Economic Fundamentals Initiative

09/01/2026

Happy Independence Day, Uzbekistan!

Today marks 35 years of Uzbekistan’s independence — a day to celebrate the country, its people and its future.

Uzbekistan is part of a growing community of young people, teachers and partners across Central Asia engaging with economic education, exchanging ideas and creating new opportunities for the next generation.

We’re delighted to celebrate with our friends and colleagues across Uzbekistan today and wish everyone a very happy Independence Day! 💙🤍💚

08/31/2026

Celebrating Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day!

Today, we send our warmest wishes to our friends, partners, educators and young people across Kyrgyzstan.

EFI is proud to be part of a growing community across Central Asia where students and teachers are coming together through economic education — sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and opening up new opportunities for the future.

We wish everyone celebrating in Kyrgyzstan a very happy Independence Day! 🇰🇬

08/25/2026

What does economic freedom really mean, and why does it matter?

Economic freedom is more than just personal wealth. It reflects the ability of individuals to make economic choices, start businesses, trade, innovate, and participate in an economy with fewer unnecessary barriers.

In this Learning Center video, explore how economic freedom shapes opportunities for entrepreneurs, communities, and countries—and why it's different from financial freedom.

🎥 Watch now: https://content.econfun.org/en/video?id=what-does-economic-freedom-really-mean

08/24/2026

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine! 💙💛

Today, we celebrate the courage, resilience and hope of the Ukrainian people — and look towards a future of peace, freedom and opportunity.

EFI is proud to work alongside our partners Bendukidze Free Market Center, teachers and students in Ukraine, supporting education and helping equip a new generation with the knowledge and skills to shape their country’s future.

To all our friends and colleagues in Ukraine: З Днем Незалежності, Україно!

08/20/2026

🏆 What a week for Team EFI!

At the 2026 International Final Round of the Economics Olympiad in Ancient Olympia, Greece, 55 students from 12 EFI partner countries competed alongside talented young people from around the world.

We’re incredibly proud of every one of them – and especially delighted to celebrate Batyrkhan Mukhtarkhan of Kazakhstan, who took 1st place overall from 147 international finalists! 🌍🥇

Across EFI countries, students brought home six medals – 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze – across five countries.

But this week was about much more than medals. Reaching the International Final Round represents months of learning, preparation and commitment – and an opportunity to learn, compete and build friendships across borders.

👏 Congratulations to all 55 EFI-supported students, and thank you to the teachers, trainers, partners and supporters who helped them get there.

We couldn't be prouder.

08/19/2026

08/11/2026

Who creates jobs—and what actually drives economic growth?

In this Learning Center video, economist Steve Horwitz explores the difference between creating jobs and creating wealth. While jobs are important, lasting prosperity comes from innovation, entrepreneurship, and markets that allow people to create value.

This video encourages us to think beyond simple headlines and ask what policies help people build productive, meaningful opportunities over the long term.

🎥 Watch now: https://content.econfun.org/en/video?id=prof-steve-horwitz-does-government-create-jobs

08/07/2026

Good luck, Team EFI! 🌍

Next week, students from across our partner countries will travel to Greece to compete in the International Final Round of the Economics Olympiad after months of hard work, dedication and achievement.

Each of these students has earned their place by progressing through national Economics Olympiad supported by EFI and our incredible local partners.

To every student, teacher, coach and organiser—thank you for your commitment and passion. We couldn't be prouder of everything you've achieved.

We wish all of our national teams the very best in Greece.

08/06/2026

All the way from Kazakhstan to Yale! 🎉

After first discovering economics through self-study, Nurganym continued building her knowledge through the International Baccalaureate Economics curriculum and later prepared for the International Final Round of the Economics Olympiad with support from EFI's professors and educational resources. She went on to earn a silver medal at the competition, deepening her understanding of economics and forming valuable friendships with fellow students along the way.

Now, as she prepares to begin her university studies at Yale, she's encouraging the next generation of young girls to pursue economics with confidence as well.

In our latest blog, Nurganym reflects on her Economics Olympiad journey, her future goals in economics and public policy, the mentors who inspired her, and her advice for students considering the field.

📖 Read the full interview on our website!
https://www.econfun.org/from-the-economics-olympiad-to-yale-nurganyms-story/