Welcome to
Faith & Freedom Africa!

One might argue that to resist or act against FORB (as several African state and non-state actors are doing), runs counter to Africa’s and African identity.

According to Afrobarometer, a pan-African, non-partisan research network, “More than nine in 10 Africans (95%) identify with a religion. A majority say they are Christians (56%), while one in three (34%) self-identify as Muslim.” This does not deny the African identity of non-religious Africans, nor their right to not affiliate with or live according to any religious belief.

The benefits of religion are well documented in scholarly work. The African Union, through its Agenda 2063 document, recognises these benefits, even if implicitly. According to Agenda 2063:

• “Our diversity in culture, heritage, languages and religion shall be a cause of strength.”
• “Africa is a continent of people with religious and spiritual beliefs, which play a profound role in the construction of the African identity and social interaction.”
• “Africa shall be an inclusive continent where no child, woman or man will be left behind or excluded, on the basis of gender, political affiliation, religion, ethnic affiliation, locality, age or other factors.”

While the aspirations involving religion in Agenda 2063 are necessary and noble, there are challenges confronting their advancement and achievement. These challenges serve as further reasons why defending and advancing FORB in Africa is important.