KBF Africa Prize |

The King Baudouin African Development Prize (KBF Africa Prize) rewards outstanding contributions to development in Africa, initiated and led by Africans. It seeks to draw public attention to the many inspirational stories, challenges and successes emerging from the African continent.

The Prize is awarded every other year. Beyond its monetary value of 200.000 euros, it offers its winners unique opportunities to increase their visibility and promote their cause to international audiences.

Nine winners together (fltr): Tonee Ndungu for Kytabu, Kenya (2016/2017), Penninah Susan Naikula for BarefootLaw, Uganda (2016/2017), Emmanuel Owusu for Farmerline, Ghana (2016/2017), Ousmane Sy, Mali (2004/2005), Bogaletch Gebre, Ethiopia (2012/2013), Deogratias Niyonkuru for ADISCO, Burundi (2014/2015), Gerald Abila for BarefootLaw, Alloysius Attah for Farmerline and Paul Mugambi for Kytabu

Who can be awarded?

The KBF Africa Prize rewards innovative initiatives of Africans with a long-term vision and a proven impact track record.

The Prize pays particular attention to initiatives that stand out in their field and that empower people to take development into their own hands. There are no thematic restrictions, but they should tackle current challenges in Africa.

Since 2012, the Prize has its specific focus on Africa. Previously, the King Baudouin International Development Prize awarded organisations or individuals from all over the world.

KBF Africa Prize 2020-2021

Four finalists have been selected for the KBF Africa Prize 2020-2021. Field visits have been postponed due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and are now tentatively scheduled for mid-2021.

2019

Wecyclers, Nigeria (2018/2019)

Leveraging the power of Lagos' communities by redistributing benefits from recycled waste.

2017

BarefootLaw, Farmerline & Kytabu (2016/2017)

For their work to improve access to knowledge in law, agriculture and education.

2015

ADISCO, Burundi (2014/2015)

Encourage entrepreneurship and create cooperatives and health insurance societies.

2013

Bogaletch Gebre, Ethiopia (2012/2013)

Empower women and establish a true community-based movement for social change.

Dr Denis Mukwege, DR Congo (2010/2011)

For restoring dignity to thousands of women survivors of sexual violence by providing medical care and social support; for his dedication and contribution to building an integrated health care system in Eastern Congo; and for his profound commitment to his native country by tirelessly advocating a return to peace in a region where terror and fear destroy the very fabric of society.

KBR68H, Indonesia (2008-2009)

For its contribution to a sustainable development based on the strengthening of democracy, tolerance and citizen participation, by producing and disseminating qualitative information through a network of local radio stations and by promoting professional ethics in the media world.

Front Line Defenders, Ireland (2006/2007)

For the effectiveness of their efforts to combat the isolation faced by human rights defenders around the world, for the support and protection that they offer them, and for their continuing advocacy in favour of an international plan of action for human rights, which is an essential condition for development.

Ousmane Sy, Mali (2004/2005)

For the strength of his vision and the courage of his convictions on the subject of governance in Africa, and for the originality of his campaigns in Mali by which, through a participatory process of decentralization and the organisation of transparent elections, he has succeeded in creating an environment conducive to a better public administration and increased stability, two crucial conditions for development.