About Us
The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) is a community of advocates working towards responsible and equitable United States (US) relations with Africa. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, we address systemic injustices perpetuating poverty in Africa. Our advocacy is an extension of missionary witness in the difficult yet important arena of US political decisions that affect African people.
Programs
US-Africa Relations
Since 1983, AFJN’s US-Africa Relations advocacy has worked to foster partnerships grounded in human dignity, sovereignty, and the common good. By bridging the gap between US policy spaces and the lived realities of African communities, the organization advocates for economic justice, food security, and transparent governance. This transnational effort centers African voices, combining strategic policy engagement with a commitment to building local advocacy capacity across the continent. Ultimately, AFJN seeks to ensure that US-Africa relations evolve into a collaborative model of mutual responsibility, empowering African leaders and civil society to drive sustainable development and systemic change from within.
Just Governance
The Just Governance Project is AFJN’s flagship initiative to advance accountable leadership, ethical public institutions, and inclusive, community-driven governance across Africa. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and guided by a deep commitment to human dignity and human rights, the project addresses systemic challenges—such as corruption, exclusion, weak accountability systems, and barriers to justice—that undermine development and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Through partnerships with faith leaders, civil society organizations, and grassroots networks, AFJN works to strengthen advocacy capacity, promote transparency, and ensure that governance structures serve the common good.
Women Empowement
The African Women Empowerment Project (AWEP) serves as the cornerstone of AFJN’s Just Governance Project, driven by the conviction that equitable societies cannot exist while women’s voices are sidelined. By empowering Catholic Sisters—who possess decades of trusted community presence—to move beyond direct service and into the realm of systemic advocacy, AFJN addresses the root causes of inequality and injustice. Through a combination of advocacy training, mentorship, and economic initiatives, the project equips these leaders to influence public policy and challenge the socio-cultural norms that perpetuate exclusion. This transformative approach ensures that governance becomes more accountable and inclusive, allowing women, youth, and marginalized groups to take their rightful place in shaping a future of dignity and hope.
News
Press Release: AFJN Endorses the International Women’s Day Statement on Women and AI
Today, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) was one of over 100 civil society organizations that endorsed the “International Women’s Day 2025: Statement Prepared by Soroptimist International and the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)” that highlights the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) to women and girls.
Event: Navigating the Future of US-Africa Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in a Shifting Landscape
The recent shift in US policies towards Africa has raised concerns about the future of US-Africa relations, leaving vital programs uncertain. Despite this challenge, some experts see this ‘America First’ shift as an opportunity for African nations to accelerate economic self-sufficiency by transitioning beyond aid as evidenced in the Sahel and other regions of Africa.
In the News: AFJN’s IVC Volunteer Kelly Maltagliati Featured in IVC Capital Corps Connector
On March 4, 2025, Ms. Kelly Maltagliati, the Africa Faith and Justice Network’s (AFJN) Office Manager and Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) was featured in Christopher Kelly’s article “IVC Member Profile Kelly Maltagliati: Providing Office Support to Africa Faith & Justice Network” in the March edition of the IVC Capital Corps Connector.
Events
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Jubilee Year of Hope
The Africa Faith and Justice Network joined Caritas Internationalis for the Jubilee 2025 ‘Turn Debt into Hope’ campaign. Inspired by Pope Francis’ message of solidarity, this global call advocates for debt justice and transformative financial reforms to bring renewed hope to communities burdened by unsustainable debt.
Get Involved
Take Action
As an organization which strives to bring social justice to U.S.-Africa relations, we rely on people like you to take action to help transform policies made by Congress and the U.S. administration.
Become a Member
Africa Faith and Justice Network derives its strength from those who so generously support our mission to transform U.S. policies toward Africa. Your voice added to ours makes us stronger.
Intern with AFJN
Visit our Internship page to meet our past and present interns, apply for an internship, and find answers to frequently asked questions about an internship with AFJN.
