Namibian president, Hifikepunye Pohamba awarded $5million for good governance

onnaedo

March 3, 2015 2:04 PM

Namibian president Hifikepunye Pohamba leaves office in grand style as he nabs this year's Mo Ibrahim Foundation African leadership award

79-year old Hifikepunye Pohamba, Namibia's outgoing president has won the $5m Mo Ibrahim Foundation African leadership prize for his exemplary leadership in Namibia.

The foundation made the announcement to a gathering of journalists and members of the Advisory board of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation on Monday in Nairobi.

Pohamba is a former rebel leader and a key figure in Namibia’s independence struggle who served two terms as president, elected in 2004 and again in 2009. Come March 21st, he hands over to President-elect, Hage Geingo.

The Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership comes with a $5 million cash award which will be given to Pohamba over a 10-year period. He will also get an annual $200,000 stipend after the end of the first payout over the 10 years until he passes away.

The Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership is awarded annually to a democratically elected former Executive Head of State or Government who has developed their country, reduced poverty levels and paved the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity.

The award was founded by Sudanese-British telecoms billionaire Mo Ibrahim.

onnaedo