Many African billionaires built their fortunes in oil, cement or banking. Mo Ibrahim built his by betting that Africans wanted mobile phones. Then he used his fortune to ask a harder question: how well are Africa’s leaders governing?
Sudan and Egypt
Mohammed Fathi Ahmed Ibrahim was born on 3 May 1946 in Sudan, of Nubian descent. His family moved to Alexandria, Egypt, when he was young, and his mother was determined that her children receive a good education.
Engineering
He studied engineering and later moved to England, earning a master’s degree from the University of Bradford in electronics and electrical engineering, and a PhD in mobile communications from the University of Birmingham.
British Telecom
Ibrahim worked for British Telecom and became technical director of Cellnet, now O2, where he helped launch one of the first cellular networks in the United Kingdom.
Celtel
He founded Celtel, a mobile phone company that invested in Africa when many investors saw the continent as too risky. It grew to over 24 million subscribers in 14 African countries.
The sale
In 2005, Celtel was sold for $3.4 billion, making Ibrahim one of Africa’s wealthiest businessmen.
The foundation
In 2006, he set up the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to encourage better governance in Africa.
The index
The foundation created the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which evaluates countries on security, rule of law, participation, human development and economic opportunity. It is widely used by researchers and journalists.
The prize
In 2007, he launched the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, awarding $5 million to former heads of state who delivered security, health, education and development, and democratically handed over power. In many years, the committee has chosen not to award it.
Honours
Ibrahim has been knighted in Britain and is widely recognised for his philanthropy.
The laureates
Winners have included Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, the first laureate, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Africa’s first elected female head of state. Each was recognised for strengthening their country and then stepping down when their term ended.
Why Celtel mattered
Celtel showed that mobile telephony could be profitable in Africa and helped connect millions of people who had never had a landline. Its success encouraged other investors to enter African telecoms.
A prize that is often empty
The most striking thing about the Ibrahim Prize may be how rarely it is awarded. Each empty year sends a message about the standards Ibrahim believes African leaders should meet.
