Past laureates

The Prize was first awarded in 1980, to Paulo Freire (Brazil) and to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). At the time, the Prize was called the King Baudouin International Development Prize and awarded organisations or individuals from all over the world.

Since 2012, the Prize has its specific focus on Africa, and it was renamed the King Baudouin Prize for Development in Africa. Since 2020, it goes by the name KBF Africa Prize.

2023 - 2024

Her Initiative, Tanzania

Promote financial independence and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

2020 - 2021

Elman Peace, Somalia

Combat violence and promote social justice, empower and cultivate leadership skills among women and youth.

2018 - 2019

Wecyclers, Nigeria

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

2016 - 2017

BarefootLaw, Farmerline & Kytabu

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

2014 - 2015

ADISCO, Burundi

Encourage entrepreneurship and create cooperatives and health insurance societies.

2012 - 2013

Bogaletch Gebre, Ethiopia

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.