ONE is embarking on a Listening and Learning trip to Senegal, Ghana, Mozambique and Kenya with members of the board and other supporters.
Mozambican President Armando Guebuza on Monday received the Sudanese multi-millionaire Mo Ibrahim, the president of the Foundation that bears his name, who is on a visit to Mozambique.
Mo Ibrahim is accompanied by members of various aid agencies, notably the Irish singer of the band U2, Paul Hewson, better known as Bono.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Ibrahim said that he and Guebuza "discussed where Mozambique is coming from and where it's going. When the Portuguese abandoned the country, there was nothing here. There were no mechanics, there weren't even any taxi drivers. In short, there was nobody trained. But now, things have changed".
Ibrahim praised the progress Mozambique has made in recent years, and said that when he went home "I shall tell my friends that it's worthwhile investing in Mozambique".
Bono said he had been very struck by Guebuza. "The President is an impressive man. He's a businessman, which is what you need in your country", he declared.
"President Guebuza says he wants to work in partnership, but he refuses to accept that Official Development Aid should be used as a way of putting pressure on Mozambique", added Bono. "We agree with his position, but there must be accountability in this new relationship, and it must be proved that the money is being used in a sensible manner".
So far, there have only been two winners of the Mo Ibrahim prize - Chissano in 2007, and former Botswanan president, Festus Mogae, in 2008. The prize was not awarded in 2009.
The prize is awarded to a former African head of state, who was democratically elected, and who served out his constitutionally defined term of office. The five million dollars prize money is paid out over ten years, and there is a further 200,000 dollars a year until the end of the prize-winner's life. The Foundation may also pay a further 200,000 dollars a year, for ten years, to charitable causes which the winner wishes to support.
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