Mo Ibrahim Foundation - The Ibrahim Prize For Achievement in African Leadership

The Ibrahim Prize For Achievement in African Leadership

In 2006, the Foundation launched the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. The Prize is awarded to democratically elected former African Heads of State who have delivered security, health, education, rights, rule of law and economic development to their constituents and who have democratically transferred power to their successors in the last three years. According to Ibrahim, "Good governance is crucial."

With a $5 million initial payment, plus $200,000 a year for life, the Prize is believed to be the world's largest, exceeding the $1.3m Nobel Peace Prize. Former South African President Nelson Mandela, former United States President Bill Clinton, and former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan are among those who have welcomed the initiative.

The winner of the Prize is chosen by an independent Prize Committee. The Committee is chaired by Salim Ahmed Salim, who took over from former chair Kofi Annan in 2011. Other members of the Committee are Festus Mogae, Martti Ahtisaari, Mohamed ElBaradei, Mary Robinson, Aïcha Bah Diallo and Graça Machel.

• In 2007 the inaugural Prize was awarded to former president Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, for "his role in leading Mozambique from conflict to peace and democracy." Nelson Mandela was also made an Honorary Laureate in recognition of his extraordinary leadership qualities and achievements.
• In 2008 Festus Mogae, former leader of Botswana, won the Ibrahim Prize. Kofi Annan stated: "President Mogae's outstanding leadership has ensured Botswana's continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/AIDS pandemic, which threatened the future of his country and people." Both awards ceremonies were held in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.
• In 2009 the Prize Committee did not select a winner. The controversial decision came following the consideration of "credible candidates" and was interpreted by many as a laudable act in establishing a standard of credibility for the Prize.
• In 2010 the Prize Committee decided not to award the prize.
• In 2011 the Prize was awarded to Pedro Pires, former president of Cape Verde. Salim Ahmed Salim, Chair of the Prize Committee, presented President Pires with the award at a prize ceremony in Tunis, Tunisia. On the evening before the ceremony the Foundation organised a music concert with the theme ‘Africa Celebrates Democracy’ to mark the events in Tunisia that inspired the Arab Spring. Artists including Youssou N’Dour, Angélique Kidjo, Bendir Man and Lotfi Abdelli performed and all the proceeds were given to the Tunisian Red Crescent.