“If we are to build grassroots respect for the institutions and processes that constitute democracy, the state must treat its citizens as real citizens rather than as subjects.”

“Botswana had three successive good presidents who served their legal terms, who did well for their countries - three, not one.”

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

“The issue with international institutions is that there is a crisis of legitimacy. Trust in these institutions is a serious problem.”

“Compared to developed countries, or even to some major emerging countries, burdened by aging populations, financial crises, widening budget deficits, faltering faith in politics and growing social demands, Africa has become the world's last 'New Frontier:' a kind of 'it-continent.'”

“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.”

“The Nobel Prize is worth $1.5 million, but that's not the issue. Do the distinguished scientists who win the Nobel Prize need the money? Probably not. The honor is more important the money, and that's the case with the prize for African leadership as well.”

“There is a crisis of leadership and governance in Africa, and we must face it.”

“Literacy in Tunisia is almost 100%. It's amazing - no country in the region or even in Asia can match Tunisia in education.”

“Many Africans are used to a life where they get up in the morning and don't know what they're going to do that day.”

“Computers are very expensive and they need power, and that can be a problem in Africa.”