The Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership is awarded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to African heads of state who deliver security, health, education and economic development to their constituents, and who democratically transfer power to their successor. It was sponsored by Mo Ibrahim, a businessman born in Sudan. 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.[1]
The Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership was awarded in 2007 and 2008. Former South African president Nelson Mandela is an honorary laureate.
On June 13, 2010, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation announced its decision not to award that year's Ibrahim Prize.[2].
| Year | Laureate(s) | Country | Left office Year |
Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Joaquim Chissano[3] | Mozambique | 2005 | for "his role in leading Mozambique from conflict to peace and democracy." |
| 2008 | Festus Mogae[4] | Botswana | 2008 | “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." |
| 2009 | No award[5] | |||
| 2010 | ||||
| 2011 | Pedro Pires[6] | Cape Verde | 2011 |