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.

That the Prize’s impact is much more than financial, is confirmed by two former Winners in a short video Crossing continents: the KBF Africa Prize experience.

Group photo of present and past Laureates of the KBF Africa Prize: Fartuun Adan, Rakia Bihi, Samiya Gaid and Ilwad Elman of Elman Peace (Somalia), Tonee Ndungu of Kytabu (Kenya), Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola of Wecyclers (Nigeria), Alloysius Attah of Farmerline (Ghana), Ousmane Sy (Mali), Gerald Abila of BarefootLaw (Uganda) and Deogratias Niyonkuru of ADISCO (Burundi)

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.

Selection Committee

The KBF Africa Prize laureate is carefully selected by an independent Selection Committee consisting of 12 Belgian and international experts.

2022

Elman Peace (2020/2021)

Combat violence and promote social justice, empower and cultivate leadership skills among [...]

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.

Bogaletch Gebre, Ethiopia (2012/2013)

For her inspirational leadership and her determination to build on a remarkable personal journey to empower the women of Ethiopia 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.