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Sam Nujoma, Nnamdi Azikiwe, 15 other first-ever presidents of African nations

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TheRadar compiled the list of the first presidents of 16 African nations, focusing on West Africa.Nujoma, Azikiwe, Nkrumah were among the first presidents of the African nations.
  • Sam Nujoma, the first democratically elected president of Namibia, serving from 1990 to 2005 passed away at the age of 95 
  • He was formally recognised as the 'Founding Father of the Namibian Nation' by an act of parliament in 2005
  • TheRadar compiled the first presidents of some other African nations, focusing on West Africa 

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first democratically elected president passed away at 95. He was reportedly hospitalised for medical treatment and observation due to ongoing health issues before giving up on Saturday, February 8. 

The presidency released a statement honouring his legacy, and emphasising how Nujoma not only paved the way for the nation’s freedom but also inspired generations of Namibians. 

“It is therefore with utmost sorrow and sadness that I announce this morning of the 9th of February 2025 to the Namibian people, our African brothers and sisters and the world at large, about the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader, H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
“President Nujoma passed on at the age of 95 on the 8th of February at 23h45 in Windhoek, Namibia,” the statement read in part

In 1990, Nujoma was inaugurated as the country’s first democratically elected president after Namibia gained independence. In 2005, he was formally recognised as the ‘Founding Father of the Namibian Nation’ by an act of parliament.

In the wake of Nujoma’s death, TheRadar compiled a list of the first presidents of 16 African nations, focusing on countries from the West African region.

West African nations and their first presidents 

1. Benin – Hubert Maga (1916 - 2000) 

2. Burkina Faso – Maurice Yaméogo (1921-1993)

3. Cape Verde – Aristides Pereira (1923-2011)

4. The Gambia – Dawda Kairaba Jawara (1924-2019)

5. Ghana – Kwame Nkrumah (1909-1972)

6. Guinea – Ahmed Sékou Touré (1922-1984)

7. Guinea-Bissau – Luis Cabral (1931-2009)

8. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – Félix Houphouet-Boigny (1905-1993)

9. Liberia – Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876)

10. Mali – Modibo Keita (1915-1977)

11. Mauritania – Moktar Ould Daddah (1924 - 2003)

12. Niger – Hamani Diori (1916-1989)

13. Nigeria – Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904 - 1996)

14. Senegal – Léopold Sédar Senghor (1906 - 2001)

15. Sierra Leone – Siaska Stevens (1905 - 1988)

16. Togo – Sylvanus Olympic (1902 - 1963)  

From Museveni to Kagame: 7 African leaders elected under age 50

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Africa, known for having the youngest population in the world with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under 30, had some of the oldest political leaders. 

However, 2024 brought a fresh wave of young leadership with Senegal's election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye at 44. TheRadar compiled other notable young African leaders who were elected under the age of 50. 

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Halima AdeosunAdmin

Halima Adeosun is a news writer with over 5 years of experience reporting insightful events, and human interest stories.

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