African Values & Religious Freedom – Advancing Religious Freedom in Africa

This panel explores the significant role that African values, rooted in the communal ethic of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” can play as a foundation for advancing religious freedom across the continent. Ubuntu emphasizes interconnectedness, mutual respect, and the inherent dignity of every person—values that naturally affirm freedom of religion. When national and regional governments apply these principles in governance, education, and legal frameworks, they create environments where religious freedom is respected and protected. Regional governments, in particular, play a critical role in local implementation and in setting precedents that influence broader national and continental trends.

Civil society, shaped by Africa’s cultural and spiritual traditions, reinforces these values through inclusive advocacy, interfaith collaboration, and grassroots peacebuilding. When regional governments and civil society work together, they strengthen the social fabric necessary to uphold religious freedom for all. This panel will highlight models of cooperation, policy innovation, and community engagement that show how Africa’s heritage can serve as a powerful force in securing religious freedom across diverse contexts.