Mo Ibrahim

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

“Almost every country in Africa has now instituted multi-party democracy.”

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

“I don't even have a small boat. I don't even have a toy boat in my bathtub. I don't have a biplane, I don't have anything. Those things are toys, and I don't need them to be happy.”

“For citizens to become fully engaged in holding their leadership to account, accurate information is required to see where action is needed, to measure the results of policies and programmes, to build support for courageous decisions and to consolidate political legitimacy.”

“It was a no-brainer that the cellular route would be a great success in Africa.”

“Mexico established a unique three-part governing system shared by the government, the information commission and civil society organisations.”

“People never confess to failure. They should.”

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

“We need to keep pressure on our own governments to force more and more transparency.”

“There's no point in trying to hoard money after life, so better really to share with people.”

“More people smile at me now I'm richer.”

“I really don't have heroes in business; I never looked up at business people.”

“We measure everything - why not governance?”

“Mobile communications had been around for a long time, but always as a limited market, constrained by the radio spectrum.”

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

“I am not a politician. I am not in politics. I'm just a citizen.”

“Business people get many undeserved prizes - golden parachutes and bonuses even when companies fail. I don't think people should get rewarded for screwing up.”

“Young people, all too often, find their interests overlooked and their voices ignored.”

“Corruption exists everywhere.”