Windhoek: The Asoli party, led by Joseph Kauandenge, has officially joined the continental body, the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP).

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kauandenge announced on Monday that his party was accepted into the alliance, which unifies liberal, democratic, and reform-orientated political movements across Africa. Kauandenge expressed that the Asoli Progressive Party is pleased to become the first Namibian political party to join the ADAFP. He highlighted the alliance's role in addressing a critical continental need for democratic, reform-orientated political forces across Africa.

The strategic admission incorporates Asoli into a growing network of reform-orientated political movements across the continent. Founded in February 2026 in Casablanca, Morocco, the ADAFP comprises 48 member organisations from 25 African countries and aims to promote democratic governance, the rule of law, and inclusive economic development. The alliance is chaired by inaugural president Dr. Mmusi Maimane from South Africa's Build One South Africa (BOSA).

The coalition follows a 'third way' political philosophy that seeks to balance individual liberty and innovation with progressive social objectives. Maimane's leadership team includes first deputy president Mouhamadou Faye from Senegal, second deputy president Nabil Adel from Morocco, secretary-general Eddie Jarwolo from Liberia, deputy secretary-general Adil Abdel Aati from Sudan, and acting treasurer Kader Makanera from Guinea.

Kauandenge stated that Asoli will engage in upcoming continental conferences to learn from established political parties and enhance its organisational capacity domestically. He expressed delight in joining an alliance with experienced politicians across the continent and emphasized the opportunity for Asoli to learn from best practices to improve their organisational machinery back home.

This development signifies a crucial change for Asoli, founded in May 2025 as the Association for Localised Interests after Kauandenge left the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), where he served as their secretary general. Initially focused on addressing municipal governance issues in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Otjiwarongo, the movement has broadened its scope to operate nationally as a political party.