at the Mozambique office:

Dr. Ursula Bitzegeio
+258 21 49 12 31

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Mosambik
Av. Tomás Nduda, 1313
Caixa Postal 3694
Maputo – Moçambique

Website of the FES Mozambique office

Namibia and Germany share a common history shaped by the process of coming to terms with the genocide of the Herero and Nama. Reconciliation efforts, as well as the restitution of cultural artifacts, remain central issues in bilateral relations. Despite its natural resource wealth, Namibia has so far struggled to translate economic growth into broad-based prosperity. High unemployment, particularly among young people, and social inequality remain key challenges.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Windhoek since 1989 and supports reconciliation dialogue, political participation, as well as socially just and gender-equitable economic development.

Ansprechpartner für Namibia:

Alexander Rosenplänter
030 26935-7436

Ansprechpartner im Büro in Namibia:

Hajo Lanz
+264 61 417 500

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Namibia
95 John Meinert Street
Windhoek-West
Namibia

Zur Website des Auslandsbüros

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been present in Nigeria since 1976 and is currently represented at two locations, Abuja and Lagos. Its work focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s political system by supporting the development of transparent and democratic institutions and processes, as well as promoting the inclusion of civil society and youth in political decision-making.

Further thematic priorities include improving the socio-economic conditions of broad segments of the population through the promotion of socially just and climate-friendly economic development, as well as advancing peace and security. FES cooperates closely with trade union federations, civil society organizations, state institutions, and universities.

Contact person for Nigeria:

Marjam Mayer
030 26935-7414

Contact person at the Nigeria office:

Lennart Oestergaard
+234 9130776075

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Nigeria
P.O.Box. 5142
Wuse, Abuja
Nigeria

Website of the FES Nigeria office

Senegal is considered a stabilising force in the Sahel region and a key democracy with a history of peaceful transfers of power. At the same time, structural challenges remain, including power concentration, past restrictions on civil liberties, and economic issues such as unemployment and limited prospects for a predominantly young population.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Senegal since 1976 and supports democratic and social reform processes. Its work focuses on promoting young leaders, gender equality, and issues such as the informal economy, social protection, and decent work. Dakar also hosts a regional competence centre for peace and security.

Contact person for Senegal:

Manuela Mattheß
030 26935-7408

Contact person at the Senegal office:

Elisabeth Bollrich
+221-33-8692727

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Sénégal
Villa Ebert
Avenue des Ambassadeurs
Fann Résidence
25516 Dakar-Fann
Sénégal

Website of the FES Senegal office

South Africa gained formal independence in 1961; however, it was only with the end of the apartheid regime and the first free elections in 1994 that the country transitioned to a democratic political order. Today, South Africa plays a central role in North–South relations as a member of the G20 and part of the expanded BRICS group, and remains an important partner for Germany and Europe in promoting democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order. Domestically, South Africa faces significant challenges, including extreme inequality, high unemployment, and deficits in public service delivery, particularly in the energy sector.

Against this backdrop, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung works with partners from politics, trade unions, civil society, and think tanks to strengthen political participation, promote socially just economic and social policies, and support multilateralism and international dialogue. In doing so, the foundation builds on long-standing trust and cooperation dating back to the 1970s.

Contact person for South Africa:

Alexander Isele
030 26935-7435

Contact person at the South Africa office:

Kathrin Meißner
+27 11 341 0270

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Africa
34 Bompas Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg
South Africa

Website of the FES South Africa office

More than a decade after independence, large segments of the population in South Sudan have seen only a slight improvement in their living conditions. Despite a 2018 peace agreement, the country continues to be marked by the consequences of civil war, political instability, and weak state structures, which hinder efforts to address violent conflicts and develop functional political and administrative structures.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Juba since 2008 and supports political decision-makers and civil society actors in strengthening democratic structures, promoting political participation, and fostering dialogue. A particular focus lies on inclusive dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

Contact person for South Sudan:

Manuela Mattheß
030 26935-7408

Contact person at the South Sudan office:

Ulrich Thum
+211 92 83 66 612 (Juba)
+254 74 69 19 507 (Nairobi)

Juba Office:
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Plot No. 5, Block No. III, Hai Malakal
Juba
South Sudan

Nairobi Office:
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
A3, Peponi Plaza, 00800-14932, Westlands, Kenya
P.O. Box 14932
EAK Nairobi

Following mass protests in 2019, long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was ousted, raising hopes for a democratic transition. Following a military coup in 2021, the country has been embroiled since April 2023 in a bloody war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a result of various power struggles within the military leadership. This conflict has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and destabilized the entire country.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Sudan since 1975 and focuses on strengthening youth participation and supporting democratic transformation processes. Key areas include the promotion of civil society, economic reforms, and the strengthening of political parties.

