The prize is given to a recently retired African head of state or government who was democratically elected, stepped down at the end of his or her constitutionally mandated term, and demonstrated exceptional leadership. The winner receives $5 million paid over ten years, followed by $200,000 annually for life, making it the world’s most valuable annual award.
这个奖项会颁发给一位新近退休的非洲国家领袖，前提是这位领袖必须是由民主选举产生，在宪法规定的任期结束后退位，并展现出了杰出的领导能力。得奖者将在头10年内领取500万美元奖金，然后每年领取20万美金直至过世，而这也令此奖成为了世界上最丰厚的年度奖项。