Africa

Issue 05/2008 of Perspectives discusses South Africa's young democracy. It seems inevitable that 2008 will prove itself to be a definitive year for South Africa’s young democracy. Exactly what kind of future trajectory it will deliver is to be seen – the current state of the nation is that of flux.

South Africa’s National Credit Act has attracted the attention of policymakers worldwide who are keen to prevent reckless lending practices. The NCR is already assisting neighbouring Namibia to develop similar legislation.

The regional office in Abuja promotes the country’s democratisation process by fostering and strengthening civil-society actors. Partner organisations are supported with basic and advanced training measures, the compilation of studies, and funding for their activities.

The regions East Africa and Horn of Africa are home to complex conflicts. The political crisis in Kenya after the December 2007 election revealed entrenched political and social problems in a country often described as an island of stability.

In Nigeria, civil society is increasingly involved in difficult democratization and conflict management processes. Even though women have been active for centuries in large areas of Nigeria as traders and businesswomen, they still must overcome many obstacles in order to participate in the political system.