Foundation for Rural Economic Emancipation (FREE)
20+
Collaborative Years
Empowering Africa’s rural and township communities through sustainable development, skills, and innovation. Together, we are building a future where villages, townships, and small towns thrive with opportunities, dignity, and freedom.
Skills Development
Our programmes are designed not only to prepare people for jobs but also to empower them to create businesses, cooperatives, and innovative solutions that drive local economies.
Transportation
Reliable mobility systems reduce isolation, open pathways to education and healthcare, and create new economic opportunities.
Infrastructure
By improving roads, expanding access to reliable energy, and promoting affordable, sustainable housing, we create the foundation for thriving local economies.
driving the Global Peoples Partnership Initiative
For the economic emancipation of African people living in villages, townships, and small dorpies.
We connect resources, knowledge, and communities to unlock opportunities and create lasting impact.
our other areas of focus
Advancing Africa’s
Development Potential
Mining
Ensuring responsible and community-benefiting resource management.
Technology
Bringing innovation and digital solutions to underserved areas.
Tourism
Unlocking cultural and natural heritage for economic benefit.Our Principles
Our Compass for
Lasting Change
Our work is grounded in values that place people and communities at the center of change. Guided by justice, ethics, solidarity, and freedom, these principles shape every decision we make and ensure that our efforts remain accountable, inclusive, and sustainable.
driving the Global Peoples Partnership Initiative
FREE drives progress across key sectors to spark growth in rural and township communities.
Agriculture
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho
Promoting food security and sustainable farming practices.
Tourism
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho
Unlocking cultural and natural heritage for economic benefit.
Culture
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho
Preserving and uplifting African identity and heritage.
Hospitality
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho
Supporting local enterprises to create welcoming, vibrant communities.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho
Bridging the digital divide through inclusive connectivity.
driving the Global Peoples Partnership Initiative
Transforming Communities into Hubs of Opportunity
FREE invests in the areas that matter most — from skills and infrastructure to technology and culture — ensuring that rural and township communities are not left behind. By unlocking resources and potential, we create spaces where people can thrive, businesses can grow, and futures can be built on dignity and opportunity.
19+
water-insecure African countries
62%
African Population is Offline
70mil
African Youth is Unemployed
353mil
dont have water drinking services
driving the Global Peoples
Partnership Initiative
Get in Touch with
FREE
Have a question, want to partner with
us, or share an idea? We’d love to hear
from you. Fill out the form below
and our team will connect with you as
soon as possible. Together, we can
build opportunities for Africa’s rural and township communities.
