Stiftungsallianz für Afrika (SAfA)
Partnerships as a key element of HRNS
At HRNS we believe that cooperation is key to achieve faster and better results in development cooperation. That’s why partnerships are a key element to the work HRNS. With TeamUp Uganda – a partnership with Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung, Siemens Stiftung and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) – HRNS started a first program in which partners from different sectors work together. In TeamUp Uganda the expertise’s in agriculture, water and health were combined in one joint project.
Extending efficient and effective partnerships
Building upon the positive learnings from TeamUp, HRNS joined the Stiftungsallianz für Afrika (SAfA). Stiftungsallianz für Afrika (SAfA) gGmbH is a pioneering partnership between Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS), the Kühne Foundation, and the Rossmann Stiftung with the aim of effectively supporting development processes in Africa through stronger coordination and cooperation. All founding members of SAfA implement their foundation goals in an operational and/or sponsoring capacity, but with different focuses, in accordance with the respective foundation's purpose:
Kühne-Stiftung: education and training, science and research in the fields of transport science and logistics; support for other sciences, humanitarian, charitable and cultural projects.
Rossmann Stiftung: Population policy through the promotion of voluntary family planning and sexual education, education promotion and environmental protection - for a self-determined life in harmony with the environment.
Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung: Development cooperation, nature conservation and environmental protection, youth welfare and education incl. health, improvement of the social situation of people in developing countries, especially producers of tropical agricultural commodities.
SAfA combines governance, resources, and expertise from its partner foundations to create greater impact than any organization could achieve alone. This alliance model fosters efficiency, transparency, and scalability, ensuring that programs are both effective and sustainable.
At its core, SAfA focuses on youth employment through agriculture. By strengthening value chains in coffee and staple crops, promoting climate-smart farming, and linking young farmers to markets, SAfA empowers rural communities. Beyond agriculture, the alliance integrates vocational training in logistics, education opportunities, and youth-friendly health services to address the broader challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With this holistic approach, SAfA creates real opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that young people in Africa can build brighter futures.
The importance of agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of rural economies in both Tanzania and Ethiopia, accounting for a significant share of employment and income. Yet, smallholder farmers often face low productivity, limited market access, and fragmented value chains. Climate change intensifies risks, and infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks further hinder economic progress. SAfA’s integrated approach—combining climate-smart farming, improved value chains, vocational training, and health services—opens new pathways for youth to build resilient livelihoods across both countries.
SAfA in Tanzania – Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture
In Tanzania, SAfA reaches more than 50,000 young people across Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, and Songwe. Together with HRNS Tanzania, DSW Tanzania, and the Kühne Foundation Tanzania, and with financial support from Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), the program addresses youth unemployment, gender inequality, and food insecurity.
Key initiatives in Tanzania:
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Over 200 Youth Farmer Field Schools train young farmers in sustainable farming and agribusiness, helping reduce post-harvest losses.
- Vocational Training & Logistics: 2,000 youth gain certified skills in logistics and supply chain management, supported by university partnerships.
- Health & Equality: 30 health centers upgraded to provide youth-friendly services, plus 150 Youth Clubs promoting sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) and gender equality.
SAfA Tanzania builds sustainable livelihoods in agriculture while strengthening communities and rural economies.
SAfA in Ethiopia – Building Resilient Futures
In Ethiopia, SAfA supports more than 70,000 youth in the regions of Amhara and Oromia. The project is implemented with HRNS Ethiopia, DSW Ethiopia, and the Kühne Foundation Ethiopia, and financed by BMZ.
Key initiatives in Ethiopia:
- Agricultural Innovation: 400 Youth Agricultural Innovation Groups empower young people to engage in climate-smart farming and agribusiness. Coffee and other value chains are strengthened to increase incomes and reduce losses.
- Logistics & Education: Over 1,000 youth trained in logistics and supply chain management; university research partnerships drive innovation in agro-logistics.
- Health & SRHR: 50 health centers upgraded and 150 Youth Clubs established to promote awareness of reproductive health and family planning.
The project has already shown impact: higher self-employment rates, reduced underemployment, improved gender equality, and stronger youth resilience.
Why SAfA matters
By investing in sustainable agriculture, youth skills development, and inclusive health services, SAfA delivers lasting change in Tanzania and Ethiopia. With strong partnerships and the support of BMZ, the alliance strengthens communities, promotes gender equality, and empowers Africa’s youth to thrive.
Join us in shaping a future where young people can build sustainable livelihoods in agriculture and beyond.