>
Outgoing Namibian President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, has won the Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership which had gone unclaimed for five years. The $5milion award, which is annnual award to an elected leader who governed well, raised living standards and then left office, is the world’s most valuable individual award.
It was instituted by Mo Ibrahim, a British-Sudanese mobile communications entrepreneur and philanthropist who made billions from investing in Africa. His aim was to encourage African leaders to leave power peacefully.
Pohamba, a former rebel who fought for his country’s independence, has served two terms as Namibian president. He was first elected in 2004, and again in 2009. He is due to be succeeded by President-elect, Hage Geingob.
The $5m prize is spread over 10 years and is followed by $200,000 a year for life.