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 Statement on Owo town, Nigeria Church Massacre
Washington, DC – On June 5, 2022, Pentecost Sunday, gunmen armed with explosives opened fire in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo town killing at least 50 people and wounding many more. Ondo State is largely known as one of the more peaceful states in Nigeria. In response to the massacre, the Catholic Diocese of Ondo’s Directorate of Social Communications issued a press release calling for “peace and normalcy to return.”
AFJN Video Reflections on Africa Liberation Day 2022
AFJN Executive Director, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers provides a video reflection on Africa Liberation Day 2022
Webinar – Africa Liberation Week: The Impact of COVID-19 on African Countries
You are invited to “Africa Liberation Week: The Impact of COVID-19 on African Countries” on May 26, 2022 at 12 pm EDT (US and Canada). This event will feature AFJN’s Executive Director, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers and is hosted by Africans Rising for Justice, Peace & Dignity. Other speakers include: Professor Ruth Oniang’o, Rural Outreach Africa, Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Senior Science Advisor to the Africa CDC Director and Research (invited), and Seraphine Manirambona, Africa Union Mission in Washington, DC (invited).
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.
