An award scheme called the Ibrahim prize for Achievement in African Leadership founded by Telecom tycoon; Mo Ibrahim has rewarded the former President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufo for his exhibition of excellence in leadership; after inheriting one of the world’s poorest economies.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has bestowed upon me this honour. But, in fact, the Ibrahim Prize honours all #Niger-ien people. On their behalf and my own, thank you. #MIFPrize
1/2— Issoufou Mahamadou (@IssoufouMhm) March 8, 2021
The scheme which was purposely established among other things to recognize and celebrate former African executive leaders who; under challenging circumstances developed their countries and strengthened democracy and human right; settled on Issoufou for his contribution towards efforts to curb terrorism in the region and also for the massive economic progress he presided over in the country.
![Former President Of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou Wins $5 Million African Leadership Prize](https://mbbaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/188D4047-5322-41E9-B013-F33E46654D92.jpeg)
Former president of Botswana, Festus Mogae who chairs the prize committee said in eulogy that; “in the face of the most severe political and economic issues, including violent extremism and increasing desertification, President Mahamadou Issoufou has led his people on a path of progress.”
The Republic of the Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa named after the Niger River. Niger is bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south; Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest.
Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara Desert. The country’s predominantly Muslim population of about 22 million; live mostly in clusters in the far south and west of the country. The capital and largest city is Niamey, located in Niger’s southwest corner.