Former Botswana President Festus Mogae was awarded the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African leadership, which is also the world’s largest individual award with a price tag of $5 million (the Nobel prize is $1.4 million). This prize is awarded annually to a former African executive Head of State or Government who has demonstrated excellence in African leadership. All this to promote good governance, one of the main factors lacking in Africa!
Key facts about Mogae’s leadership:
- Mogae served two terms in office, nearly 10 years, before handing over to Seretse Khama Ian Khama in a peaceful transition in April 2008. Before that he was vice president for six years.
- He studied economics in Britain, before becoming a civil servant in Botswana. He has held roles at the International Monetary Fund and Bank of Botswana.
- Botswana's GDP per capita is the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and the country is ranked the continent's least corrupt by Transparency International.
Mo Ibrahim is a Sudanese-born telecommunication tycoon who is the founder of Celtel International, one of Africa’s most successful private companies. He believes that good governance requires an environment conducive to peace, security, and development, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.
