The Liberalist

Is Zambia heading towards economic prosperity? Last month, Zambia recorded a major milestone in advancing the AfCFTA by gazetting its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions (PSTC). This decision slashes tariffs on over 50 percent of non-sensitive imported goods, bringing the country in line with about 20 others that have already implemented the agreement. Under the AfCFTA, tariff concessions create clear terms for gradual duty reductions, ensuring transparency by defining how and under what conditions goods can be imported. This shift is significant for Zambia: it positions the country to tap into the 109 percent intra-African trade growth projected under the agreement and unlock new economic opportunities through expanded market access. Economic successes in AfCFTA member states like South Africa provide a glimpse into what Zambia stands to gain. Since adopting AfCFTA’s tariff policies last year, South Africa has seen a surge in foreign investment, particularly in its energy sector. Read our latest LoR to understand how Zambia’s tariff reforms under AfCFTA could reshape its economic future.

#Africa bears the brunt of climate change, suffering devastating consequences despite accounting for less than 4% of global emissions. Rising temperatures ravage communities, displacing millions. As COP30 approaches, Africa must confront its reliance on foreign aid and the unsustainability of these solutions. Can Africa afford to wait for climate solutions from within? Watch our new video as we explore this critical question. #TheLiberalist #ClimateAction #AfricaClimateCrisis #Sustainability #COP30

At COP27 in 2022, developing nations won a hard-fought victory: the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund designed to compensate vulnerable countries for climate-induced disasters. Two years later, the fund is operational, but the realities raise a troubling question: will it bring real relief to African nations, or is it yet another mechanism that perpetuates their dependency on external aid? The withdrawal of USAID from key African programs in the past months exposed the dangers of relying on foreign aid. Across the continent, development projects came to an abrupt halt, leaving millions of people vulnerable. The sudden exit taught Africa that when external assistance dries up, the continent is left to fend for itself. As the world prepares for COP30, discussions about Africa’s entitlement to the Loss and Damage Fund are set to resurface. Ahead of the conference, our latest LoR explores the fund’s potential impact. Will it truly help African nations build climate resilience or will it deepen their dependence on foreign aid?

In case you miss it, check out our headline highlights from our articles published over the week. The Institute of Economic Affairs - London (IEA) is backing the 2025 Journalism for Liberty Fellowship, promoting pro-freedom stories and free markets. Freedom House's latest report reveals a decline in global freedom for the 19th consecutive year, with 60 countries experiencing erosion of rights and liberties. Nigerian state governments' decision to close schools during #Ramadan has raised concerns about its impact on students' academic progress, despite being within their constitutional authority. Head to www.theliberalist.org to read the full articles #JournalismForLiberty #GlobalFreedom #FreedomHouse #Ramadan #Nigeria #PressFreedom #RuleOfLaw #Democracy

Though the state governments gave no regards to the presence of non-muslim students’ in the schools, a review of the provisions of the Nigerian constitution shows the state governments acted within their constitutional authority. Despite the legal justification, civil society organisations warn the school closures could negatively impact students’ academic progress. Read full analysis here as written by Shereefdeen Ahmad: https://lnkd.in/dR_4tXbz #NigerianConstitution #NigerianGovernment #Northern #Nigeria #Ramadanfasting #RuleofLaw #Schools ?TheLiberalist

According to the Freedom in the World 2025 report, only eight African nations are classified as “Free”, while 46 fall under “Partly Free” or “Not Free. Perhaps the most troubling development in recent years is the resurgence of military coups, with multiple governments overthrown since 2020. While frustration with corruption and poor governance is understandable, history shows that military rule rarely delivers stability or prosperity. Our latest LoR gives you a picture of what democracy looks like in Africa.

Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible women at the Liberalist Centre and The Liberalist who are driving change, defending freedom and striving to spread the ideas of liberty. Their dedication to advancing human prosperity is inspiring. To all the women breaking barriers, challenging norms, and leading with courage—your voices matter, your work is powerful, and your impact is undeniable. Let’s continue to champion individual freedom and equal opportunity for all. #IWD2025 #WomenOfLiberalist #TheLiberalistCentre

The latest Freedom in the World report reveals an alarming trend: global freedom has declined for the 19th consecutive year, with 60 countries registering losses in political rights and civil liberties. From manipulated elections to violent repression, the data paints a dire picture. But amidst the challenges, citizens continue to stand up and make their voices heard. Full article available via link in our bio and check out these excerpts to know more about the state of democracy in 2024 and further implications in the coming years. Read here too: https://lnkd.in/dsEjm2Bh #democracy #freedom #humanrights

According to the latest Freedom House‘s report on Freedom in the World, global freedom has declined for the 19th consecutive year, with 60 countries experiencing erosion of political rights and civil liberties. This trend isn't limited to authoritarian regimes; even democracies have seen elections marred by violence and suppression. This analysis highlights the growing connection between armed conflict and political repression. However, there are glimmers of hope in countries like Senegal and Bangladesh, where citizens are fighting for democracy. To know more about this disturbing trend and the fight for democracy, consider reading the full article by Abdullah Tijani, our Managing Editor: https://lnkd.in/dsEjm2Bh #Democracy #EconomicFreedom #FreedomintheWorld #FreedomintheWorldReport #HumanRights #RuleofLaw ?TheLiberalist

The Liberalist Centre has secured a grant from the Institute of Economic Affairs - London under the Whetstone Freedom Fund Grant Programme to support the 2025 Journalism for Liberty Fellowship. This funding will enable the organisation to recruit journalists from Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia to produce pro-freedom stories, promoting free markets, limited government, and the rule of law. The application for the 2025 Journalism for Liberty Fellowship was launched in February 2025 and opened until 1 March. Read full report: https://lnkd.in/dYhYtSpf #InstituteofEconomicAffairs #JournalismforLibertyFellowship #LiberalistCentre #Pressfreedom #RuleofLaw ?TheLiberalist