Region: Southern Africa
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Clicking for digital democracy: what power do citizens have?
As Malawi (and the Southern Africa region) holds its breath for the 2025 General Elections on September 16, 2025, civic participation cannot be limited to only allowing digital access for citizens. Yes, it is imperative that citizens are online, and for debates and information to flow fast, but democracy is not built on connectivity alone! …
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International Day of Democracy: moving beyond rhetoric!
Every year on September 15, the world observes the International Day of Democracy, a reminder that democracy thrives when all voices are heard and citizens are empowered to participate. Today, I join the global community in celebrating this day, which also serves as a call to action for the government of Zimbabwe, and others in…
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Celebrating the achievements of the Women and Youth Leadership and Participation project
In Zimbabwe, women and youth are systematically excluded from places of power. The Women and Youth Leadership and Participation (WYLP) project organized them to advocate for change and take part in decision-making processes. As WYLP came to an end in August, Tambudzai Madzimure had the privilege of harvesting the fruitful results of the project. She…
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Demanding action against gender-based violence in Southern Africa
The Regional SRHR Fund hosted a Regional Convening on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) from the 22nd to the 24th July, 2025 This event brought together feminist activists, policymakers and movement-builders from across Africa under the theme, “Advancing a Feminist Approach to Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Southern Africa.” The three-day event emphasized the urgent…
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A new generation of climate-smart farmers in Zimbabwe
In the 2023-24 season, a climate change-induced drought led to widespread crop failure and death of livestock that caused cases of hunger and malnutrition to rise across Southern Africa. In Zimbabwe, the President declared a state of emergency over the pervasive hunger and other drought-related problems. In light of all this, new farming methods have…
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Climate action: every little bit counts in Zambia
Towards the east of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka, is a largely rural city called Chongwe. Here, the adverse effects of climate change are clear to see. Driving through surrounding dried-up rivers and vast swathes of brown vegetation almost gives the impression of a “dying” city. However, the people living in this area – estimated to…
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How girls find their voice through music and dance in Mozambique
As a passionate advocate and a mentor to young women and girls, Angelina Alexandre Nuvunga is a leading voice in the Feminist 30 under 30 campaign. Angelina’s work exemplifies the power of young women to shape their futures. “The future is in our hands, and we must shape it with courage and conviction,” she says.…
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Young people shaping a new food revolution in Zimbabwe
For some participants, this was their first experience with graduating – an occasion greeted with applause and cheer. It was the Urban Futures Advanced Certificate in Green Technologies and Sustainable Food Systems graduation ceremony recently held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The course these young graduates had followed was part of our Urban Futures program, which aims…
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How climate change pushes vulnerable youth in Zambia into exploitation
The far-reaching social implications of climate change can be difficult to comprehend, but in the rural district of Rufunsa, Zambia, they are painfully evident. Climate-induced droughts have led to a cascade of health and social crises one might not immediately think of: diseases, school dropouts, child marriages, and the exploitation of vulnerable youth. Climate change-induced…
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Feminists at AWID speak up about anti-rights movement and shrinking civic spaces in Africa
At AWID International Forum 2024, Hivos participated in two sessions with teams from East and Southern Africa focusing on the anti-gender movement in Africa and the feminist voices against instability in Mozambique. AWID is a global conference bringing together activists, advocates, and feminists committed to advancing justice and equality. The forum provided an essential platform…
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Youth entrepreneurs driving agricultural innovation at Urban Futures’ Climate Conference
At the end of November 2024, young entrepreneurs showcased ground breaking agricultural innovations at the Urban Futures Spark My Urban City Green youth climate conference. Held over two days in Harare, the event brought together agro-entrepreneurs from Chongwe, Kitwe (Zambia), Bulawayo, and Harare (Zimbabwe). The conference emphasized youth leadership and collaboration, with a focus on…
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Reflecting on the R.O.O.M. program (2017–2024)
The Resources of Open Minds (R.O.O.M.) program, which Hivos started in 2017, is a great example of how creativity can challenge the status quo. Ending this year, R.O.O.M. empowered creators across Africa and the Middle East to amplify diverse, alternative ethical and social narratives in societies where public space continues to shrink. As we close…
