LONDON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano has won the first Mo Ibrahim prize for outstanding governance and leadership in Africa.
The prize, which carries a $5 million cash award, was announced in London by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the BBC reported Monday.
The prize was given to Chissano after the awards' panel examined the work of sub-Saharan African leaders who have left office in the last three years.
Chissano is credited with bringing peace and stability to Mozambique during his 19 years in office and was seen as likely to win the prize, the BBC reported.
Ibrahim, who made millions in the cell phone business, is funding the project to help advance leadership and stability in African countries.
