Mo Foundation set to launch 2011 index of African Governance

Mo Foundation set to launch 2011 index of African Governance
Abdul Semiu Babalola

The London-based Mo Ibrahim Foundation has announced that it would launch the fifth Index of African Governance and this year’s Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership at a press conference on Monday October 10, 2011.

According to a statement by the foundation, “the press conference will also be linked live via satellite to locations in Dakar, Johannesburg, and Nairobi. Journalists in these cities will be able to participate in the press conference in real time’’.

The foundation’s strengths   

The event also marks the fifth anniversary of the Foundation established in 2007, with the most comprehensive collection of qualitative and quantitative data that provides an annual assessment of governance performance in every African country.

On the other hand, the Ibrahim Prize is the largest individual award in the world – worth five million dollars over ten years and 200,000 dollars a year for life.

The prize, conferred by an independent Prize Committee made up of global figures, is awarded to a former executive head of state or government for demonstrating excellence and exceptional leadership.

Previous winners

The previous winners of the Ibrahim Prize are the former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae in 2008, the former President of Mozambiqu, Joaquim Chissano, in 2007 and Nelson Mandela, who was made an Honorary Laureate in recognition of his extraordinary leadership qualities and achievements.

In 2009 and 2010, the Ibrahim Prize was not awarded by the Prize Committee, because none of the nominees met the criteria.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was launched in October 2006 by the Sudanese born telecommunications billionaire, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, to support good governance and great leadership in Africa.

It was founded and is chaired by Mo Ibrahim.

PR/Babs/Williams