Quotes from Mo Ibrahim

African leaders work really under severe limitations and constraints.

Africa is rich, and why are we poor then if our continent is rich. It is not right.

Corruption exists everywhere.

Experience counts in government even more than in business.

Nobody messes with China, nobody messes with the United States, or with Europe, because these are really big entities with a lot of clout and a lot of economic power. They have a place at the table.

Roads are not practical in Africa.

To be frank, I don't think President Obama gives much thought to Africa - or gives much to Africa.

Botswana had three successive good presidents who served their legal terms, who did well for their countries - three, not one.

What do you do if you're an executive who resigns? You declare yourself a consultant.

Business is global. Countries need to react to that; taxes need to be paid where profit arises.

Multinationals don't pay taxes in Africa - we all know that.

Make as much money as you can, but can you please pay your taxes, because this is a major problem.

The problem is that many times people suspend their common sense because they get drowned in business models and Harvard business school teachings.

While the Marshall Plan was important for Europe's recovery, Europe's prosperity was really built on economic integration and policy coherence.

The Nobel Prize is worth $1.5 million, but that's not the issue. Do the distinguished scientists who win the Nobel Prize need the money? Probably not. The honor is more important the money, and that's the case with the prize for African leadership as well.

Cape Verde produces good people.

Women in Africa are really the pillar of the society, are the most productive segment of society, actually. They do agriculture.

When Captain Moussa Dadis Camara came to power, too many thought he would hold to his promise to stand down, introduce democratic elections and restore the rule of law.

I came to the conclusion that unless you are ruled properly, you cannot move forward. Everything else is second. Everything.

The Zimbabwean people, like everyone else, have a right to live in freedom and prosperity and to select their leaders through fair and democratic elections.

A narrative that branded Africa as little more than an economic, political and social basket case was not likely to provide the investment needed to drive development.

In the final analysis, finding a way to do clean business and not to pay bribes actually improves your bottom line.

We measure everything - why not governance?

Remarkably, governments are beginning to embrace the idea that nothing enhances democracy more than giving voice and information to everybody in the country. Why not open their books if they have nothing to hide?