Retired Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba. | image source: thenewage.co.za
Retired Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba has been declared the winner of the 2014 Mo Ibrahim foundation Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.
Pohamba pipped two other retired African heads of states, including former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, to the award which came with a Sh450 million prize money.
The other leader in contention was Mozambique’s former President Armando Guebuzza who left office on January 15, 2015.
Pohamba is set to receive Sh450 million per year for 10 years and Sh18 million annually thereafter for life.
The prize, which was founded in 2006, seeks to recognize and honour exceptional African leaders who have developed their countries and helped to alleviate poverty and promote equality.
Retired heads of states are considered eligible for the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, if he/she is a democratically elected president.
Additionally the former head of state must have left office within the last three years after having served their constitutionally mandated term.
The prize was not awarded in the years 2013, 2012 and 2009 after the committee heading the awarding process failed to agree on a candidate in the listed years.
- The STAR