The Konrad Adenauer Foundations invited twelve young politicians, some of them with parliamentary experience, to take part in this year’s Germany program from 5 to 10 October. The participants were selected from different political parties, based on their outstanding performances in the political field and in general; it can be assumed that in the mid-term perspective these people will be occupying leading positions in government or administration. The recent elections in South Africa and the upcoming ones in Namibia indicate that many African countries will experience a new generation taking over soon.

Having said that, the focus is on the future political leaders to ensure stability and strengthening of democratic structures. A new generation is arising that wants to contribute to a positive development in their respective countries, based on democratic rights, cosmopolitanism and tolerance. This has to be supported. However, there is a significant gab in terms of the differences and opportunities between the countries. The commitment towards democracy and human rights is often not reflecting realities, some countries even taking a step back. It is against this background that the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s initiative wants to contribute towards educating the participants about the German parliamentary and federal system and its free and democratic values. Dialogue and exchange of ideas with representatives of the different levels of power is one of the core parts of the program to prepare the participants for their future responsibilities in their own countries in the SADC region. Furthermore the program intends to be a networking platform for the future leaders to learn more about each other and their respective countries.