Meet Africa’s 11 oldest leaders aged over 70
By Akanni Dorcas
In Africa, some of the continent’s leaders have held power for decades and are still in office even as they reach their 70s, 80s, and 90s.
These seasoned leaders have had a big impact on their countries’ histories and continue to guide their nations through fast-paced changes in technology and society.
As they lead through these changes, let’s check out some of the oldest African leaders
Paul Biya (Cameroon) – 91 Years Old
Paul Biya, born on February 13, 1933, has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. At 91, he holds the distinction of being the second-longest ruling president in Africa and the longest consecutively serving non-royal leader in the world.
Before his presidency, Biya was the Prime Minister of Cameroon from 1975 to 1982.
Nangolo Mbumba (Namibia) – 83 Years Old
Nangolo Mbumba, born on August 15, 1941, is the current president of Namibia, having assumed office in 2024 after the passing of Hage Geingob. Mbumba, previously the Vice-President of Namibia since 2018, has stated that he doesn’t intend to run for election.
Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast) – 82 Years Old
Alassane Ouattara, born on January 1, 1942, has been President of Ivory Coast since 2010. A former economist, Ouattara has navigated his country through periods of political instability and economic recovery.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – 82 Years Old
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, born on June 5, 1942, has been the President of Equatorial Guinea since 1982, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. Only Paul Biya of Cameroon has ruled for a longer period. Obiang’s rule, spanning over 40 years, has drawn international attention for its longevity and controversies regarding governance and human rights.
Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe) – 82 Years Old
Emmerson Mnangagwa, born on September 15, 1942, became the third President of Zimbabwe in 2017 after Robert Mugabe’s resignation.
Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana) – 80 Years Old
Nana Akufo-Addo, born on March 29, 1944, has been the President of Ghana since 2017. He has previously held important positions in government, including Attorney General and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Joseph Boakai (Liberia) – 79 Years Old
Joseph Boakai, born on November 30, 1944, is the current President of Liberia, having won the 2023 election against George Weah. Previously, Boakai served as Vice-President under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from 2006 to 2018, making him a familiar face in Liberian politics. Now at 79, he holds the country’s highest office.
Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) – 80 Years Old
Yoweri Museveni, born on September 15, 1944, has been the President of Uganda since 1986. At 80, Museveni is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders and has led Uganda through both progress and political challenges. His leadership style has often been described as autocratic, though he remains a dominant figure in Ugandan politics.
Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algeria) – 78 Years Old
Abdelmadjid Tebboune, born on November 17, 1945, has served as Algeria’s President since December 2019. In addition to his presidential role, he also holds the position of Minister of Defense. Tebboune’s leadership comes at a crucial time as Algeria undergoes political and social transformation.
Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) – 76 Years Old
Ismail Omar Guelleh, born on November 27, 1946, has been the President of Djibouti since 1999. His lengthy tenure has made him one of the longest-serving leaders on the continent.
Bola Tinubu (Nigeria) – 72 Years Old
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, born on March 29, 1952, became Nigeria’s 16th president in 2023. Before his presidency, Tinubu was a key political figure in Lagos, where he served as governor from 1999 to 2007. Known for his strategic coalition-building, Tinubu continues to be a significant force in Nigerian politics at 72.