The Open Society Foundations have launched three new multiyear initiatives in Africa aimed at strengthening civic engagement, boosting economic sovereignty, and advancing peacebuilding. These programs—Democratic Futures in Africa, Resources Futures in Africa, and Transformative Peace in Africa—continue the foundation’s long-standing support for human rights, equity, and justice on the continent. Each initiative is designed to empower African communities through locally defined solutions, focusing particularly on youth, women, and historically marginalized populations.
The Democratic Futures in Africa program will run for eight years across Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sahel countries. It seeks to foster a new vision of governance rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasizes dignity, justice, and solidarity. The initiative aims to build inclusive democratic systems, restore citizen trust in public institutions, and challenge the influence of money in politics. It will work closely with civic groups, artists, and digital platforms to encourage youth and women’s participation in political life.
The Resources Futures in Africa program spans five years and focuses on ensuring that the continent’s critical minerals benefit its people. Operating in mineral-rich countries like the DRC, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, and Ghana, the initiative supports transparent, equitable, and sustainable resource governance. It advocates for aligning mineral exploitation with sustainable development goals and strengthening environmental justice. The program also engages global investors and buyers to promote responsible sourcing while working with African institutions like the African Union to support green industrialization and community rights.
The Transformative Peace in Africa program targets countries in conflict or post-conflict transition, including Mozambique, Sudan, DRC, and several Sahel nations. It aims to shift peacebuilding power to communities by prioritizing gender-inclusive, justice-centered, and locally led approaches. The initiative supports reparative justice and highlights traditional and Indigenous peacebuilding methods. A key focus is on elevating the role of women peacebuilders, whose grassroots work has yielded positive results in countries such as Rwanda, Liberia, and Sudan.
Together, these programs underscore Open Society’s continued investment in African-led progress by focusing on democratic transformation, economic fairness, and community-driven peace efforts.
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