Accra, June 14, GNA - The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is to launch a new initiative dubbed "Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships" a programme designed to identify and prepare the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with mentoring opportunities in key multilateral institutions.

A statement emailed to the Ghana News on Sunday said "The programme seeks to attract a number of highly qualified and talented professionals each year to serve in leading institutions whose core objective to improve the prospects of the people of Africa".

It further said the Foundation was currently working with pan-African organisations to design the fellowships and would announced details of them at the Foundation's annual celebration and forum on governance to be held in Mauritius in November this year. The statement said applications would be open shortly afterwards and they expected the first Leadership Fellows to begin their Fellowships early next year.

"The task of promoting good African leadership is more important than ever. Good governance is crucial if African people are to share in the strong economic growth that many are predicting for Africa. "There are many ways to support great leadership" the statement and indicated that the Mo Ibrahim Prize to reward excellence for ex-African leaders is one such way and the Fellowship will be another. The Prize is awarded to a democratically elected former African Executive Head of State or Government, who has served their term in office within the limits, set by the country's constitution and has left office in the last three years.

The first winner of the Prize was Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique in 2007, followed by Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana in 2008. In addition, in 2007, Nelson Mandela was made an Honorary Laureate by the Foundation. This year the Foundation could not award the prize because its Prize Committee could not select a winner.