At the Impact Center for Policy Research, we believe that economic freedom is the cornerstone of innovation, prosperity, and development. Through our new Championing Free Markets Program, we are set to empower Zambia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs by equipping them with a firm understanding of free market economics—knowledge they can leverage to transform their businesses and the national economy.

Why Free Markets?

The concept of a free market isn’t just an abstract economic theory—it’s a practical pathway to creating opportunities. In a free market system, competition thrives, innovation is rewarded, and businesses grow in response to consumer needs. As Adam Smith noted, “The wealth of nations is not the effect of the personal virtue of the people but the result of their self-interest in their respective trades.” This highlights how individuals pursuing their own interests can collectively drive economic prosperity. At its core, this program seeks to demystify these ideas and show how Zambia’s entrepreneurs can apply them to their daily operations, turning challenges into opportunities.

From Learning to Leadership

In the first phase, we aim to educate SMEs and entrepreneurs about the building blocks of free markets: supply and demand, competition, and property rights. But this is not just about theoretical knowledge. We believe that understanding these concepts can help business owners become industry leaders who drive positive change.

Through a series of workshops, mentorships, and seminars, participants will gain practical insights into how free market principles can unlock new avenues for growth. Whether it’s scaling operations or enhancing competitiveness, the goal is to foster leadership that thrives on the freedoms these markets provide.

Building a Collaborative Community

Businesses don’t grow in isolation, and neither do ideas. That’s why this program will go beyond the individual entrepreneur, creating a vibrant network of advocates for economic freedom. We are bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and economic experts who share the vision of a thriving, competitive economy.

By connecting participants to this larger community, we hope to spark collaborative efforts that challenge regulatory barriers and nurture environments where businesses can innovate and grow without unnecessary constraints.

Real-World Application

The Championing Free Markets Program isn’t just about learning—it’s about doing. Participants will be encouraged to immediately apply free market principles in their businesses. Whether it’s reshaping their competitive strategies or streamlining operations, these changes are aimed at real-world impact.

Our hope is that, by adopting these principles, entrepreneurs and SMEs can evolve into key drivers of Zambia’s economic growth.

Advocating for Change

Of course, no program is complete without influencing broader change. As part of the Championing Free Markets Program, we are encouraging participants to engage in public discourse—to use their voices to advocate for policies that promote economic freedom.

We want these entrepreneurs to take the lead in policy debates, pushing for reforms that reduce trade barriers, enhance competition, and strengthen property rights. These changes will not only help their businesses but also lay the groundwork for a more vibrant economy in Zambia.