African Leadership Prize to Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba

Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba has been named the recipient of the 2014 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

The Ibrahim Prize recognizes excellence in African Leadership and aims to encourage heads of state to focus on the development challenges of their countries.

Salim Ahmed Salim, the Chair of the Prize Committee, said the following:

“President Pohamba’s focus in forging national cohesion and reconciliation at a key stage of Namibia’s consolidation of democracy and social and economic development impressed the ‎Prize Committee. His ability to command the confidence and the trust of his people is exemplary. During the decade of his Presidential mandate, he demonstrated sound and wise leadership. At the same time, he maintained his humility throughout his Presidency.”

The Ibrahim Prize is a US$5 million award paid over ten years and US$200,000 annually for life thereafter.

CMI’s founder and Chairman of the Board Martti Ahtisaari is a member of the Ibrahim Prize Committee.

Read the full statement at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation website.