Newsletter just published
Reflecting on an impactful first half of 2026 at the Hanns Seidel Foundation South Africa
Among the highlights:
The visit of Bavarian Minister-President Dr Markus Söder to South Africa reinforced longstanding cooperation in innovation, governance, economic development, and international partnership.
We launched a new initiative on the future of EU–Africa relations, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and business leaders to examine how shifting global power dynamics are shaping the strategic partnership between Europe and Africa.
Parliamentary exchanges between Bavaria and the Western Cape continued to strengthen democratic institutions, governance cooperation, and long-term people-to-people ties between two partner provinces.
German Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer's visit to South Africa highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, food security, skills development, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Through our partnerships with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and law enforcement agencies from all three levels of government, we continue to support evidence-based approaches to public safety, violence prevention, and policing reform, contributing to safer communities and stronger institutions.
Our collaboration with the African Futures & Innovation Programme continues to generate strategic insights on Africa's long-term development trajectory. Recent work has explored Africa’s growing energy requirements and the opportunities and challenges of the continent’s energy transition. In parallel, research on Africa in the World examines how changing global power dynamics, demographic growth, critical minerals, trade, and geopolitical competition are shaping Africa’s future role in the international system.
Through our Civics Academy, we continue to empower educators, students, and citizens with the knowledge and skills needed for active citizenship, democratic participation, and accountable governance. Check out our new videos on local government elections.
A sincere thank you to all our partners, stakeholders, and participants whose commitment makes this work possible, and to our funders: The Bavarian State Chancellery, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the German Federal Foreign Office. Together, we continue to strengthen democracy, foster international cooperation, and contribute to a more prosperous, secure, and sustainable future for both of our countries.
Read our Newsletter here:
HSF South Africa Newsletter June 2026
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