Atlas Network Announces Finalists for 2025 Africa Liberty Award
Atlas Network has named three outstanding think tanks from Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania as finalists for the 2025 Africa Liberty Award, recognizing their exceptional efforts in advancing economic freedom, individual rights, and policy reform across the continent.
The finalists for the 2025 Africa Liberty Award are three dynamic think tanks driving meaningful change across the continent. From Ghana, the Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE) is being recognized for its work in breaking down policy barriers to entrepreneurship through research, stakeholder engagement, and its influential Regional Entrepreneurship Freedom Index.
In South Africa, the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has made significant strides with its Champions for Growth initiative, which promotes free-market solutions to tackle poverty and unemployment, while shaping national policy dialogue.
Representing Tanzania, Liberty Sparks is empowering women through its Ardhi Yangu, Maisha Yangu project, focusing on land rights, legal support, and grassroots advocacy that has reached tens of thousands in underserved regions.
The winner will be announced at the Africa Liberty Forum, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 31 to August 1, in partnership with Students For Liberty.
In Ghana, ACEYE continues to challenge regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship through its Regional Entrepreneurship Freedom Index, which ranks the 16 regions based on trade freedom, property rights, and business environment. With policy dialogues, embassies’ support, and more than 250 stakeholders engaged, ACEYE is a leading voice in pushing for reforms that create space for innovation and economic inclusion.
The IRR has launched its Champions for Growth project to combat rising poverty and unemployment. Through eight strategic policy papers and its media platform, Daily Friend, the IRR has effectively influenced public discourse and policymaking. Notably, South Africa’s ruling coalition has since shifted priorities, embracing economic growth and free-market reforms advocated by the think tank.
In Tanzania, Liberty Sparks is transforming women’s access to land through its Ardhi Yangu, Maisha Yangu initiative. The project has led to the resolution of 227 land disputes, the training of 60 paralegals, and the establishment of land clinics in 22 regions, reaching over 36,000 people. The initiative challenges systemic and cultural barriers to women’s property rights through grassroots action and policy engagement.
The Africa Liberty Award is part of the Templeton Freedom Award program, funded by the Templeton Religion Trust, and celebrates impactful policy work across six global regions. In total, the program will grant $270,000 to organizations that demonstrate success in promoting free-market solutions and human progress.
“In some of the world’s poorest regions, the freedom movement in Africa is offering hope for the future,” said Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network. “These organizations are not only reshaping policy advocacy but are actively engaging with local communities to ensure their voices are heard. Their work is paving the way for greater freedom and prosperity.”
The overall Templeton Freedom Award winner will be announced at the Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner in New York City later this year.
