Overview

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Overview

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation invests in governance and leadership to catalyse Africa’s transformation.

By providing tools and advocating for progressive leadership and responsible management, the Foundation works to bring about meaningful change in Africa.

Africa has made considerable progress in recent years. New challenges arise, however, as the continent grapples with the question of translating material wealth into improved quality of life for citizens. The contradictions of growth without sufficient employment or economic gains without matching rights for citizens produce imbalances that can only be resolved through more effective government - visionary leadership and responsible governance.

Overall improvements will occur when governments define an inclusive vision that builds on available human and natural resources, use data to assess results and determine the choices they make, and pursue implementation with vigour and determination.

Leadership is centred on setting priorities or making choices and taking risks.
Progressive leadership

The Foundation focuses on highlighting examples of successful leadership and on providing opportunities and access for potential leaders to enhance leadership in Africa.

Governance is centred on the implementation of policies and the management of risk.
Responsible management ensures

The Foundation focuses on promoting a data-driven and results orientated approach to policy-making and on bringing together diverse stakeholders to improve the quality of governance in Africa.

These aims are achieved through the Foundation’s core programme areas:

The Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG)

Established in 2007, the Ibrahim Index is the most comprehensive collection of quantitative data that provides an annual assessment of governance in every African country. Compiled in partnership with experts from a number of African institutions, the Ibrahim Index provides a framework for citizens, public authorities and partners to assess the effective delivery of public goods and services. The Index provides a tool for current and future leadership and for all stakeholders to robustly assess policy outcomes.

The Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership

Established in 2007, the Ibrahim Prize celebrates excellence in African leadership. It is awarded to a former Executive Head of State or Government by an independent Prize Committee composed of eminent figures, including two Nobel Laureates. Previous laureates, awarded for transformation of their countries and citizens’ lives during their tenure, are President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique (2007), President Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008), President Pedro Pires of Cape Verde (2011) and President Nelson Mandela (Honorary). The Laureates provide role models for the continent. The Ibrahim Prize enables them to use their skills and experience at the continental level once they have left national office. The Prize Committee may choose not to award the Prize, as was the case in 2009 and 2010 & 2012.

The Ibrahim Forum

Established in 2009, the Ibrahim Forum is an annual high-level discussion forum on major African issues, facilitated by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The Forum brings together a diverse range of stakeholders and identifies priorities for action. Existing data and research on Forum issues are compiled by the Foundation as the basis for informed and constructive debate, and as a means to identify the gaps and advocate for improved information. Discussion is focused on the achievement of meaningful results on a particular issue and is made up of bold and thought-provoking commentary on current challenges.

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Programme

Established in 2010, the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships form a selective programme designed to identify and prepare outstanding African leaders by providing them with mentoring opportunities in key multilateral institutions. Ibrahim Leadership Fellows are hosted at the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the World Trade Organization. The Fellowships develop the skills of successful young Africans and provide opportunities for candidates from a range of sectors to gain first-hand experience of multilateral institutions.

The Ibrahim Scholarship Programmes

Established in 2007, and evolving to accommodate shifting African dynamics, the Ibrahim Scholarships are a range of programmes to support aspiring African leaders at a number of distinguished academic institutions. The scholarships are designed to develop the talent of outstanding young Africans in selected disciplines.