$5m on offer for good governance


Johannesburg - One former leader of a sub-Saharan African country stands to win $5 million (R38.4 million) for good governance during their tenure, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation announced on Thursday.

In addition to the $5 million spread over 10 years, the winner will also receive $200 000 (R1.5 million) per annum for life, and another R1.5 million per year for 10 years to support activities after leaving office.

Criteria for award the prize would include the levels of sustainable economic development, health and education, empowerment of civil society, democracy and human rights as well as rule of law and security, a statement from the foundation read.

"Through the creation of this unique prize, the foundation hopes to raise awareness of the importance of good governance to development, and heighten discussion... about the criteria by which governments should be assessed."

The foundation is the vision of Dr Mo Ibrahim, founder of African cellphone company Celtel.

A new index that ranked sub-Saharan African countries according to the attainment of good governance would inform the selection of winners.

The Ibrahim Index on Governance in Africa had been in prototype form for the past five years but was being made fully comprehensive and would soon be published on an annual basis.

The prize would be officially launched next Tuesday, October 31. - Sapa

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