Contact person for Sudan:

Manuela Mattheß
030 26935-7408

Contact person at the Uganda office:

Helmut Elischer
+256 (0)393 264565

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Uganda
5B, John Babiiha Avenue
P.O Box 3860
Kampala, Uganda

The dominance of the ruling party CCM has contributed to a rigid multiparty system that constraints political reforms. In recent years, particularly in the context of the 2025 general elections, structural challenges related to governance and the need for constitutional reform have become increasingly visible. At the same time, especially young people are calling for greater economic and political participation.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Tanzania since 1968, working with civil society organisations, trade unions, and state institutions to promote social justice and political participation. Its work focuses on strengthening youth participation, advancing equitable urbanization and supporting strong and democratic trade unions.

Contact person for Tanzania:

Andreas Quasten
030 26935-7443

Contact person at the Tanzania office:

Christian Denzin
+255 683 064 694

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tanzania
6 Mwai Kibaki Road
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania

Website of the FES Tanzania office

Despite the reintroduction of a multiparty system in 2006, Uganda continues to provide only limited democratic space. Political power consolidation, corruption, inefficient structures, and rapid population growth hinder development, while large parts of the population benefit only marginally from socio-economic progress.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Uganda since 1986 and promotes political dialogue in cooperation with partners from civil society, government, and parliament. Key areas include a socially just economic and social policy, labour market issues, sustainable urban development (“just city”), and the strengthening of trade unions, young leaders, and women.

Contact person for Uganda:

Manuela Mattheß
030 26935-7408

Contact person at the Uganda office:

Helmut Elischer
+256 393 264565

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Uganda
5B, John Babiiha Avenue
P.O Box 3860
Kampala
Uganda

Website of the FES Uganda office

Zambia’s democratic system has continued to consolidate in recent years, although the picture is not entirely positive in light of recent constitutional amendments. Furthermore, significant challenges remain, including high levels of poverty, limited job creation from economic growth, and a high level of external debt. Zambian society is highly organised, with a wide range of political parties, trade unions, church organizations, and civil society groups.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been active in Zambia since the 1960s and promotes dialogue between government and civil society, as well as among different societal groups. Its focus lies on advancing democratic and social standards, as well as addressing social policy issues at both the national and regional level.

Contact person for Zambia:

Alexander Rosenplänter
030 26935-7507

Contact person at the Zambia office:

Fritz Kopsieker
+260 211 295579

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zambia
6 Nalubutu Road Off Addis Ababa Road
Rhodespark
Lusaka
Zambia

Website of the FES Zambia office

Zimbabwe gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980 and has since been governed by ZANU–PF. After initial progress, economic and social conditions have deteriorated significantly since the 1990s. Today, high inflation, unemployment, rising inequality, and the impacts of climate change shape the situation, while the state struggles to provide basic services.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) works in Zimbabwe with partners from trade unions, civil society, and state institutions. Its focus areas include gender equality, socio-ecological transformation, youth engagement, and political participation.

Contact person for Zimbabwe:

Andreas Quasten
030 26935-7443

Contact person at the Zimbabwe office:

Thilo Schöne
+263 08677007575

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Simbabwe
P.O. Box 4720
ZW Belgravia / Harare
Zimbabwe

Website of the FES Zimbabwe office

Publications

Youth insights into Botswana / Edition 2 : Youth insights into Botswana

Engler, Manuel ; Rosner, Lea ; Hirschfeld, Halle ; Reis, Katharina | Gaborone : Friedrich Ebert Stiftung e.V. Botswana Office, August 2026

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Restaurer le monopole de l'État

Madi Kewa, Marc | Kinshasa/Gombe RDC : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung RDC, Août 2026

le défi de la gouvernance sécuritaire dans l'est de la RDC

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Gender-sensitive climate adaptation for sustainable livelihoods in Northern Ghana

Alhassan, Hamdiyah ; Cobbinah, Mensah Tawiah ; Cobbinah, Esther | [Accra] : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, May 2026

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Corridors pour gouverner Kinshasa

Ngabo Useni, Sylvain ; Motsha llue, Isaac | Kinshasa, Juin 2026

les défis d'un urbanisme planifié dans la plus grande métropole francophone d'Afrique

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All publications

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Internship

Head of Department

Renate Tenbusch

+49 30 26935-7440

Renate.Tenbusch(at)fes.de

Contact

Konstanze Lipfert

+49 30 26935-7441

Konstanze.Lipfert(at)fes.de

Adress

Referat Afrika

Hiroshimastraße 17
10785 Berlin

All team contact details

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