10 Africa’s Oldest Presidents and Their Long Years in Office

Across Africa, several presidents have remained in power for decades, guiding and in some cases ruling their countries well into their seventies, eighties and beyond.

Here is a look at ten of these long-serving leaders, how long they’ve governed, and what their tenures mean for their nations and the continent.

1. Paul Biya (Cameroon)

Born in 1933, Paul Biya has been the President of Cameroon since 6 November 1982. At age 92, he is widely recognized as the world’s oldest head of state and one of Africa’s longest-serving non-royal national leaders.

His long rule has shaped Cameroon’s political landscape. On one hand stability is often cited, but on the other hand critics point to limited political renewal, challenges facing the youth majority, and persistent regional tensions. For example, in October 2025 his re-election sparked protests and concerns about governance and generational change.

2. Jean‑Lucien Savi de Tové (Togo)

Elected as President of Togo on 3 May 2025 at the age of 86, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové became the oldest person ever to assume the presidency in his country.

His very recent rise to office at an advanced age raises questions about the dynamics of leadership change in Togo and whether age, experience or fresh vision matter most for national renewal.

Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire)

Born in 1942, Alassane Ouattara has been President of Côte d’Ivoire since 2010. At around 83 years old (according to the list), he is one of the oldest serving leaders on the continent.
His tenure is marked by efforts at economic reform and stability after the country’s civil conflicts. But age and continuity also raise questions about leadership succession and generational transition.

4. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea)

Teodoro Obiang has been President of Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him arguably the longest-serving president in Africa. According to the list, he is around 83 years old.

His extremely long rule offers a strong example of extended leadership: this can create experience and continuity but also often limits space for opposition or fresh voices.

5. Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe)

Emmerson Mnangagwa, about 82 years old on the list, became President of Zimbabwe in 2017.
His presidency came after long rule by his predecessor and has involved attempts to reform but also deals with deep economic and governance challenges. His age and the context of his rise raise considerations about renewal, legitimacy and change in leadership.

6. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda)

Yoweri Museveni has been President of Uganda since 1986, making him one of the longest-serving global leaders. According to the list, he is about 81 years old.

His years in office have seen major shifts in Uganda’s politics and economy, but also growing debate about democratic space, constitutional amendments (such as removal of age or term limits) and what a younger generation expects from leadership.

7. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo)

Denis Sassou Nguesso, around 81 years old, has been President of the Republic of Congo since 1979 (with a brief interruption).

His longevity in power illustrates how leadership continuity sometimes comes with stability but also with questions about competitive politics, youth opportunity, and the evolving role of the state.

8. Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algeria)

At around 79 years old, Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been President of Algeria since 2019.
His leadership is shorter compared to some others on this list, but his age places him among the oldest presidents in Africa. He faces challenges of economic reform, political openness and the demands of a younger population.

9. Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti)

Ismail Omar Guelleh has been President of Djibouti since 1999, making him one of the long-serving African leaders. At around 77 years old (according to the list), he remains in power and his tenure reflects both regional strategic importance and internal challenges of reform, governance and generational change.

10. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria)

Bola Ahmed Tinubu became President of Nigeria in 2023, and at around 73 years old (per this list) he is the youngest among the ten but still in the “older leader” category relative to some newer global leaders.

His rise points to Nigeria’s complex politics coalition-building, significance in Africa’s largest economy, and the expectations on a leader entering at this age for both innovation and experience.