Africa’s future celebrated in thought-provoking and inspiring photographs

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has announced the winners of MyAfrica, a photography competition to capture visions of Africa’s future as seen by Africans. The three winners will each receive a prize of $10,000.

The competition, launched earlier this year on the occasion of the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, was open to photographers of all abilities and ages. It sought to encapsulate what Africans feel will shape their continent over the next decade across the different themes of the foundation’s work.

The winners are: Samar Baiomy from Egypt (Amateur); Jeri Muchura from Kenya (Professional) and Phindulo Tshidzumba from South Africa (Student). The prize money will be split equally between the student and his school.

The entries

Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Foundation, said: “The Foundation received thousands of photographs and I would like to thank all those who submitted entries. The best photographs show a vibrant and dynamic future for Africa and tell a story of opportunity and hope. MyAfrica celebrates Africans - through their own images and words - speaking for themselves rather than being spoken for.” 

All the finalists’ photographs will be displayed at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration, which will take place in London in October and at the Annual Governance Weekend in Marrakech in November.

MyAfrica winner profiles

Professional: Jeri Muchura from Kenya

“This is an image of a boy and his fish. It was taken on an island in the middle of Lake Turkana, Kenya. It is one of my favourite places because of its tranquillity, enhanced by the very few ripples in the water. My prayer for my continent is that in the next ten years, peace will prevail, and children will grow up ignorant to the ugly face of war. I hope that every child has access to food and a safe place to play. I hope that every African child can grow up like a child should; carefree and happy.”

Amateur: Samar Baiomy from Egypt

A fisherman using his fishing net in Al Qalyubiyah city in Egypt.

 Student -  Phindulo Tshidzumba from South Africa and his school.

“Sadly, Africa is known for bad things, especially conflict & poverty. But for me, Africa is a place full of creativity and love. This image shows the reflections of Africans going about their daily lives. I hope this photograph will change people's perspectives towards Africa and show them a more positive side.”

Social media 

To see more of the amazing entries in the MyAfrica photo competition, follow the entries on Twitter (@Mo_IbrahimFdn) Facebook (MO IBRAHIM), and Instagram (@moibrahimfoundation) using #MyAfricaphoto

About the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established in 2006 with a focus on the critical importance of leadership and governance in Africa. By providing tools to support advancements in leadership and governance, the foundation aims to bring about meaningful change on the continent.

The foundation, which is a non-grant-making organisation, helps to define, assess and enhance governance and leadership in Africa using the following tools: Ibrahim Index of African Governance; Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership; Ibrahim Forum and Ibrahim Fellowships and Scholarships