Introduction
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is an independent African organization that promotes sound governance, responsible leadership, evidence-based policymaking and the development of emerging African leaders.
History and Background
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established in 2006 by Sudanese-British entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Mo Ibrahim.
Dr Ibrahim previously founded Mobile Systems International, a cellular consulting and software company, and Celtel International, one of Africa’s leading mobile telecommunications businesses. His experience building businesses across the continent strengthened his interest in the relationship between leadership, governance and sustainable development.
The Foundation was created from the belief that Africa possesses considerable human, economic and natural potential but that governance and leadership challenges can prevent countries from achieving inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has developed research, leadership and convening programs that examine African governance from a continental perspective.
Mission and Purpose
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the African voice on global challenges through sound leadership and governance.
Its work focuses on defining, measuring and improving governance in Africa while supporting leaders capable of advancing the continent’s development.
The Foundation produces data and analysis, brings together stakeholders and creates opportunities for Africa’s emerging leaders. Young Africans are central to its work because they represent the majority of the continent’s population and are major stakeholders in its future.
Its principal objectives include informing public discussions with reliable evidence, convening African and international stakeholders, promoting responsible leadership and equipping young Africans to contribute to policymaking and development.
Governance and Structure
Dr Mo Ibrahim serves as the Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
The Foundation operates with a relatively small secretariat supported by advisers and experts from government, multilateral institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Council is an advisory body chaired by Dr Ibrahim. Its members are eminent African and international leaders who contribute their experience to the Foundation’s strategy and activities. Council members serve in an unpaid advisory capacity.
An independent Prize Committee selects recipients of the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. The independence of the committee helps protect the credibility of the selection process.
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance Expert Panel advises the research team responsible for developing and maintaining the Foundation’s governance measurement framework.
The Now Generation Network also contributes youth perspectives to the Foundation’s research, events and high-level stakeholder engagement.
Funding and Grants
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has been funded solely by its founder, Dr Mo Ibrahim, since its establishment.
The Foundation identifies itself as a non-grant-making organization. It does not operate a general funding program through which NGOs, civil society organizations or community groups can submit unsolicited grant proposals.
Its financial resources are primarily used to produce governance research, organize policy discussions, recognize exceptional African leadership and provide selected scholarships and leadership programs.
Although the Foundation does not offer general institutional grants, eligible individuals may access opportunities through its leadership fellowships, scholarships and associated academic programs.
Applications, eligibility requirements and deadlines differ by program. Interested candidates must apply through the official process announced by the Foundation or its partner institution.
Ibrahim Index of African Governance
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance, known as the IIAG, is one of the Foundation’s principal research initiatives.
Published since 2007, the Index measures and monitors governance performance across all 54 African countries. It assesses performance over a ten-year period and provides continental, regional and national scores and trends.
The Foundation defines governance as the delivery of political, social, economic and environmental goods that citizens have a right to expect from their governments.
The Index examines multiple dimensions, including security, justice, rights, participation, economic opportunity, human development, health, education and environmental sustainability.
Governments, researchers, civil society organizations, journalists, development institutions and citizens can use the IIAG to understand governance trends and compare performance across countries and regions.
The Index is published every two years, accompanied by analysis and high-level discussions concerning its findings and policy implications.
Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership
The Ibrahim Prize celebrates exceptional leadership by former African executive heads of state or government.
Eligible candidates must have been democratically elected, served their constitutionally mandated terms and left office within the previous three years. They must also have demonstrated exceptional leadership.
The Prize recognizes leaders who developed their countries, strengthened democracy and human rights, and advanced sustainable and equitable prosperity under challenging circumstances.
The Ibrahim Prize carries an award of US$5 million paid over ten years. The recipient may subsequently receive US$200,000 annually for life. The Foundation may also provide additional support for public-interest activities associated with the laureate.
The Prize represents a standard of excellence rather than an annual competition. If no eligible candidate meets the required standard, the independent Prize Committee may decide not to select a laureate.
Recipients have included Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Festus Mogae of Botswana, Pedro Pires of Cabo Verde, Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger. Nelson Mandela was named an honorary laureate in 2007.
Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships
The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships were established in 2011 to identify and mentor outstanding emerging African leaders.
Each year, three selected Fellows undertake 12-month placements in the executive offices of the African Development Bank in Abidjan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa and the International Trade Centre in Geneva.
Each Fellowship provides a stipend of US$100,000. Fellows gain practical experience in research, policy development, international cooperation and institutional leadership.
