Africa, known for its diverse cultures and histories, also stands out for having some of the world’s most experienced leaders. As of 2024, the continent is home to several presidents who have not only served long terms but are also among the oldest state leaders globally.
Here’s a closer look at some of the oldest presidents in Africa, their countries, and their ages:
1.Paul Biya of Cameroon:
At the top of the list is President Paul Biya, who, at 90 years old, has been in power since November 1982, making him not just the oldest but also one of the longest-serving presidents in Africa.
Supporters are urging the world’s oldest leader, 91-year-old Cameroonian President Paul Biya, to run for office in the 2025 presidential election, potentially extending his more than four-decade rule. They say Biya is the only one who can bring peace and development to the country, but the opposition says Biya must leave office after running Cameroon for decades.
Several hundred people sang in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde, on Sunday, calling for Biya to accept the nomination of the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement, or CPDM party, in the 2025 presidential election.
2. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea:
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at 81 years old, has been the country’s leader since August 1979, holding the record as the world’s longest-serving president.
In 2008, American journalist Peter Maass called Obiang Africa’s worst dictator, worse than Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. While he was researching a book on the country’s oil boom in 2004, Maass recalled that no one approached him on the streets.
He believed that the only time he had encountered a more docile populace was in North Korea.In an October 2012 interview on CNN, Christiane Amanpour asked Obiang whether he would step down at the end of his current term (2009–2016) since he had been reelected at least four times in his reign of over thirty years. In his response, Obiang categorically refused to step down despite term limits in the 2011 constitution.
3.Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, has a significant profile shaped by his long-standing involvement in the country’s political landscape.
Born on September 15, 1942, in Shabani (now Zvishavane), Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa has been a central figure in Zimbabwean politics for decades, especially known for his close association with Robert Mugabe, the country’s long-serving leader before Mnangagwa succeeded him.
4. Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast
At 81 years old, President Alassane Ouattara has been at the helm of Ivory Coast since 2010, contributing significantly to the country’s post-conflict recovery and economic growth.
On the question of whether 82-year-old Ouattara will seek a fourth term in office, the response from the heavyweights of the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP) is always the same: the constitution allows him to run for another term, he is the natural candidate of his camp and, in the end, he will be the sole decision-maker.
5. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni, also 79 years old, has been leading Uganda since 1986. His presidency has been marked by both achievements in stability and controversies regarding governance and human rights.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong recently confirmed that the party will present the chairperson and incumbent Yoweri Museveni as its flag bearer in the 2026 Presidential Elections.
Todwong made the revelations at a function to celebrate the NRM Day in Serere District in January 2024.
“He will be our flag bearer come 2026 and he is ready to serve the country,” Todwong said.
According to Todwong, President Museveni has ensured peace and tranquility, which should be galvanized until there is another candidate with the credentials to take Uganda forward, unfortunately he and the NRM, see none yet.
6. Joseph Boakai (Liberia) – 79 Years Old
Liberia President 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.
