Nigeria at 64: 16 West African countries and their Independence dates

• European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal, colonised the West African countries
• During the mid-20th century, the 16 West African countries fought and gained their freedom 
• As Nigeria celebrate its 64th year of independence, TheRadar has compiled a list of the West African countries and their independence dates 

As Nigeria commemorates its independence on October 1, 1960, it is essential to reflect on the journey of independence for other West African countries. 

Colonisation by European powers, mainly the British, French, and Portuguese, significantly impacted the region's political, social, and economic fabric. 

However, the mid-20th century marked a period of decolonisation, as many West African countries fought for and achieved their independence.

Today, these countries are charting their paths toward development, democracy, and regional cooperation through organisations like ECOWAS, continually shaping their legacies in the global community.

TheRadar has outlined the 16 countries in West Africa and their respective independence dates.

West African countries and when they gained independence

1. Nigeria – October 1, 1960: Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, gained independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960. It was a milestone after decades of nationalist struggles led by figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo. Nigeria became a federal republic by 1963, with Azikiwe becoming its first president. 

2. Ghana – March 6, 1957: Ghana became the first African nation to achieve independence from European colonial rule when it gained freedom from the United Kingdom on March 6, 1957. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana’s push for independence was spearheaded by Kwame Nkrumah, who became the first prime minister and the first president. Ghana’s independence ignited a wave of decolonisation across Africa.

3. Guinea – October 2, 1958: Guinea became independent from France on October 2, 1958. The country’s leader, Ahmed Sékou Touré, boldly decided to opt for full independence during a referendum organised by the French government. In response, France withdrew from Guinea, leaving the newly independent nation to fend for itself. Guinea’s decision inspired other African colonies under French rule to pursue full sovereignty.

4. Senegal – April 4, 1960: Senegal achieved its independence from France on April 4, 1960. Initially part of the Mali Federation, which included modern-day Mali, Senegal withdrew from the federation later that year and became a separate republic. Léopold Sédar Senghor, a renowned poet and politician, became the first president of independent Senegal, focusing on cultural identity and political stability.

5. Mali – September 22, 1960: Mali gained independence from France on September 22, 1960. The country had previously been part of the Mali Federation with Senegal, but after the federation's dissolution, Mali declared its independence under the leadership of Modibo Keïta.

6. Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) – August 7, 1960: Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire, declared its independence from France on August 7, 1960. The country’s first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, established a close relationship with France, maintaining economic and political ties that supported the country’s development.

7. Benin – August 1, 1960: Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, gained independence from France on August 1, 1960. Hubert Maga became the first president of independent Dahomey, later changing its name to Benin in 1975. 

8. Togo – April 27, 1960: Togo, a former German colony that later became a French mandate, declared independence from France on April 27, 1960. Sylvanus Olympio was elected as the first president.

9. Burkina Faso – August 5, 1960: Burkina Faso, known as Upper Volta until 1984, gained independence from France on August 5, 1960. The country adopted its current name under the leadership of revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, who sought to steer the nation towards economic self-reliance and anti-imperialism. 

10. Niger – August 3, 1960: Niger declared its independence from France on August 3, 1960. Hamani Diori became the first president of Niger, and the country has experienced periods of political instability, military coups, and challenges in economic development since gaining independence. Despite these difficulties, Niger remains a crucial player in regional politics.

11. Sierra Leone – April 27, 1961: Sierra Leone gained independence from the United Kingdom on April 27, 1961. Sir Milton Margai became the first prime minister, leading the country through its early years of independence. A brutal civil war later marred Sierra Leone’s post-independence era, but the government has since worked towards reconciliation and rebuilding.

12. Gambia – February 18, 1965: Gambia achieved independence from the United Kingdom on February 18, 1965. The small West African nation opted to remain a member of the British Commonwealth after gaining independence, with Sir Dawda Jawara becoming its first prime minister and later its president. 

13. Mauritania – November 28, 1960: Mauritania gained independence from France on November 28, 1960. The country’s first president, Moktar Ould Daddah, led Mauritania through its formative years as an independent nation.

14. Liberia – July 26, 1847: Liberia has a unique history as it was never colonised by a European power in the traditional sense. Instead, it was founded by formerly enslaved African-Аmericans in the early 19th century. Liberia declared independence on July 26, 1847, making it Africa’s oldest republic. 

15. Cape Verde – July 5, 1975: Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975. Cape Verde had been part of Portugal's colonial empire for centuries before achieving sovereignty.

16. Guinea-Bissau – September 24, 1973: Guinea-Bissau declared independence from Portugal on September 24, 1973, but this was only officially recognised after the fall of Portugal’s dictatorship in 1974. The African Party led the struggle for independence for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) under the leadership of Amílcar Cabral. 

The independence of West African countries from colonial rule was a significant milestone in African history. The wave of independence swept the continent during the mid-20th century and reshaped the region's political landscape, fostering new opportunities and challenges for the newly sovereign nations. 

As Nigeria marks October 1, its independence day, it serves as a reminder of the shared histories of struggle and triumph in pursuing self-determination across West Africa. 

Full List: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Rawlings, other presidents who have chaired ECOWAS since inception

In an earlier report, TheRadar compiled the full list of ECOWAS chairpersons from inception till date as the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was re-elected as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday, July 7, 2024, by the ECOWAS’ Authority of Heads of State and Government. 

From the list, many Nigerian presidents have chaired ECOWAS, including Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and others.