"Good governance and democracy are central to Africa's development. Without them it will be hard if not impossible for any African countries to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

And that is why the mission of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation is so important. Thanks to Mo's vision, the Foundation can contribute to the growing movement to build honest and enlightened African leadership. It can encourage the next generation to adopt high standards of public service, and it can produce that unique spark of creativity which ignites when the private and public sectors work together.

I thank Mo and all those engaged for establishing such a generous prize as an incentive. It reflects the unique insight of Mo the African and Mo the businessman and entrepreneur. May your initiative inspire and celebrate the best of African leadership and equip future leaders with the knowledge and experience they will need."