- Despite being home to the world's youngest population, Africa also has some of the oldest political leaders
- Leaders aged 70 and above continue to dominate politics in several African nations
- TheRadar compiled 10 African leaders aged 70 and above, including Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who at 91, held the world’s oldest serving head of state
Reports showed that while Africa boasts the youngest population globally, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30, it is also home to some of the world's oldest political leaders.
Notably, Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon, held the distinction of being the oldest serving head of state globally at the age of 91.
His tenure, along with those of other long-standing African leaders, highlighted a significant demographic and political gap on the continent.
African serving presidents above 70 years old
TheRadar compiled 10 African leaders aged 70 and above below:
1. Paul Biya of Cameroon – 91
Paul Biya, born on February 13, 1933, has served as Cameroon’s president since November 6, 1982. Prior to taking office as president, he was the country’s Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982.
At 91 years old, Biya is one of Africa’s longest-reigning leaders and the world’s longest-serving non-royal head of state.
2. Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast – 83
Alassane Ouattara, who was born on January 1, 1942, has been the President of Ivory Coast since 2010. He is known to have successfully led the country through challenges of political instability and economic renewal.
3. Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia – 83
Nangolo Mbumba, born on August 15, 1941, became Namibia's president in 2024 following the death of Hage Geingob. Prior to this, he had served as the country's Vice-President since 2018.
4. Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe – 82
Emmerson Mnangagwa, born on September 15, 1942, assumed the presidency of Zimbabwe in 2017 following the resignation of Robert Mugabe, becoming the nation's third president.
5. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea – 82
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, born on June 5, 1942, has been the President of Equatorial Guinea since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders globally. His tenure, which has lasted over four decades, is second only to Paul Biya of Cameroon.
6. Yoweri Museveni of Uganda – 80
Yoweri Museveni, born on September 15, 1944, has served as Uganda’s president since 1986. At 80 years old, he stands as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
7. Joseph Boakai of Liberia – 80
Born on November 30, 1944, Joseph Boakai assumed the presidency of Liberia after his victory over George Weah in the 2023 election. Boakai had served as Vice-President under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from 2006 to 2018.
8. Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria – 79
Born on November 17, 1945, Abdelmadjid Tebboune has held the presidency of Algeria since December 2019. In addition to leading the nation, he is also the Minister of Defense.
9. Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti – 77
Ismail Omar Guelleh, born on November 27, 1946, has served as the President of Djibouti since 1999, making him one of Africa's longest-reigning leaders.
10. Bola Tinubu of Nigeria – 72
Born on March 29, 1952, Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed the presidency of Nigeria in 2023, becoming the country’s 16th leader. Before his presidency, he was a prominent political figure in Lagos, serving as governor from 1999 to 2007.
7 African countries that changed names after gaining independence
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that some African nations changed their names, reflecting their journey from colonial rule to independence and self-identity.
Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, transitioning from Gold Coast to a name honouring its ancient empire.