The Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE) has achieved a remarkable feat, ranking among the global top three in the Atlas Network's Smart Bets competition.

As the only African organisation to make it on the list, ACEYE's nomination is a demonstration of its commitment to advancing freedom, entrepreneurship and empowerment in the Sub-Saharan region. 

The Smart Bets competition, held annually by the Atlas Network, selects 10 high-achieving pro-liberty organisations from around the world, providing them with specialised support to achieve their goals and advance freedom globally.

ACEYE's co-founder, Emmanuel Acquah, represented the organisation in the United States, presenting the 2024 REF Index report, a groundbreaking initiative that assesses and evaluates Ghana's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The report provides comprehensive data for policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, informing evidence-based decision-making, interventions and reforms.

The REF Index report has also had a significant impact, guiding investment decisions and interventions by donors, investors, and financial institutions, among other achievements. 

The 2024 edition of the report saw the Savannah Region displacing the Eastern Region as the topmost region with entrepreneurial freedom. Per the maiden edition of 2023, the Eastern Region came up tops. The change highlights the dynamic nature of Ghana's entrepreneurial landscape. 

According to Mr Acquah, Atlas Network's Smart Bets recognition is an encouragement to raise the bar for ACEYE's REF Index, and for other projects.  

"This achievement is a powerful motivator for us to elevate our work and make an even greater impact on the lives of young people and entrepreneurs in Ghana. ACEYE remains committed to updating and expanding the report, ensuring its continued relevance and impact," he said.