Hanns Seidel Foundation

General information

The Hanns Seidel Foundation is a non-profit organisation with its head quarters in Germany. Beginning with the first development aid project in Togo in 1977, the Hanns Seidel Foundation has steadily expanded its geographical and conceptual framework. Project work in Africa still constitutes one of the main focal points today.

In the Hanns Seidel Foundation’s concept of development policy, strengthening underlying social factors is regarded as just as important as promoting social political structures. This means improving, strengthening and utilising human capacities, taking into account the social, political, cultural and economic conditions of the country in question. Promoting a sense of democratic community while preserving traditions which deserve to be preserved are among the principles of the Hanns Seidel Foundation’s development cooperation.

As per 2011, the Foundation is active in 60 different countries worldwide. It started operating in Namibia in 1978 and in South Africa in 1991. The Foundation also carries out projects in Zimbabwe from its office in Johannesburg. The Foundation's activities in the region aim at strengthening the rule of law, promoting the spirit of a participatory multiparty democracy, improving public service delivery,
enhancing economic growth, and supporting sustainable development and natural resource conservation.