The 5million dollar award is given each year my the Mo Ibrahim foundation to an elected leader who governed well, raised living standards and then left office.
But the previous award was the fourth in five years to have gone unclaimed.
Mr Pohamba, a former rebel who fought for his country’s independence, has served two terms as Namibian president.
He was first elected in 2004, and again in 2009. He is due to be succeeded by President-elect, Hage Geingob.
Sudanese-born mobile phone billionaire Mo Ibrahim established the annual prize, and the foundation that bears his name in 2006.
It is seen as a reflection of how well nations are doing when it comes to human rights, the rule of law and the economy.
Since inception of the award there have only been four leaders who have scooped it with many even questioning the eligibility of the leaders.
What does this award say about African leaders?
