In a significant stride toward fortifying the intellectual foundations of freedom in West Africa, Eric Coffie, President of the Institute for Liberty and Economic Education (ILEE), has returned from Abuja, Nigeria, following his selection for the prestigious TorchBearers of Liberty training program.
Mr. Coffie was among a select cohort of 30 exceptional leaders chosen from across the continent to participate in the intensive leadership summit hosted by Alumni for Liberty (AFL). Held from October 20th to October 24th, 2026, at the historic Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, the program served as a high-level laboratory for democratic advocacy and economic reform.
The summit convened a diverse array of civil society protagonists from over six nations, including Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, and Nigeria. The primary objective of the TorchBearers initiative is to equip African changemakers with the sophisticated toolsets required to champion democratic governance and drive market-oriented policy shifts within their respective jurisdictions.
The presence of Eric Coffie underscores ILEE’s growing influence as a policy think tank dedicated to the principles of limited government, individual rights, and free-market solutions.
The training was designed to address the unique pressures faced by liberal reformers in developing democracies. Key modules included:
- Civic Leadership in Insecure Environments: Navigating advocacy in volatile political climates.
- Candidate Marketing & Crowdfunding: Modernizing the mechanics of political and civic engagement.
- Protecting Against State Persecution: Legal and digital safeguards for human rights defenders.
- Theory of Change & Movement Building: Crafting long-term strategic roadmaps for institutional reform.
- Mental Health & Civic Resilience: Addressing the psychological toll of high-stakes leadership.
Participants were mentored by a distinguished roster of international experts and policy veterans, including:
Dr. Fola Aina: Renowned political scientist and international security analyst
Kofi Bentil: Vice President of IMANI Africa and a leading voice in Ghanaian policy reform
Olumayowa Okediran: Strategic leader from Students For Liberty
Marcin Branowski: Director of Alumni for Liberty
Hanifa Adan: Acclaimed Kenyan journalist and human rights defender, Debbie Mangut: Expert in brand and strategic communications.
“The TorchBearers program is not merely a training session; it is a catalyst for a freer Africa,” remarked a spokesperson for the AFL. “By empowering leaders like Eric Coffie, we are ensuring that the flame of liberty is carried by those with the competence and courage to effect real change.”
As the Institute for Liberty and Economic Education continues to expand its footprint in Ghana, the insights gained from the Abuja summit will be integrated into ILEE’s upcoming policy initiatives and educational workshops. Mr. Coffie’s participation marks a renewed commitment to fostering a society where economic opportunity and individual rights are the bedrocks of national prosperity.
The editorial team at the Institute for Liberty & Economic Education (ILEE) is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to promoting individual liberty, free markets, and private property. With expertise in public policy research and analysis, our team crafts insightful editorials that advance the principles of economic freedom and limited government, informing and engaging readers on critical issues affecting society.