A distinctive feature of the program is direct mentorship from the heads of the participating organizations.
The Fellowships are generally open to African professionals with relevant work experience, strong academic qualifications and demonstrated leadership potential. Successful participants join the Now Generation Network after completing their placements.
Scholarships and Academic Programs
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation supports selected academic opportunities for African students and professionals interested in governance, public policy and development.
Its scholarship partnerships have included programs at SOAS University of London and other academic institutions.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS supports eligible students undertaking relevant postgraduate study. Funding arrangements may include tuition fees and a maintenance stipend, depending on the annual program.
The Foundation has also supported an Academy Fellowship at Chatham House, enabling an African professional to undertake independent policy research and develop leadership skills within an international affairs environment.
Scholarship availability, participating courses, award values and eligibility requirements may change between academic years.
Now Generation Network
The Now Generation Network is a pan-African community of emerging leaders, professionals, experts and change-makers.
The network includes alumni of the Foundation’s fellowships and scholarships alongside specialists working across different thematic areas.
Its mission is to engage, equip, empower and amplify the next generation of African leaders.
Network members participate in policy discussions, mentorship, webinars, research projects, advocacy, international events and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The network contributes directly to the Foundation’s programs, including governance research and the Ibrahim Governance Weekend. Members may also advise on policy issues and represent African youth perspectives at regional and international forums.
Ibrahim Governance Weekend
The Ibrahim Governance Weekend is a major platform for discussing Africa’s most pressing governance and development challenges.
It brings together current and former political leaders, policymakers, business executives, academics, civil society representatives, international partners and young African leaders.
Discussions examine issues such as economic development, public finance, climate change, migration, security, regional integration, public services and Africa’s role in international decision-making.
The event also provides a platform for celebrating exceptional African leadership, presenting research and amplifying the perspectives of the Now Generation Network.
The Foundation has moved toward alternating the Ibrahim Governance Weekend with a major Africa-based launch event for each new Ibrahim Index of African Governance dataset.
Research, Data and Policy Analysis
Beyond the IIAG, the Foundation produces forum reports, research briefs, data stories and policy analysis concerning major challenges affecting Africa.
Research topics have included climate change, migration, public services, financing, regional integration, data gaps, youth, employment, trade and Africa’s position within global institutions.
The Foundation uses data from independent sources to encourage informed debate and reduce reliance on assumptions or incomplete narratives about Africa.
Its reports are intended for policymakers, researchers, journalists, civil society organizations, development agencies and members of the public.
Online debates, webinars and public discussions complement these publications by bringing different sectors together to explore practical responses.
Impact and Examples of Work Supported
The Ibrahim Index has created a comprehensive framework for assessing governance across Africa. It enables users to examine long-term trends and identify areas of progress, stagnation or decline.
The Ibrahim Prize has increased global attention to responsible political leadership and peaceful democratic transitions. Its selective nature emphasizes that recognition depends on meeting a demanding standard.
Leadership Fellowships have provided African professionals with direct experience inside major regional and international institutions. Fellows have contributed to research and policy work involving economic development, governance, trade and international cooperation.
Scholarships have helped African students and professionals pursue postgraduate education and policy research connected to the continent’s development.
The Now Generation Network has created a platform through which emerging African leaders can contribute to research, policy dialogue, mentorship and international discussions.
The Foundation’s forums and reports have also strengthened African participation in debates involving climate finance, development funding, public institutions, migration and reform of the international system.
Why the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Matters
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation connects governance data, leadership recognition, policy dialogue and youth development within a single continental platform.
Its independence allows it to examine governance performance and leadership standards without operating as a government agency or traditional donor institution.
By making research publicly accessible, the Foundation helps citizens and institutions evaluate whether governments are delivering essential political, social, economic and environmental services.
Its leadership and academic programs strengthen the capacity of Africans who may later serve in public institutions, international organizations, civil society, research bodies and the private sector.
Conclusion
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is an influential African organization focused on improving governance, recognizing exceptional leadership and strengthening the continent’s next generation of leaders.
Through the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Ibrahim Prize, leadership fellowships, scholarships, research publications, governance events and the Now Generation Network, the Foundation promotes evidence-based dialogue and African-led solutions.
Organizations should note that the Foundation does not provide general grants to NGOs. Its publicly advertised funding opportunities are primarily fellowships, scholarships and leadership-development programs for eligible individuals.
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