occasion of the launch of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation
31 October 2006
It is truly an honour to extend warm words of support to Dr Mo Ibrahim and
his winning team for the historic and groundbreaking launch of the Ibrahim
Foundation whose aim is to honour excellence in leadership and to promote good
governance on the African continent.
At this early stage of its life, we can say with full confidence and
enthusiasm that the foundation has the potential positively to contribute to
Africa's renewal and development. We take pride in the fact that such an
initiative signifies an African programme for Africans established, funded and
led by Africans themselves; of course, with the involvement of other world
leaders.
Taking a cue from the high premium placed on the improvement of the lives of
the poorest of the poor in Africa by Celtel International, which Dr Mo Ibrahim
leads, we firmly believe the foundation will work tirelessly to roll back the
debilitating effects of poverty, underdevelopment and corruption as well as the
age-old exclusion and marginalisation of the African people.
Equally, we welcome the announcement by the Foundation of the establishment
of an annual prize for achievement in African leadership, open to sub-Saharan
African Executive Heads of State and government, in support of excellent
governance.
By recognising exemplary African leadership as well as progress in key areas
of governance, including sustainable economic development, human development,
transparency, democracy and human rights, the rule of law and security, the
Foundation, through its annual prize, will provide a platform for the
recognition of good African governance, both on the African continent and
throughout the world.
It is with great pleasure that on behalf of the government and people of
South Africa we welcome and salute the launch of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and
the establishment of the Annual Prize for achievement in African leadership, as
these will bring us closer to the realisation of the vision of a better Africa
and a better world.
Halala the Mo Ibrahim Foundation!
Issued by: The Presidency
31 October 2006
