Africa

Africa, the second largest continent in the world, dazzles with its diversity in landscapes and cultures. However, many African countries face numerous challenges, including social conflicts, environmental issues, and economic uncertainty. The Heinrich Böll Foundation advocates for democracy, human rights, and environmental protection in Africa. Learn more about the work of our Africa department and our country offices on this page.

Here you can find current articles, publications, and thematic focuses on Africa.

Recent Articles on Africa

Illustration: A group of five people stands with their backs to the viewer in front of a yellow and black globe, with "SUDAN" written on a backdrop.

"It's essential for me that the audience grasps the true scale of Sudan's crisis."

Interview

In April 2023, war broke out in Sudan and is still raging - also in the capital Khartoum. A Sudanese film team captured the lives of five residents before and during the war. Their film is now showing at the Berlinale. Clara Müller spoke to them.

Photo: A sign reading "COLD COMPOST" stands on a mound of composting material in a garden.

“Green” fertilizer in Africa: no substitute for an agroecological transition

Background

Instead of replacing chemical fertilizers with “green” nitrogen fertilizers, African countries should reform their fertilizer policies. Dependence on fossil nitrogen fertilizers should be reduced and the transition to agroecology strengthened.

By Lena Luig, Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu, Harun Warui and Keren Ben-Zeev

Underground Feminism: How Decolonization is Framing the Fight for Gender Equality in Zambia

Background

While the voices of women in Zambia have often been overlooked throughout history, feminist movements are fighting for social justice and equality. Is feminism a colonial construct or the key to liberation?

By Esther Mwema

Graphic: A hand holds a burning microphone

Countering online risks in a ‘Super Election Year’: Why the EU and Africa need each other

Analysis

The European Union should work together with partners in Africa to secure electoral systems against cyberattacks and to prevent the spread of false and misleading information. This is also in line with European interests and values.

By Sabine Muscat and Cayley Clifford

Fertilizers Will Not Fix Africa’s Food Crisis

Analysis

The widespread promotion of synthetic fertilizer as a solution to Africa’s food-security challenges is a flawed approach that has consistently failed to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition on the continent. It is time for policymakers and stakeholders to embrace a more transparent and evidence-based approach.

By Silke Bollmohr and Harun Warui

All Articles on Africa

Thematic Focuses on Africa

Cover of dossier "Young voices of Africa": Young people on a demonstration (drawing)

Young Voices Africa

Decolonial Dialogues 2023

Graue und weiße Tapete mit rosa und schwarzem Farbverlauf - DECOLONIAL - DIALOGUES - DEKOLONIAUX

Decolonial Dialogues 2022

All Thematic Focuses on Africa

Publications on Africa

Testing the fault lines

Study

Election-related disinformation is reshaping democracies across Africa. This study examines how fake content spread during elections in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal fuels distrust, exploits divisions, and skews public perception.

pdf

Cover: Skyline of Nairobi at sunset, with a tall, modern building in the foreground. Text on the subject of debt crisis and green growth.

Giving Voice to The Silent Debt Crisis

Policy Brief

This policy brief details the challenging debt dynamics facing African nations and outlines several solutions that would improve their fiscal capacity to address the climate emergency and embark on a sustainable growth pathway.

pdf

Resilient Agriculture on the African Continent: The Proof will be in the Soil

E-Paper

Africa must find pathways to provide a better life for its people, including access to healthy and sustainably produced food. This policy paper takes a closer look at the role of synthetic fertilizers in African food systems.

pdf

All Publications on Africa