"From Ideas to Action."
Advancing Freedom, Reform and Human Flourishing in Africa.
Date
31 October 2026
Venue
TBAAbuja, Nigeria
0+
Advocates
One
Movement
Freedom
A Freer Africa
Rethinking Reform, Charting a Freer Africa
The Conference of Freedom Advocates (CFA) is the Liberalist Centre’s flagship annual gathering bringing together people committed to advancing freedom, human rights, open societies and citizen-led reform across Nigeria and Africa.
CFA 2026 brings together 200+ freedom advocates, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, journalists, researchers, policy experts, entrepreneurs, academics, student leaders and development practitioners for a day of ideas, dialogue, networking and action.
Africa does not lack ideas. What it needs is a generation of citizens and institutions willing to turn ideas into action. CFA 2026 is designed to move beyond conversations about what is wrong and focus on what can be done differently — and how we can make it happen.
"This year's conference is built around a simple question..."
What will you advance?
A call to transition from ideas to action across Africa.
ADVANCE
"From Ideas to Action."
Freedom is not sustained by ideas alone. It requires people who are willing to defend it, institutions that are willing to protect it, entrepreneurs who are free to create, journalists who can ask difficult questions, citizens who can participate, and reformers who can turn evidence into meaningful change.
ADVANCE is a call to move from diagnosis to action. At CFA 2026, we will explore how freedom can shape Africa’s next generation of reforms — from economic opportunity and entrepreneurship to media freedom, digital rights, justice, accountable government and citizen participation.
Key Questions to Explore
The conference will ask:
- 1
What does Africa stand to gain from greater freedom?
- 2
How can we make reform work for citizens rather than expand unnecessary state control?
- 3
How will artificial intelligence affect human freedom?
- 4
How can citizens defend civic space and digital rights?
- 5
What does meaningful rule of law look like in practice?
- 6
What can advocates do differently when they return home?
"Most importantly, what will you advance?"
Why CFA 2026?
Africa’s future will be shaped by the choices we make today. CFA 2026 provides a platform to address these critical choices and translate reform ideas into action.
Stronger Rights & Leadership
Across Africa, citizens are demanding better institutions, greater economic opportunity, stronger rights and more accountable leadership.
Addressing the Future of Freedom
Technological change, artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty, shrinking civic space and expanding government powers are creating new questions.
Cross-Sector Action Networks
CFA 2026 creates a space for advocates from different fields to come together, challenge conventional thinking, exchange practical ideas and build relationships.
"This is not simply a conference about freedom. It is a conference about advancing it."
What to Expect at CFA 2026
Inspiring Keynotes
Hear from leading thinkers and practitioners exploring the future of freedom, reform, technology, justice and human flourishing in Africa.
High-Level Conversations
Engage with policymakers, journalists, civil society leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and advocates on some of the most important questions facing Africa.
Practical Breakout Sessions
Go deeper into specific challenges and opportunities around economic freedom, civic space, media freedom, digital rights and citizen engagement.
Networking
Connect with 200+ people working across the freedom, human rights, media, policy, technology and development ecosystems.
New Ideas & Publications
Discover new research, policy ideas and journalism through the launch of Freedom in Africa Report (FinAR 2026) and The Liberalist Africa.
From Ideas to Action
Leave the conference with practical ideas, new relationships and a clearer sense of what you can advance within your own organisation, community or field.
Conference Programme
A Day of Ideas, Dialogue and Action · Saturday, 31 October 2026 (08:30 – 16:30 WAT)
A flagship address exploring the future of liberty in Africa, the changing global landscape, and why freedom remains the foundation for prosperity, innovation and human flourishing.
Who Should Attend?
CFA 2026 is designed for people who are actively interested in shaping the future of freedom, reform and human rights.
Whether you are already working on freedom-related issues or simply want to understand how you can contribute, there is a place for you at the conference.
A Community of People Who Want to Advance Freedom
CFA 2026 will bring together 200+ participants from Nigeria and across Africa, creating opportunities to meet people working at the intersection of:
CFA 2025 Gallery
Capturing the energy, discussions, and advocacy from our previous flagship conference (CFA 2025).
Featured Moments & Highlights
Live Conference Photos
Speakers Lineup
Speaker Announcements Coming Soon
We are finalizing an exceptional lineup of freedom advocates, journalists, and policy experts. Be the first to know when the schedule is finalized.
Or follow our official channels for the announcement.
What You'll Take Away
CFA 2026 is designed to leave you with more than conference notes. You will have the opportunity to:
Learn
Explore new ideas and perspectives on freedom, reform and Africa’s future.
Connect
Build relationships with advocates, researchers, journalists, entrepreneurs and policy professionals.
Challenge
Question assumptions and engage with people who may see the problems — and solutions — differently.
Discover
Access new research, publications and ideas emerging from the African freedom movement.
Act
Identify practical ways to turn the lessons from CFA into action within your organisation, community or field.
Flagship Publications
To be launched live at CFA 2026. Register your email below to receive your digital copies immediately upon launch.
Freedom in Africa Report
FinAR 2026
Freedom in Africa Report (FinAR 2026)
Reforms for Prosperity & Flourishing
The Freedom in Africa Report (FinAR) is the Liberalist Centre's flagship research project tracking economic freedom, individual liberty, and democratic reform across the continent.
The Liberalist Africa
Issue 2
The Liberalist Africa — Issue 2
ADVANCE: From Ideas to Action
The latest issue of our flagship magazine features fresh perspectives on economic opportunity, digital rights, and citizen-led advocacy across Africa.
Partners & Collaborators
"Advancing Freedom Takes a Movement"
CFA 2026 is made possible through collaboration with organisations and individuals committed to advancing freedom, human rights, open societies, innovation and citizen-led reform.
Partnership Opportunities
Become a CFA 2026 Partner
Partner with us to support a growing community of people working to advance freedom across Africa.
For Media — Cover the Conversation
CFA 2026 will bring together leading voices from the freedom, human rights, policy, media, technology and development communities. Media organisations and journalists are invited to cover the conference, interview speakers and participants, and engage with the ideas emerging from the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Join the Movement
Most importantly...
What will you advance?
Seats are limited. Secure your place at Nigeria's premier freedom reform conference, or collaborate with us as a partner to support the movement.