No winner for 2013 Mo Ibrahim Prize

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s independent Prize Committee has decided not to award this year’s 2013 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

The Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership is the largest prize in the world, worth an annual US$5 million over 10 years and US$200,000 annually for life thereafter.

To win the Prize, Laureates must fulfill the following criteria: be a democratically elected former African Head of State or Government who has left office in the previous three years; have served her/his constitutionally mandated term; and have demonstrated excellence in office, helping to lift people out of poverty and paving the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity.

The Prize was established in 2007 by Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, to celebrate excellence in African leadership and to provide Laureates with the opportunity to pursue their commitment to the African continent once they have stepped down from office.

It is judged by an independent Prize Committee composed of seven eminent figures, including two Nobel Laureates.

Previous winners of the Ibrahim Prize include: President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique (2007), President Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008), President Pedro Pires of Cape Verde (2011) and President Nelson Mandela of South Africa (Honorary).

Salim Ahmed Salim, Former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity, Former Prime Minister of Tanzania and Chair of the Prize Committee, said:

“This Prize honours Former Heads of State or Government, who, during their mandate, have demonstrated excellence in leading their country, and by doing so, serve as role models for the next generation.”

“After careful consideration, the Prize Committee has determined not to award the 2013 Prize for Excellence in Leadership.”