Rewarding good African governance

Mo Ibrahim established the prize as a way of encouraging good governance in Africa

Festus Mogae, a former president of Botswana, has won the $5 million Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership on Monday for ensuring stability and prosperity in his country.

His win was announced in London by Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general.
 
Mohammed Ibrahim, a Sudan-born British billionaire, offers $5 million for any African president who leaves office without blemish to his reputation. In practice, this means: An African leader who was democratically elected, did not extend his stay in office and obeyed by his own constitution.
 
While there is consensus on the fact that these leaders are much needed in Africa, there is disagreement on whether the prize offered by Mohammed Ibrahim is the right way to foster good governance in the region.

Many say Mo Ibrahim would be better advised to spend his money on the most urgent needs of the population instead of awarding former heads of state.

But what about the prize itself? Is it an innovative way to encourage African leaders to become less corrupt? Or is the winner awarded a prize simply for not being a criminal?
 
Inside Story, with presenter So Rahman, discusses.

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This episode of Inside Story aired on Monday, October 20, 2008