Across Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania, local think tanks are driving the fight for liberty and improving economic opportunities for millions of people.
Atlas Network, the nonprofit that collaborates with over 500 independent think tanks across more than 100 countries, has revealed the three finalists for the prestigious 2025 Africa Liberty Award. This award celebrates significant policy achievements that advance individual rights and economic freedom throughout the African continent. This year’s finalists are the Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE) from Ghana, Liberty Sparks from Tanzania, and the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR).
The winner of the 2025 Africa Liberty Award will be unveiled at the Africa Liberty Forum, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 31st to August 1st. This event is a collaboration between Atlas Network and Students For Liberty. Additional details can be found on the official event page.
Here are the finalists for the 2025 Africa Liberty Award:
Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE) – Ghana
In Ghana, ACEYE has been a powerful advocate for addressing the government barriers that hinder entrepreneurship and economic growth. The organization annually publishes the “Regional Entrepreneurship Freedom Index,” a comprehensive study that ranks the country’s 16 regions on essential entrepreneurial indicators such as “Trade Freedom” and “Property Rights.” ACEYE also offers specific recommendations for policy reform aimed at improving the country’s entrepreneurial environment. By engaging more than 250 stakeholders, including government officials and international bodies, ACEYE has fostered constructive dialogue with policymakers and pushed for reforms to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ACEYE has used various platforms—such as hosting Regional Entrepreneurship Policy Dialogues and engaging with global embassies—to put pressure on the government for policy changes that benefit entrepreneurs, particularly in areas like property rights and business regulations.
South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR) – South Africa
In South Africa, where unemployment affects a third of the workforce and half the population lives in poverty, the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has launched its “Champions for Growth Project.” This initiative aims to boost economic growth and reduce unemployment by advocating for free-market reforms. Through a series of eight policy papers, the IRR outlines solutions to counter the government’s collectivist approach and champions a free-market agenda.
In addition to working within policy circles, the IRR has effectively used digital media, including launching its own platform, the Daily Friend, to spread its ideas to a broader audience. Their efforts have had a profound impact on public discourse, with South Africa’s ruling coalition adopting economic growth as a priority, and ministers now endorsing the IRR’s free-market proposals.
Liberty Sparks – Tanzania
In Tanzania, Liberty Sparks’ “Ardhi Yangu, Maisha Yangu” (translated as “My Land, My Life”) project focuses on securing land rights for women. The initiative addresses the numerous challenges women face within the country’s land governance system, including lack of access to legal representation and cultural resistance to women owning property. Through research, outreach, and legal aid, Liberty Sparks has made significant strides in empowering women to assert their land rights.
By holding workshops and organizing a major conference with government, religious, and business leaders, Liberty Sparks has facilitated greater awareness of the issue and successfully trained 60 paralegals who have helped resolve 227 land disputes. Additionally, the initiative has led to the establishment of land clinics in 22 regions, providing support to nearly 36,000 citizens and promoting greater land access and economic empowerment for women.
About the Africa Liberty Award and the Templeton Freedom Award Program
The Africa Liberty Award is part of the Templeton Freedom Award program, which is funded by the Templeton Religion Trust and named after the renowned investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton. The program recognizes outstanding efforts in promoting economic freedom and human progress. In addition to Africa, the award has regional categories for Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East and North Africa.
The grand prize of the Templeton Freedom Award will be announced during Atlas Network’s Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner in New York City. This year, the program will award a total of $270,000 in grants to organizations making significant contributions to advancing economic freedom.
“In some of the world’s poorest regions, the freedom movement in Africa is offering hope for the future, and the impact of this work is especially evident in Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania,” said Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network. “These organizations are not only reshaping policy advocacy but are actively engaging with local communities to ensure that their voices are heard. Through their ongoing efforts, these think tanks are creating real change by working with governments to implement vital reforms. Their tireless work is paving the way for greater freedom and prosperity, demonstrating that free-market principles can transform economies and lift millions out of poverty.”